Press Book

from 01.08.2014 to 19.08.2014

Copyright Material. This may only be copied under the terms of a Newspaper Licensing agreement (www.newspaperlicensing.ie) or written publisher permission. -2-

Table of Contents

20/08/2014 Hot Press: SHANKS FOR THE ENERGIES...... 3 15/08/2014 Phoenix: THE MUCH loved Cork city bar[...]...... 5 20/08/2014 Hot Press: THE PHANTOM...... 6 01/07/2014 Go Rail: THE WILD THINGS ARE...... 9

Copyright Material. This may only be copied under the terms of a Newspaper Licensing Ireland agreement (www.newspaperlicensing.ie) or written publisher permission. -3- Hot Press* Circulation: 17725 Wednesday, 20 August 2014 Area of Clip: 48400mm² Page: 26 Page 1 of 2

MUSCSHANKS FOR WORLDTHE ENERGIES

How energy drinks madeAdebisi Shank “unrealistically optimistic” andfuelled their third album, as an unmasked VinnyMcCreith sits down with Craig Fitzpatrick and offers U2 some advice... photo: Ruth Medjber someone asked ‘whyare your mam's knickers on >hone buzzes. "Outside the guitar shop. Red your head?!" I hat!" With two beloved albums undertheir belt, Adebisi Shank's position at the top of Ireland's And so it comes to pass that I truly see post-rock ladder means the questions have DAdebisi Shank bassistVinny McCreithfor the changed. For the last few of years, it's been a first time. The red's a nod to the mask he wears on desperate’when will the next album be out?’. stage and in 'band promo' mode, you forgive him We’refour years on from ThisIsThe Second Album for not donning it today. It's sweltering in . OfA BandCalled Adebisi Shank. Joining Sargent Flouse And, quite frankly,it would freak the Central Hotel staff out. His band of lauded Wexfordmath-rockers and then touring the USaccounted for plenty of ready to re-enter the fray with the helpfullytitled that time. Surprisingly,however, the end of ThisIs TheThird Album Of A BandCalled Adebisi Shank, Richter Collective-the brainchild ofShank promo is underway. Alwaysan act looking to do guitarist Mick Roe - in late 2012wasn't an issue for something a bit different, this meant McCreith them. recently followed the lead of Barack Obama, Bill "We'reall still around and Mick is basically doing Murray and Snoop Dogg by taking to Redditfor the exact same thing that he was doing. I see him an Adebisi-themed AMA.Themask came up, of the same amount, and he's still as stressed as he course. was before. It’sjust in a different guise." "Peoplefind it interesting," he muses. "Ifind it So all those "end of an era” sentiments in the interesting, that's why I still wear it!" press were misplaced? Has it ever been problematic on stage from a "Youcould sit around and say'do you remember practical point ofview? when we were doing this thing?' It's that famous "From gig one, it was a bad idea; it's not practical thing of a shark that will die if it stops swimming. at all. I wear glasses so I can't see at all when I'm If in doubt, move forward." wearing it. I can’t breathe, it gets very smelly." Moving forwards, for the first time ever, tracks Luckily,the band don’t have the kind offanbase were written and road-tested before the trio even that will get drunk and attempt to rip the thing entered the studio. "We put them in a casserole off-"we don't have anyfanbase!” he quips-but the pot," McCreith smiles. "Slow-cooking." odd heckle has been uttered. There have been side-steps, as well. McCreith has "Our first gig in Belfast,when we came out it his Speed Of Snakes project with Rupert Morris was that weird silent moment before the set and from BATS,wh ile gu itarist Lar Kayeseems the most -4- Hot Press* Circulation: 17725 Wednesday, 20 August 2014 Area of Clip: 48400mm² Page: 26 Page 2 of 2

