Live It. Experience It.

07/02/2025

Lunch at Castle Leslie Estate - I highly recommend the beetroot and goats cheese tartlet and cod cheeks.

04/02/2025

Carlingford Lough at sunset!

04/02/2025

There’s something truly special about Carlingford oysters and on Sunday I took such a craving for them that we took a whimsical trip from Co Armagh to Co Louth at sunset so a plate of deliciousness could be placed in front of us.

We were able to get a table in PJ O Hare's which was buzzing, the town was thriving and trad sessions could be heard from all the little pubs.

Even though it was baltic outside, it was superb to see so many people out having the craic and enjoying great food and live music.

I love living in the orchard county but our seafood offering is little to none and so the lure to the coastline is always a strong one for me.

The premium Louët-Feisser Oysters are hand selected oysters which are truly the best of the best.

Look at that beauty!

01/02/2025

What a lovely Saturday morning treat at Groucho's On The Square in Richhill, Co Armagh.

Thanks chef Mervyn Steenson for another mighty breakfast.

Breakfast is served at the weekends from 10am til noon.

Food Heartland

29/12/2024

Now that everyone is fed up with turkey and ham dinners, a few of my friends were asking if I could recommend somewhere for a day trip during the festive season.

We stumbled across The Neptune Bar, Blackrock County Louth a few weeks back. It's a top class eatery which is clearly celebrated for its exceptional food offering.

I now understand why it's frequently praised for the generous portions and reasonable prices, with dishes like the loaded fries standing out as particularly delightful and these beautiful Mexican Tacos.

The menu is thoughtfully designed, and as people bring their food to the table, there's food envy everywhere. The glances from hungry eyes are very funny to watch!

Complimenting the food, the bar serves a variety of cocktails which not only look gorgeous but I hear they taste gorgeous too.

The bar's cool, edgy atmosphere, enhanced by a spacious outdoor area with a retractable roof, provides a unique dining experience which combines excellent food with a vibrant setting.

If you're looking a day trip out, this is your go to place. We went on the motorbikes from Co Armagh - it's so easy to get to and not far in the slightest.

If you go, enjoy. The food is lush!

04/11/2024

Autumn at Brantry Lough, a lake located in County Tyrone, near the Georgian village of Caledon. It's primarily known for its excellent brown trout fishing. Anglers can fish using fly fishing techniques or from non-mechanical boats, with dedicated angling stands also available near the car park.

It's a great spot for outdoor recreation with paths around the lake making it a popular location for walkers and runners!

29/10/2024

A beautiful day in beautiful Donegal. After four days of rain, we now get this.

29/10/2024

What a morning to be in the hills of Donegal. Here's our view from our favourite High Glen Cottage.

29/10/2024

Anyone who knows me knows that I believe Donegal to be the best place on earth. It's magical, raw, steeped in history and is so unique in so many ways. It has the power to make you stop and breathe.

And even though I know so many nooks and crannies, there's one wee turn off I just never took before - until this trip that is.

I've been admiring Doe Castle from the road for donkeys years but I've always been heading on to Ards or Dunfanaghy. But this beauty, with the surrounding colours of autumn enriching its beauty, called out my name this time.

Doe Castle stands in an inlet of Sheephaven Bay, surrounded by the wild waters of the Atlantic. It's a medieval stronghold of the MacSweeneys.

The fortress was built in the 1420s and for almost 200 years it served as home, refuge and bastion for at least 13 MacSweeney chiefs – some of whom were party and witness to the most seismic events of Irish history. To explore in around it is just fantastic and every barred gap you peek through, the scenery is to be seen to be believed.

Well worth the stop!

28/10/2024

Taking a breather in the hills of Donegal.

💚💚💚

01/07/2024

Castle Grove Country House Hotel near Ramelton, Donegal, will always have a special place in my heart.

