Search Results for 'Ashford Castle'

This year in the belief that money spent in Galway goes around Galway, I have concentrated on what I consider would make amazing gifts, by just looking at the wonderful range of crafts, beautiful things, skills, and services actually made in the city and nearby. I had a marvellous time and I thank everyone who showed me what they are doing. It was truly a journey of discovery. I was very impressed with a little boutique in Kirwan’s Lane called Cloon Keen Atelier, and the heavenly smell as I opened the door. Run by Margaret Mangan and her partner Julian Checkly, they offer more than 35 scented hand -poured candles, all made at their larger shop and factory in the craft and design studios, Ceardlann, at An Speidéal. I’ll come back to the Ceardlann in a moment, but I was intrigued by Cloon Keen, named after the village, near Tuam, where Margaret was born. Very professionally wrapped and presented, this is an outstanding product. If you ever wondered what is the smell of Christmas, three particular candles caught my nose and made me smile: Christmas Pomander, Christmas Tree, and Christmas Morning all €14.95.

A number of Cong residents will organise a demonstration outside Ashford Castle at 5pm on Saturday in protest at what they allege is the obstruction of access to the castle grounds and amenities in the wake of the recent change of ownership of the property.

This year in the belief that money spent in Galway goes around Galway, I have concentrated on what I consider would make amazing gifts, by just looking at the wonderful range of crafts, beautiful things, skills, and services actually made in the city and nearby. I had a marvellous time and I thank everyone who showed me what they are doing. It was truly a journey of discovery. I was very impressed with a little boutique in Kirwan’s Lane called Cloon Keen Atelier, and the heavenly smell as I opened the door. Run by Margaret Mangan and her partner Julian Checkly, they offer more than 35 scented hand -poured candles, all made at their larger shop and factory in the craft and design studios, Ceardlann, at An Speidéal. I’ll come back to the Ceardlann in a moment, but I was intrigued by Cloon Keen, named after the village, near Tuam, where Margaret was born. Very professionally wrapped and presented, this is an outstanding product. If you ever wondered what is the smell of Christmas, three particular candles caught my nose and made me smile: Christmas Pomander, Christmas Tree, and Christmas Morning all €14.95.

I heard through the grapevine that Stefan Matz, the executive head chef from Ashford Castle, had taken charge of the kitchen at the g Hotel. Stefan was the person who created the excellent value/quality menu at Cullen’s restaurant in the grounds of Ashford Castle and I wondered if he would bring a similar offering to the g Hotel. He is also responsible for all the kitchens at Ashford Castle and has many serious awards to his credit including the Georgina Campbell chef of the year in 2007. Suffice it to say that the g is now a must visit for all food lovers and indeed for anyone who perhaps looked in those glittering windows and thought “I can’t afford to go in there”. The main covers are priced at €19 to €32 and that includes your vegetables. That, my friends, is very, very, competitive, and an example of what is on offer is black sole with crab meat in a velvet crab sauce for €25, and venison with redcurrant cream and crisp venison mousse for €22. Starters range from €6.50 to €15.50 and include inventive dishes to suit every palate.

This week eight county Mayo hotels picked up awards at the west/northwest Green Hospitality Awards held in the Westport Woods Hotel. These awards are a national programme supported by the EPA and local authorities in recognition of efforts made to improve environmental management in the hospitality sector.

Situated close to the gates of the world-renowned Ashford Castle and designed with modern living in mind, this magnificent dwelling fits snugly into its surroundings with its strategic location ensuring most of the local places of interest are within short walking distance.

Have you noticed an increase in your electricity bill? The good news is there are practical steps you can take to conserve the amount of energy you use in the home. Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, in conjunction with Mayo Energy Agency, is organising an information workshop in Glenamoy community centre today (Friday March 20) at 7pm. For information contact Threasa on 097 88082/087 125 1642 or Mayo Energy Agency on 096 76113.      

Mayo has been highlighted in Tourism Ireland’s new global advertising campaign, Go Where Ireland Takes You, which is being rolled out in all its main markets around the world this year.

Ireland’s largest tourism trade fair, Meitheal, took place last week in Dublin with a record attendance of 281 overseas operators and 300 Irish companies including 13 from Mayo.

Take 10 very talented local chefs, add one Euro-toques organisation, mix in a dollop of creativity and generously sprinkle with passion, to create one very tasty and impressive pocket-sized recipe publication entitled The Galway Ingredient.