adulterous (music-wise) of the lot. When the trio reconvened in a Wicklow house, there must have been plenty of'those other bands mean nothing to me, babe' wooing. "It adds spice to it, that we can go off... It is like a relationship - if all you're focused on is the relationship, you won’t bring anything new to the table. It will wither. That's one of the things that has kept us able to surprise each other-still thinking sex here! I don't know how bands are ever in one band. I won't name Irish rock's’big voice'... What would you call them, the Irish rock aristocracy? One's a letter, one's a number? I don't know how they do it. When they were at their best was when they actually went off and did other stuff. Remember they did Passengersand stuff like that?" With no idea who he could be talking about, let's

return to the Shank.Theirthird album takes their inherent optimism to new levels of euphoria.The cover features a muscleman flexing as his lightbulb head shatters. They are bursting with light and confidence. "As people we can be quite cynical, but our cynical nature actually frees us up. We don’t puncture ourselves. If we took ourselves really seriously itwould be impossible to make an album. It feels like we made a mountain and we live to climb the mountain. It's like planting a flag on the moon, and then going 'we know we did it, and we know we can feel like that'. Maybe it is unrealistically optimistic, but ifyou call a song 'World In Harmony’, it’s going to have to sound like the world in harmony! I remember when we were recording it, we said stuff like'does this sound like the world's in harmony?' No?Just keep going!" There are moments when things feel seconds away from breaking into'Danger Zone'. A triumphal, Moroder in the'8os, blizzard-of-coke-inthe-studioaura of invincibility. “We're far too cheap for coke!" McCreith laughs. "There’s a lot of coffee. What’s theTesco version of Red Bull? Kick? Boost?They're all very aggressive sounding. It's a euro for a litre. We had these huge glasses full of ice and that would be our'keep you going'fuelfortheday. Noactual cocaine though." Bono, if you're reading this in the studio, get the energy drinks in.There is shade as well as light on the record - Adebisi Shank aren't trying to usher in a summer of love among Irish post-rock outfits. "Everyone should do what they want! If I was president of IMRO I'd make all of the bands play all of our songs and be exactly the same as us? No, that's impossible.There's some bittersweet moments on it. It's not all rainbows and unicorns."

This IsTheThird Album OfA Band CalledAdebisi Shank is out on August 12 -5- Phoenix* Circulation: 16601 Friday, 15 August 2014 Area of Clip: 4600mm² Page: 42 Page 1 of 1

THE MUCH loved Cork city bar and music venue, The Pavilion - affectionately known by locals as The Pav - has gone bust, much to the sadness of its clientele, some of whom have even started an online petition in a vain attempt to save the venue. But a look at the latest available accounts for the company that operated the venue, Pana Productions Ltd, gives a good indication of its difficulties. Accounts made to the end of 2012 showed accumulated losses of €735,000. The directors (and shareholders) of the company, whose venue has hosted the likes of Franz Ferdinand and rap superstar Kanye West, are listed as Pat Conway, Joe Kelly and Stephen Grainger. A creditors’ meeting has been called for the company, which had a small judgment of €6,300 registered against it in 2011 by the Irish Music Rights Organisation. -6- Hot Press* Circulation: 17725 Wednesday, 20 August 2014 Area of Clip: 121000mm² Page: 96,97,98 Page 1 of 3

THE PHANTOM

THE (HtEE.N (iKKKN CLASS Ol- HOME Susannah Appleby and Shane O'Brien at The Chapel at IMMA, as Little Green Cars took to the stage for the eagerly-awaited Lumia Live session, presented by Microsoft Devices and La Blogotheque.