Back in September 1994, in QUB halls of residence, I was in Ogilvie Hall and who ends up being my next door neighbour? Karoline Sweeney! That wasn't today or yesterday but I was a very lucky girl to meet someone so amazing.

When we were students, we'd get the bus from Belfast to Letterkenny and stay here for the weekend. The house was something else back then. You should see it now!

Years later, since we last saw each other, about 27 years to be precise, we finally arranged a night together in Karoline's home - back to Castle Grove Country House.

Times have changed but what hasn't changed is the warmth of the Sweeney family and my dear friend Karoline hasn't changed a bit. It's true what they say - the oldies are the besties!

Everyone who comes through that big front door into that stunning Georgian hallway is treated like family whether your staff, visitors or an old friend like me.

We had a brilliant night. We laughed, we ate, we laughed and laughed some more. It was great to be back.

This magnificent award winning country house and member of Ireland's Blue Book, is a very special place indeed. The bedrooms are all fabulous.

We were very privileged to get staying in the George B Shaw room which is exquisite with its seven foot bed, stunning bathroom, with views of the perfectly manicured lawns overlooking Lough Swilly.

The food in the Michelin recommended restaurant - my goodness. When you're in Donegal, like I often am as it's my favourite place on earth, I just have to indulge in whatever seafood offerings there are. The flavours and textures, the vibrancy and care of every plate which came out of the kitchen, was top class. Compliments to the chef and the front of house team - your attention to detail was phenomenal.

Castle Grove Country House is one of the few remaining private estates in the northwest of Ireland. Once you drive through the gates and meander your way towards the house, with its own walled garden to your right, you are immediately feeling the tranquility. You know you're somewhere special.

I just love it!

This is a home away from home. A destination. A wedding venue. A place to hold your special occasion. A big old Georgian country house to be admired.

If you've never been, you must go. If you've been and haven't been in a while, go back!

To book, you can ring directly on 00353 74 9151118 or book online https://www.castlegrove.com/

Castle Grove Country House is a treat. So treat yourself!

A big thank you to the Sweeney family. ❤️

25/12/2023

Happy Christmas everyone. Here's to a new year full of adventure, stories and making memories!

19/11/2023

This is mind blowing!

Game of Thrones tour, Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge. What an experience!

Get on the Westeros bus at the Boulevard which will transport you to this magical location!

Visit Armagh Visit Belfast Visit Ireland Linen Mill Studios Live It. Experience It.

23/10/2023

This Saturday is the hugely popular Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre and I'm gutted to be missing it! This is a great celebration of the Armagh Bramley Apple and there'll be a wonderful array of food and drink producers on their stalls. This is a brilliant day out so enjoy it if you go!

I, however, will be lapping up the sea air in Donegal for a impromptu trip west! Our home for the weekend is Creevy Cottages so I'm looking forward to the smell of turf, the feel of the wild Atlantic gusts, the taste of freshly caught seafood, long walks with the dogs and my handsome other half!

06/07/2023

So far on our we've been hiking with alpacas at BallyBurren, deep sea mackerel fishing with Causeway Lass and today we are taking some friends with us on a woodland walk at Breckenhill with Hawk Walks Falconry Experiences N.I... the children are going to love this.

If you've any other recommendations, tag below. Much appreciated.



📸 Hawk Walks Falconry Experiences NI.

06/07/2023

It looks like it's all happening in September as two of my favourite things feature during the month - food and cider!! Check out this itinerary and book your spots!

The Armagh Food and Cider Weekend is happening from September 7-10 - the biggest foodie event of the season in the heart of the Orchard County.

Visit Armagh Crannagael House Long Meadow Cider Navan Centre & Fort Yellow Door Burren Balsamic Wee Buns Cookery School Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Spadetown Krazi Baker Kinnego Bushcraft

VisitArmagh.com is Armagh’s official visitor site with events, things to do, tourist information tours and attractions. Plan your visit to Ireland's ecclesiastical capital.