Cork Delight

September 8, 2008

by Alex Levine for Escape Magazine

We head to Cork to find out how the best things in life are food!

“Cork offers couples and families the very best in life panoramic landscapes, crystal blue waters, endless beaches, dramatic cliffs and some of the finest dining in the world.
Here we give you all the insider knowledge you need to pick a gem of a restaurant in Cork, and best of all, some are within walking distance of your cottage!

Please visit our site to browse our wide range of holiday cottages in Cork and a huge selection of holiday cottages in Ireland.

A resurgence in Irish cuisine has meant there are some surprising and delicious creations now being served up across the country. Nowhere is this change more apparent than in Cork in the south west corner of Ireland, where a plethora of restaurants serving adventurous cuisine now spoils visitors and locals alike.

The artisan influence of European cuisine, fused with Irish innovation has been gathering pace for over a decade.
In part the gastronomic revolution has been fuelled by economic prosperity, but also by the welcome return of many of Irelands top chefs from Europe.
As the Irish dining scene evolved, so chefs who had been practicing their art abroad for many years also returned, and with them came an exciting range of new skills and ideas that helped to fuel the fire of creativity. Its not hard to see how returning chefs have been so inspired by Cork.
The lush grass nourishes all manner of flesh and fowl, seafood is richly abundant and fresh vegetables and fruit are readily available straight from the fertile land.
Deliciously fresh ingredients picked, prepared and on the plate within hours tastes fabulous, but with the ideas and the sheer skill and vision of the chefs, it becomes less a meal and more a mini revolution!

One thing is for sure, Irish dining may be changing, but the Irish love for food remains unchanged.

So all the following restaurants offer a winning combination of delicious tastes, generous portions and great value for money. Bon appetit. Read the rest of this entry »

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An Irish Itinerary for August

July 16, 2008

You never have to look far to find the craic in Ireland. And in August every region is positively teeming with cultural treats for the visitor. So if you’re planning to spend a cottage holiday seeking out the spirit of theIreland Harp Emerald Isle, here’s our pick of the best from each region:

North West: Head to the O’Carolan Harp Festival in Roscommon, from August 1st-3rd, for a four day feast of Irish music, in honour of Trulough O’Carolan, the last of the Irish bards. There’s music, crafts and workshops; and a chance to take part in a traditional ceili, with plenty of friendly volunteers to teach you the moves!

South West: If you’re staying in a cottage in Kerry or the south west, then take a trip to Kilorgin from 10th–12th August for one of the oldest fairs in Europe, the Puck Fair. The 400-year old festivities have a decidedly pagan flavour, as a wild mountain goat is crowned king and elevated to a high perch to keep watch over three days of celebrations – music, dancing, street theatre and fireworks, plus a traditional horse fair and fun for the kids.

Cork: Throughout the summer in Cork, The Temple Bar in Meeting House Square plays host to a free outdoor cultural programme. By day or night you’ll find dance, film, music, visual arts and family events to enjoy. For something more spiritual, head to St Coleman’s Cathedral on Sundays at 4.30pm to hear the 49-bell carillon ring out for an hour as part of the Cobh Carillon Recital Season.

South East: In Waterford from August 1st-3rd, you’ll find a new spectacle to behold around every corner, when the Spraoi Festival takes place. The intoxicating four day event mixes live street performance and world music, to fill the quayside and city centre with a colourful array of sights and sounds – jugglers, puppets, locals and tourists come together for a huge street party!

Dublin: You’ll never be stuck for entertainment in Dublin, but from 22nd-24th August, the city raises its game and holds Dun Laoghaire, the Festival of World Cultures. This mammoth event features 800 artists, from 50 countries, performing 140 events, in 40 venues, over three days. It’s even got its own mela, an international food market and

Don’t forget – a cottage can provide the perfect base from which to enjoy any of these events. Search today for your holiday cottage in Ireland.

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