latest JNLR book brought is very Phantom- more or less alone - confidently forecast the former's old employer, Cork's 96 FM, drops 4% interesting indeed. One leading media that Pat Kenny's figures would rise again in three to 47%.In fact these figures suggest that Red FM buyer called The Phantom and asked: is there months time. Lo and behold, Kenny is indeed up is currently trad i ng at about 25%,so clearly we can a bit of a pattern emerging at last? It's a by 20,000 to 134,000. He is now three books into expect theirupward momentum to continue.That good question... his tenure, so that he is still carrying assumption is bolstered by their increase in Market a legacy light' quarter-after one more, we will Share, up by2.4% to 10.9%.It's looking increasingly TheWhen the last figures were published, three have a much better picture as to the level at which as if the move could be a game changer. Well done months ago, one of the things exercising the he is really operating. Our reading is that he will to KC, Dave Macand the crew... minds of agency number-crunchers was what topi5o,oo next time out. Progress may then slow Radio Nova is another big winner.The station they called 'The Kenny Effect'."Has the big move down, but the omens remain very positive... has increased itsaudienceacrossthe board. Daily from RTEto Newstalk achieved the desired effect Meanwhile, his direct Radiol rival. Sean Listenership is up by 30%; Market Share is up by for Marconi House?"they asked. At the time, The O'Rourke, has droppedjust4,ooo and still 21%:Average Quarter Listenership is up byi9%and commands a 307,000 audience. This is likely to Weekly Listenership is up by 12%.Thestation now drop again in three months - but not, we think, has 124,000 weekly listeners (+13,000),69,000 by anything too drastic. As it stands, the'stayover' daily listeners (+16,000) and a daytime market from Morning Ireland's huge listenership gives share of 4.1%(+21%). Nova's listenership per average John Murray and Sean O'Rourke an inherent quarter hour (AQH) across its schedule is also up, advantage. And that is the biggest obstacle to ati240o (+19%).., Newstalk'supwardly-mobile push... Meanwhile, Nova has become embroiled in a There is likely to be a similar focus this time out legal battle with IMRO in relation to royalties. on events in Cork, where Neil Prendeville has The music rights organisation is looking for made the big switch from 96FM to Red FM. Afew €47,000, which they say is owing in payments for issues back, The Phantom hinted that the initial the use of music on the station. Nova boss Kevin feedback on the move had been hugely positive, Branagan insists that the station has been paying and this has now been confirmed. The Average royalties since its inception, adding that there is a Weekday Listenership at Red is up 2%to 19%while legitimate dispute about the quantum. IMRO, of -7- Hot Press* Circulation: 17725 Wednesday, 20 August 2014 Area of Clip: 121000mm² Page: 96,97,98 Page 2 of 3

I TV / IAYES LIKE THESE I to r) 2nd runner-up Fionunuala Short, winner Jessica Hayes & ist NIGHT AT’I'llK Ml'Slil'M unner up Shannon Howe at Miss Ireland 2014 at The Ballsbridge Little Green Cars play Lumia Live in IMMA in Dublin, presented by Hotel, Dublin. Microsoft Devices and La Blogotheque

