Make it a double
In exciting news for whiskey lovers this week, two distilleries fling open their doors to the public for the first time.
On Saturday, September 2nd, on the grounds of Slane Castle in Co Meath, the Slane Distillery welcomes visitors to experience the state-of-the-art factory, set on the site of the old estate's stables. Pop in for a guided tour, a behind-the-scenes look at their unique process and a taste of the world-renowned whiskey, steeped in history. The hour-long distillery experience starts from €18 for adults and is open seven days a week (slaneirishwhiskey.com).
Meanwhile, in Dublin, the Pearse Lyons Distillery, housed in the Liberties, offers guests a boutique experience. Sip and savour a range of small-batch Pearse Irish Whiskeys with the help of their tour guide storytellers in the beautiful setting of the nave of St James's Church, where the whiskey is distilled. Tours here start from €20, and tickets can be booked online at pearselyonsdistillery.com.
More Moher
For the fourth consecutive year, Ireland’s most popular natural tourist attraction has welcomed one million visitors. Co Clare’s Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience reached the one million visitor mark on Friday, August 11th, and is now expected to surpass 2016’s record-breaking total visitor number of 1,427,166 by the end of 2017. If you haven’t been already, make it your business to see the stunning cliffs. cliffsofmoher.ie
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London
The Town Hall Hotel, at the centre of Bethnal Green, is named lovingly after its former life. It first opened in 1910; today the hotel offers exquisite dining experiences and palatial art deco-inspired suites. townhallhotel.com
Morzine
VIP Ski's two new penthouses were converted from an old, disused cinema. They are due to open in October and are set to be the last word in alpine luxury. They house eight to 12 skiers. vip-chalets.com
Galway
Glenlo Abbey Hotel boasts one of the best restaurants in Ireland – aboard two original carriages from the Orient Express – and offers cinema screenings in what was the old Abbey. glenloabbeyhotel.ie
Get Appy
Michelin Travel: More than 30,000 points of interest across more than 80 countries are detailed in the app, including the best eateries, hotels and tourist attractions. Available via iTunes, Google Play and Android.
Frontline
Coastal Gem
The Eccles Hotel in the small village of Glengarriff, in west Cork, is top of the September travel list. The hotel overlooks Bantry Bay and is just a short boat trip from the tropical garden island of Garnish. The hotel has been a secret getaway for holiday-makers for 250 years, making it Ireland's longest-established hotel. Thanks to Pippa Middleton's recent visit to the southern hotspot, the area has been abuzz. Stay for one night B&B with dinner from €185 based on two adults sharing and use it as a base to explore the best of Cork's west.
