Editorial by Kerah Reyes.
This month, we ventured to Co. Mayo and here are the highlights of our trip.
Best View -Céide Fields
Beneath the wild boglands of north Mayo lies a system of fields, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs which together make up the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. The Céide Fields is an extensive prehistoric archaeological landscape that gives you both stunning views and an insight into Ireland’s history. The stone-walled fields, extending over hundreds of hectares, are the oldest known globally, dating back almost 6,000 years. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife. It is an absolutely picturesque spot by the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Food– Olive’s Seoul Food
Olive’s is a Korean-inspired street food eatery that fuses Korean flavours with the best of Irish ingredients. Set up by Olive Yeoun Jung Nho in 2010, Olive was born and raised in the vibrant city of Seoul in the Republic of South Korea. Having trained at the Food & Culture Korea Academy, she obtained national technical certificates in Japanese, Korean, and Western cooking. She later worked in two Korean Embassies in Africa, in Senegal and the Ivory Coast. There she prepared high-class dishes for visiting Korean ambassadors and dignitaries. In 2009, Olive moved to Galway and in 2019 she married to her husband Cyril, and moved to Claremorris where they began working on their restaurant.
Visit olivesseoulfood.com and follow @olivesseoulfood
Best Coffee – Acushla Foods
Acushla Foods is a food trailer run by Ciara and Adara at the foot of Croagh Patrick in Murrisk. With a menu made up of locally sourced ingredients that changes on rotation, you can choose from gourmet sourdough sandwiches to vegan baked goods and sweet treats but when visiting Croagh Patrick, do not deny yourself a cup of coffee from here. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to get you through the day.
Follow @acushla_foods
Best Pint – Hewetson Bros. Bar
Since way back in the 1900’s, Hewetson Bros. Bar has evolved into an incredible public house, cocktail bar and venue situated on Bridge Street, in the heart of bustling Westport town. Split across two floors, the ground floor offers a cosy, historic and traditional Irish pub that pays homage to its origins as a fishing tackle shop. You can also enjoy live sports and conversation while immersing yourself in apparatus of times gone by.
Visit hewetsonbrosbar.ie and follow @hewetsonbrosbar
THINGS TO DO
- Falconry School – Discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland at Ashford Castle.
- Sheep Herding – Learn the skills and training behind the hard working border collies at Glen Keen Farm, one the country’s largest sheep farms.
- Wolfhound Experience – Go walking in Westport with the Irish Wolfhounds, raise awareness and share the myths of the Irish Wolfhounds from West of Ireland.
- Kildavnet Castle – Visit the castle closely associated with Grace O’Malley, the most famous Pirate Queen of Ireland.
BOUTIQUE SHOPS
- L’Armoire Boutique – Owned by Beth O’Sullivan who will dress you to make you feel like a million dollars.
- Aran Islands Knitwear – A family-run business in its Third Generation dedicated to traditional Aran hand-knitted and Aran hand-loomed sweaters and cardigans.
- The Castle Bookshop – a family run bookshop that has operated in Castlebar for over 30 years
- The Gaiety Antique and Vintage Store – Antique and vintage products with a story that wants to be re-loved, re-used, and re-housed.