course see it differently. It has the look of a dispute and for Beat 102-103in Waterford whose weekday to the cult 1993horror film that introduced us to that will be settled. It is in no one’s interest to have listenership is up2% to a record high ofi9%.Whew! the then teenage Jennifer Aniston. Sadly,the Mary an issue like this dragging on in the courts... Clad to have clarified all of that! Black listed in the credits is not Danny Corona or Back to theJNLR: there’s good news in the book There was a great turn-out for the launch of the Rosie O’s songstress mum, but a Canadian thesp, tooforthe Dublin indie rock station, TXFM, with Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival in Everleigh Gardens specialising in hack'n'slash flicks. Hitting digital 22.000 people tuning in every day as opposed to last week.The festival’s energetic new CEO,Kris platforms on August 26,the movie revolvesaround the 15,000 who listened to its Marconi House Nelson, was in flying form, enthusing about two young couples who, whilst backpacking predecessor,Phantormo5.2..."Weare naturally what has the look of a really strong programme. through Ireland, discover a chilling secret inside an delighted with the initial response from real music The Phantom was thrilled to spot the names of old cabin at the edge of the woods.Those with an fans in Dublin to the station," enthuses TXFM Maud Riordanand her sister Zoe-of Maud In aversion to Darby O’Gill-ery may want to give it a Chairman Trevor Bowen. "We've carved out a great Cahoots fame - in the programme. Their play The wide berth... In what we suspect is a rather better position in a highly competitive market of FM and Well RestedTerrorist will incorporate some of the use of Irish locations, the Office of Public Works digital audio options that we will now build on.” band's songs in what promises to a fascinating is allowing Disney accessto Skellig Michael for TXFM now has a 2%weekday adult Dublin market night's theatre. Another duo who will see their Star Wars:Episode VII flming purposes. Located off share, with Sunshine 106.8 at 3%. work being performed are Hildegard Ryan and the the Kerry coast, the currently uninhabited island 4FM at4%, Qi02at 9%,a resurgent 98FM atio%, gorgeous Eva O’Connor, whose My NameIsSaoirse was granted UNESCOWorld Heritage Site status Spin 1038 at 13%and FMic>4still top of the pile at should also be well worth investigating. Also ini996... Irish actors Jamie Dornan.Sam Keeley 18%.It was a good bookfor98FM, who were up in spotted at the launch were independent Dublin and Sarah Greene have all landed roles in Adam Weekly Reach and in Daily Reach - it could be the city councillor Mannix Flynn, who of course is an Jones,the new John Wells flick about a bad boy beginning of a fight back... acclaimed playwright himself, comedian Eleanor chef, which also includes Bradley Cooper, Uma Nationally, RTERadio i remains top dog with Tiernan, actresses Gina Moxley, Amy Conroy, Dee Thurman, Sienna Miller and Emma Thompson 24%;Today FM has 13%;2fm and Newstalk io% Burke and Lisa Walsh, and Una McCarthy of the among its seriously A-List cast... ThePhantom has each; and RTE Lyric FM 4%. Arts Council... enjoyed thef rstfew installments of The Film Buzz, Radioi’sMorning Ireland remains the most WWE have confirmed the signing of Fergal the newTN/3show for cinephiles, which airs every listened to show in the country with 438,000 ‘Prince’ Devitt, the Bray man who’s spent the past Thursday at 6.30pm and is presented by Spin 1038 tuning in everyday. Overat2fm, Nicky Byrne seven years as part of the New Japan ProWrestling man Gordon Hayden... Entriesare being sought and Jenny Greene have nudged ahead of Ryan stable and gets mobbed every time he touches for the Waterford Film Festival, which returns to Tubridy with 145,000 listeners as opposed to his down in Tokyo. In a rather unfortunate conforming the Deise’s Carter LaneTheatre from November7-9. 144.000 while Breakfast Republic has shed 14.000 to Irish stereotype, the 33-year old’s signature move waterfordflmfestival.com has all the details... listeners. is the Bloody Sunday... Meanwhile, established Back to radio: despite an impressive rival bid There are big gains for Anton Savage's excellent WWE star Dylan ‘Homswoggle’ Postl has bagged from MidWest Radio’sCoast FM, Ocean FM has SavageSunday on Today FM, which is up 13,000, the starring role in Leprechaun:Origins, the ’prequel’ been re-awarded the Sligo, North Leitrim & South

KINGS OF THE CASTLE Sean Culleton, Alan Buckley, Patrick Conroy &•Dean Ward at Castlepalooza 2014 in Tullamore

Af -8- Hot Press* Circulation: 17725 Wednesday, 20 August 2014 Area of Clip: 121000mm² Page: 96,97,98 Page 3 of 3

