Lovely comfy dining experience , so enjoyable !!…read more A really lovely spot for a girlie catch up night out last night. A very attentative Male waiter who gave very good suggestions for meal choices. Also offered 00 wine choice for the drivers. Food is to a very high standard and here is plenty of it too. Presentation is excellent. 5 out of 5 for 3 of 4 mains....the curry was overly salty acc to one diner which was unfortunate. I took his advice for the duck main and it didn't disappoint. Amazing flavours and presentation. We shared 2 starters of garlic mushrooms and spring rolls and they were just scrummy. Dessert was a rasberry roulade and a creme brulle both so tasty. With 2 starters, 4 mains, 4 desserts, 4 tea/coffee , 3 glasses of wine and a pint of 00 Guinness our bill was €200 before tip. Good value ! The whole place has a fab atmosphere, the toilets are spotless and we had a really fab evening. We will be back again very soon

AMAZING! DELICIOUS! When I take my kids to Ireland to visit family we make a point to eat at The…read moreThatched Cottage. I ate here as a child and loved it and my kids love it also. It is a great place for a meal or a drink. The staff is very friendly, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is charming. We absolutely love this place and would highly recommend it to anyone in the area.

Tour cost: 5 Euros (includes tea and scones)…read more Full disclosure: I usually run in the opposite direction from anything in Ireland that has even a whiff of "tourist trap" to it. If there's even a chance that someone is going to be getting off a tour bus with a fanny pack singing Danny Boy, it's a hard no for me. Such was my initial concern when hearing about the Claddagh Arts Centre. As much as I longed to visit the place where Claddagh rings originated (quite literally, they were first made during the 17th century in the village where the Centre now stands as the sole remaining dwelling), I had visions of when I visited Amsterdam and got swarmed by merchants hocking diamonds. I assumed this was a touristy spot where the sole purpose was to get you to buy a new ring. I couldn't be happier that I did a bit of research instead of discounting it. The Centre- and the people who run it- have "sales" as the very last thing on their minds. Their true purpose is to educate visitors on the little-known history of how this once-thriving, rural village on the outskirts of the city was forced to abandon its beautiful, traditional, simple life as modernization and the trawler industry in the bay took over. All that is now left of Claddagh village is the one thatch cottage and outbuilding/cafe that houses the Centre. Once inside, you are transported to another century in Ireland. Far from kitschy knick knacks, each item within is an authentic antique from the era, demonstrating exactly what it was like to live in another time. Anna, who gave us our tour, offered a poignant, powerful and thorough recounting of the trials and triumphs of the villagers, instilling in me a new respect for the rings I have worn since my youth. In my many visits to Galway over the years, I had never before had an inkling of this part of its past. After the voyage back in time, we made our way to the art studio and cafe behind the cottage. Wow. It was filled with the most gorgeous work in various mediums from local craftsmen, using materials found around Connemara. Spectacular stuff. And no sales pitch. In fact, Anna seemed surprised that I even inquired about pricing. Her main concern was kitting out the wood table with a feast of tea and scones. By this stage, the latest Claddagh ring I've been wearing for the last few years, one purchased at some point from some random place, seemed almost like an imposter. Expecting to see rows and rows of rings for sale, I was instead shocked (pleasantly) to find just a humble little tray with a dozen or two. There was no fanfare around it. Sales were truly an afterthought to the people here who are so intent on keeping the Claddagh village story alive. Anna apologized for the small selection and explained that they only carry authentic, vintage rings- as in real, historic Claddaghs. Thus, their inventory was sparse. Figuring that meant I would be priced out of owning one of these treasures, I cast a glance at them just for a chance to see what a "real" Claddagh looked like. And immediately fell in love with one. Its simplicity was so perfectly attuned to its heritage. I checked the price tag. 57 Euros. About $64. Otherwise stated: half the price for this antique than what I had paid for the random one on my finger. It came home with me. I honestly cannot put into words the joy it brings me the twenty times a day I glance down at it. The hour or so spent at the Claddagh Village was a vacation highlight for me in a city where I thought I already knew the best spots. Located just a five minute stroll from the Spanish Arch, it took us on a journey of a hundred+ years. Oh. And it's only 5 Euro per person for the tour, tea and scones. I know. Right? Go visit them when you find yourself in Galway. If you're there in the off-season and hours are limited, ask for a private tour (same cost) as we did. Claddagh Arts Centre & Katie's Claddagh Cottage 26 Fairhill Road Upper, The Claddagh Galway, Ireland Web: https://claddaghdesigns.ie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CladdaghArtsCentre/

Well where to begin, perhaps at the bottom of, what seems like, the mile long drive up to the…read morehotel. Watch out for the speed bumps!! The hotel/resort is set on an actual island. Attached to the hotel is the Forta Golf course, which I was told has hosted some major golf tournaments. There is a wildlife park, tennis courts, football training pitches and the island even has its own train station. There are several trails which you can walk or run around, if you are that way inclined. The island is very green and picturesque, the sun rise is particularly good if you have one of the front facing bedrooms. The bedrooms are very well appointed with all the bits you would expect, large bed, desk area, sofa chairs and ample wardrobe space if you have lots of clothes to store. The hotel staff could not do more for you. Yes I know it is the service industry but they all seemed genuinely happy to help, even with very very mundane things. Now I was there over a weekend and they had one wedding party on the Friday and one in the Saturday night, if you are staying on the 1st floor you will hear the music into the early hours, be warned. The food was ok, although we were stuck on the tournament menu which was not very good but looking at the food served to other guests it looked good. They have a very good bar with good bar staff, plenty of Irish whiskey's to sample. Our Irish counter parts were in there one night until 5am!! A good venue with high quality accommodation. Would definitely come back here.

Popped in with 2 friends for coffee and pastries. All I can say is that is exactly what I would…read morerecommend to do ther . Soooooo Chilled and comfortable, you could spend hours sitting, relaxing and catching up with friends in lovely luxurious surroundings. Plenty of easy parking also

I came across this little spot while wandering Cork today. They were closed today so I didn't get…read moreto go inside but I did hang out outside for a bit. It was nice to take a load off and just relax even if it was loud by the street. The building is a deconsecrated church-turned-cafe with a little patio out front with seating. Since I didn't get to go inside there's not much to say, but I did appreciate the architecture.

I highly recommend coming here to see the exhibition on the history of Cork…read moreAbsolutely fascinating. While here treat yourself to a cup of coffee. The barista here is incredible

Sumptuous food, really tasty and versatile for a family luncheon. And the service was first class,…read morein fact world class. I do not use these terms lightly. Staff was polite efficient and sensitive to our needs. The setting is beautiful too. The gardens are worth a walk in after your meal.

From the owner: Fernhill is a beautiful country house full of Irish charm and interesting stories. It is run by the…read morefourth generation of the O'Neill family at Fernhill who provide the very best in Irish hospitality. The mansion house is perched on a hill overlooking the rolling green hills where Ireland's greatest hero Michael Collins was born. Offering a true escape away to nature, at Fernhill House the sounds of traffic are replaced by bird song and the rustle of ancient trees. Instead of crowds, there are the plants that make up our wonderful wild Irish garden. Lose yourself at Fernhill and discover tranquillity. The charming town of Clonakilty is a short walk from Fernhill. It is famous for its welcoming locals and nightly traditional Irish music sessions. Fernhill has won many awards for its service and Fernhill offers a true taste of Ireland with its own natural spring water bottled onsite, kitchen garden and foraged produce. The O'Neill's will look after you as if you are part of the family.