KathrinBaumbach Donegal Franchise Area by the Broadcast Authority micro, Kelly's Mountain Brew in Kildare, whose of Ireland... Former 2fm man Damien Farrelly 4.59s ABC Justice Irish Crafted Pale Ale is in has joined Classic FIits 4FM, with his first show discerning pubs and off-licences now...The good covering for Enda Murphy airing on Saturday news for artisan beer fans in Limerick is that the August 9... Galway Bay Brewery folks are opening another Also in transfer news: having been deemed outpost there in September... Congratulations to surplus to West Bromwich Albion requirements Laura Sheeranand MarkOubele,AKANanu Nanu, at the end of last season, Steven Reid has signed who are now a married item as well as a musical a year-long deal with Premier League returnees one. The duo celebrated by staging their own Burnley. The news isn't so good for fellow Irish wedding festival in Spiddal, where Laura's ever so international Sean St. Ledger, who's still without slightly famous cousin Ed Sheeran was among a club after being released by Leicester City in May. the revellers. The Irish chart-topper-and Hot Press The Antony G-The Johnsons fan - see hotpress. cover star-then headed back to Dublin where, in com for the interview in which he establishes his an action-packed 24-hours, he played a surprise chamber pop credentials - was a guest coach last Ruby Sessions set in Doyle's of College Green; week at the FAI Football Festival in Westmeath, woke the capital up on both SPIN 1038 and 98FM; where he got to mentor the Irish Amputee team... and then hotfooted it to H MV in Henry Street Flitting the bookshelves in September is Slainte: whereaftertalking toToday FM's Louise Duffy he The Complete Guide To Irish Croft Beer And Cider, a treated 40 lucky fans to an acoustic set. His final New Island tome penned by Edible Ireland blogger port of call was 2fm where Hot Press sharpshooter Kristin Jensen and her Bibliocook counterpart Kathrin Baumbach got to take some lovely pics Caroline Hennessy. who's also a McKenna Guides of him strumming up trade on the Rick O’Shea editorand handles PR for Eight Degrees Brewing. Show... Michael D. continues to rock in the Aras, We'll be talking to one of the chaps as part of the with The Riptide Movement popping in fora bit of Craft Beer special that graces the next issue of Flot an aul gig last week. As you do. . Finally, well done Press, out on Thursday August 22 - also featuring to Wok 'ri Roll, who were of great assistance to the our generously endowed Electric Picnic preview... Hot Press crew at Indiependence. Great food they A hearty Phantom'hello' to Ireland's newest -9- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 1 of 8

o o If you want to experience Ireland from tip to toe and love vivid coastal settings, the promises an unforgettable journey. Boasting fantastically untamed terrain, stunning views and array of activities make it one of our prized possessions. Go Rail traces the path from the rugged grace of Donegal to the tranquility of Cork. Along the Way, Nick Seymour of Crowded House talks relocating to Sligo and the amazing surf and splendour he found when he headed for the ocean, o o -10- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 2 of 8

Shaped dramatically over aeons by crashing To help plan your trip, Go Rail will bring you as shearwaters in the autumn - the peak of the waves and moulded over thousands of from the rugged grace of Donegal, through Inishowen Peninsula has become famous of years by human habitation, the coastal the surfer's paradises of Sligo and Mayo, to the late for its aurora borealis displays. For surfers, strip that runs from Ireland's most northerly singular beauty of Galway to the picturesque Donegal is less a hotspot than the likes of Sligo, point, along its western front, and down to the of Cork and give you a taste of so if you like your solitude on your board, this historic maritime village of , encompasses what's in between. There is so much to see, could be the place. The Slieve League Peninsula many of the country's most beautiful landscapes. do and explore, you're unlikely to drive from is a breathtaking drive with everything from north to south in one go. Whether cycling for sandy and safe beaches like Fintra to the more Now known as the Wild Atlantic Way and stretches, stopping off for a spot of snorkelling formidable Slieve League Cliffs. On Donegal's receiving the proper tourist attention it deserves, or wandering through a quaint town, sampling south-west coast, the Cliffs are said to be the its 2,750 kilometre distance makes it the longest the artisan food, the Wild Atlantic Way should highest of their kind in Europe and are certainly signed coastal route in the world, leaving be done your own way, and at your own pace. the most dramatic. California's Pacific Coast Highway in the shade. We'll just let you know what you really shouldn't If you fancy stepping back in time, there are Blessed with panoramic views, a huge number miss as you go. This year, €10 million has been megalithic tombs constructed over 6000 years of cultural and historical sites and thousands of allocated to promote the Wild Atlantic Way ago on the southern slope of Slievemore. The diverting activities, it is ready and waiting to be on the world stage. On a practical level, it will deserted village of Slievemore is a sombre explored. mean designated discovery points and chevron reminder of the hardship of the Famine era, as Countless water activities, from fishing and signposts along the coast to make the wild side families were forced to leave in the 1840s and kayaking to whale watching lie in store, as do 53 of Ireland as tourist friendly as possible. never returned. Blue Flag beaches, 120 golf courses and top rank If you're looking for human contact, Killybegs is eateries and accommodation. The drive from NORTH WEST a half hour drive from Slieve League. The fishing Donegal's Malin Head to the Old Head Of Kinsale Commencing at the top, Malin Head is the most port is a picturesque haven where locals take in Cork will likely prove mind-bogglingly bountiful northerly point of the island. Offering beautiful pride in welcoming one and all. You won't find for visitors with a sense of adventure. views of the coast - as well as seabirds such better hospitality anywhere else - US actor Paul -11- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 3 of 8

Rudd was only recently raving about his time based, isolated community where they'd have the unexpected for people thinking of what a there on The Late Show with David Letterman. relative freedom and good fresh air to breath," he contemporary spa would offer. And then there's In terms of grub, Kitty Kelly's (kittykellys.com) says. "My partner and I had that when we were specialist things like Stand Up Paddle Boards has a homely cottage setting, with excellent, kids and we wanted that for them." now being offered in (facebook. attentive staff and a menu that makes the most So why Sligo? com/Harboursupnsail), which is a really great of Donegal's fresh seafood. "It's got everything that the Ring of Kerry has way to see the coast. They push off at the pier Leitrim has a relatively small strip of coastline but not as dramatic. It has all the surf and lifestyle and the guy brings you around to the mouth of to call its own. Nevertheless, it boasts a number that West Clare has - but not the infrastructure. the Moy River. I've really enjoyed that, it's great of natural features worth checking out. The more The thing I like about Sligo is that it's not overrun core exercise. Then there is the surf school The literary among you will already know Lough Gill, with people trying to show how much money Seventh Wave (surfsligo.com). the star of many poems from William Butler they have. It's not particularly bourgeois or " itself is quite a gothic little settlement Yeats, most notably mentioned in his classic The quaint, it's robust and rustic. There is an integrity that has its main shops with their backs to the Lake Isle of Innisfree. The fairytale-like planter era up here that is quite unique in Ireland because it's ocean. Belleek Castle in Ballina (belleekcastle. fortification that is Parkes Castle - with its turrets been off the radar for so long." com) is a really well run place. Good food, good and diamond-shaped chimneys - is located on Seymour argues Sligo is easily as beautiful and coffee and the people that run it are really quite its shores, while boats can be rented locally and dynamic as the more high-profile likes of Mayo welcoming - it's a proper family business. And it is a fine fishing ground. Also worth seeing is and Galway, and has the most consistent days of then you have The Bar (thebeachbarsligo. Glencar Waterfall. Found on the southern side of the year for because it faces north. "The com), which has a really unique setting down Ben Bulben, its 50 foot cascade is a remarkable prevailing wind is southerly - offshore - which on Aughris Head. It's an actual thatched bar/ sight and you can drive right up to its pool. makes the waves stand up and creates better cottage house right on the edge of the protected Sligo is arguably the home of surfing in Ireland. conditions for surfers. But at the same time you side of Aughris Head, overlooking the water. They Its waves and way of life is so good, in fact, that don't have all the surf-themed cafes pubs and serve really simple Irish stew chowder, you get a surf enthusiast and Crowded House member surf shops. It's still relatively undiscovered." great pint and a lot of the locals go there. You go Nick Seymour decided to relocate to the town of For those looking to discover Sligo, what would in and people will say hello." Easky a few years back. The Australian musician Seymour recommend? In the nearby town of Cliffony, Harrison's Bar & reckoned it was the perfect place to raise a "The Seaweed Baths (voyaseaweedbaths.com), Grill on the Main Street is another terrific spot for family. because they are so unique. They're Victorian and grub. Founded all the way back in 1810, it must "It was about bringing up kids in a country- an incredible resource. Quite a novelty, offering be doing everything right if it continues to thrive -12- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 4 of 8

Aughris Head, Co. Sligo Ben Bulben, Sligo

' - '• t

5 ‘ s, - J *1

Surfing in

Sunset at Glencar Lake, Leitrim -13- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 5 of 8

to this day. They were named “Best Customer that are bliss on a sunny day. Brighton Rock July 27, Monroe’s are involved in the arty action, Service" at the 2014 Irish Restaurant Awards and writer Graham Greene was particularly inspired bringing you terrific shows from We Banjo 3 (July recently picked up a Tripadvisor Certificate of during his stay there: maybe you will be too. 23) and Mark Geary (25). Excellence. Nick Seymour has seen the appeal of The Beyond the city Connemara is utterly different If you’re in Sligo town itself and are looking Maritime County firsthand. to anywhere else on earth. This sombre, stoney for some craic agus ceol, 5th On Teeling “I found myself staying with friends in Newport. landscape is both austere and beautiful. (5thonfeeling.com) has been a great location for We headed for Achill on the cycleway and it’s just While there, visit Kylemore Abbey, home to a a gig in the North-West since it opened in 2012. fantastic the way they’ve set that up. I'm really community of Benedictine nuns who arrived after With a late bar and plenty of free shows, it’s a into cycling so it’s great to be able to bring your their Belgian abbey was destroyed in the Great must-visit for any music lover. As Fleadh Cheoil bike somewhere on the back of a car and go for War. Ireland's only fjord, Killary Harbour is also hits the town in August, Kila, The Fureys, and a fantastic ride that’s completely out of the traffic worth a visit. Frankie Gavin and De Dannan are all scheduled to and purpose built.” headline; there will be free admission to all other From the Irish-speaking, dramatic wilds of MID WEST shows Friday August 8 until Monday August 18. Connemara to the eclectic, bohemian vibes in Hurling aside, Clare is all about the Cliffs The City Of The Tribes, Galway has something Of Moher. Overlooking the churning Atlantic WEST for everyone. The lure of Galway City will from a height of 702 feet, they run for eight Into the West, as we arrive in Mayo. The standout undoubtedly prove strong and drag you off the kilometres and offer truly awesome views. When attraction in this county has to be The Ceide Wild Atlantic Way. A wander around Eyre Square the weather’s right, you’ll be able to take in the Fields: discovered in the ‘30s, it is said to be one is a must, as is catching some live music. The Peninsula and Blasket Islands, Galway Bay of the oldest farms in the world. The modern Roisin Dubh (roisindubh.net) has a reputation for and the Aran Islands, the Maum Turk mountains exhibition centre will tell you everything about putting on promising homegrown acts - as well and more. O’Brien’s Tower has been a historic the farm's enthralling 5,700 year history. Croagh as some of the biggest comedy names around vantage point for tourists, while today the Patrick is another iconic landmark, a sacred - while Monroe's Live (monroes.ie) on Dominick Visitors' Centre is definitely worth stopping by. mountain overlooking Clew Bay (just outside Street has been called "the best in the West" Open all year round from 9am daily, it provides Westport) that draws up to a million pilgrims when it comes to live shows. Voted the 2013 a spectacular view and their new interactive Cliff each year. Ballycroy National Park offers all the 'Live Venue Of The Year’ at the IMRO Awards, it Edge Exhibition has gone down a storm. Booking usual flora and fauna of an Irish bog, backed by is a major presence in Galway’s West End and its online via cliffsofmoher.ie will save you 10% on the Nephin Beg mountain range. Returning to the easy charm is incomparable, whilst their regular admission. water, the gorgeous, horseshoe-shaped Keem trad nights come in for particular praise. With Adventure Burren (adventureburren.com) is an Bay on has five heavenly beaches Galway International Arts Festival running until interesting way to do the karst-landscape region. -14- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 6 of 8 -15- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 7 of 8 -16- Go Rail* Circulation: 0 Tuesday, 1 July 2014 Area of Clip: 234400mm² Page: 52,53,55 Page 8 of 8

Rock climbing in “The Great Rock”? Makes sense Hopefully that won’t stop you venturing out the nature board walk and bird hides. Adrenalin for those so inclined. Loop Head is an enjoyably into the city, as The Absolute is located in close junkies will enjoy the light Watersports and peaceful peninsula, while is another proximity to Thomond Park and the Milk Market. Activity lake, offering pedalo Boats, rowing boats stronghold for surfers. The legendary spa town and water walker zorbs. After all that, grab a of Lisdoonvarna receives plenty of visitors, SOUTH WEST much-deserved bite and break at the Lakeside particularly as autumn arrives and the 150-yearold Kerry is a tourist’s dream, a true kingdom Caf6. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival kicks off. overflowing with so many natural riches and Our journey concludes in Cork. A vast county A vibrant programme of music, dancing and that captivating scenery that we could spend the with plenty to offer, a lot of the real delights famous Lisdoonvarna craic won’t let you down. rest of Go Rail discussing it. We’ll skip the of Cork's stretch on the Wild Atlantic Way can Steeped in history, it’s also moving with the gushing about swimming with dolphins, the actually be found off the mainland. Garinish times. New to the festival is the Gay Weekend. terrific seafood restaurants and the dramatic Island has some wonderful gardens bursting with Dubbed 'The Outing’ and hosted by the one Ring Of Kerry - those lakes alone, wow - and sub-tropical vegetation, Cape Island is one for and only Panti Bliss, the weekend will feature cherry-pick other musts. Nestled against the the bird watchers, while Sherkin Island is noted matchmaking events, concerts and more. It all heart of the Dingle Peninsula, Tralee Bay boasts for its idyllic beaches. Back off the ferry, each of takes place August 29 - October 5. For further clear waters, golden beaches and plenty of Cork’s peninsulas has a draw of some kind. Mizen information, log on to matchmakerireland.com. opportunities for power boating and kayaking. Head may be the best known, and the bridge Limerick City, with its vibrant atmosphere and Pay a visit to the new Tralee Bay Wetlands walk to its famous light house won't be forgotten indelible character, is an option if you need a Centre (traleebaywetlands.org), located off in a hurry. If you just want to lie on the warm Munster base. Located in the Medieval Quarter the N86 on the Wild Atlantic Way. A stone’s sand - and have the weather for it - Clonakilty overlooking the Abbey River, The Absolute Hotel throw from the town centre, it has two areas for and Barleycove are both good. Cork is also (absolutehotel.com) provides all the luxury, visitors, appealing to a variety of interests and renowned for good eats, particularly in Kenmare comfort and amenities you’d expect of a four star age groups. Within the Nature Zone, visitors and Kinsale, which bookend geographically the establishment. Overseen by chef Martin Crownan, can experience an interactive wildlife exhibition, county’s Wild Atlantic Way contribution. the Absolute Bar & Grill is one of the best go on a guided nature boat tour, climb (or take restaurants in town, while the Escape Beauty & the elevator) to the top of the 20 metre tower For more, go to discoverireland.ie/Wild-AtlanticWay Day Spa will ensure you're properly pampered. that boasts the best view in town and explore