This is where Holywood star Grace Kelly stayed in Dublin
The Martin Burke suite door opens onto a hall, and I walk into a bright room where the sun beams through a large window. The view of St Stephen's Green is stunning. In front of me is a chaise longue and coffee table with books, bottles of water and some luxury Irish chocolates. The bedroom provides 300-thread Egyptian cotton bedding. A power shower decorated in marble is the ideal way to recover from an early flight. Comfortable robes and slippers are also provided. The hotel features a variety of rooms, all with style and character.
NICE TOUCH
The Horseshoe Bar is the ideal place to start or finish a night in Dublin with one of their classic cocktails. The friendly barman is happy to freestyle and chat through several options. The Horseshoe is frequented by politicians and cultural figures who stop by for a quiet drink. The film-noir lighting, red walls and brass-trimmed curved bar all add to the low-key atmosphere. Upstairs 1824 displays a variety of Irish figures in a mythological setting featured on mural panels painted by artist Paul Slater. Every choice of late-night tipple you can imagine is on display behind the bar in rich wood panelling. Even better is that both of these magnificent bars are on site.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Sunday evening in the Saddle Room was a relaxing and enjoyable experience, I was well looked after by the staff on a warm, quiet evening with a view. I opted for Bantry Bay scallops for the starter and a fillet of Black Angus beef. The sommelier was happy to answer questions and provided the perfect red wine. Another excellent choice, a two-minute walk away, is Hugo's. The turquoise blue outside decor with gold lettering is an iconic Dublin landmark. It's like entering into another magical world brimming with atmosphere. The Guinness & black treacle bread and dressed West Cork crab are a hunger-quenching start to the evening. Murphy is passionate about local produce, and the Andarl Farm pork chop was a mouth-watering highlight.
DRINK IN THE SIGHTS
Glasnevin is Ireland's National Cemetery. I was given a tour that included fascinating stories from the world of sport, art and politics. Among them was Manchester United player Billy (Liam) Whelan, who was killed in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, musician Luke Kelly from The Dubliners and writer Brendan Behan. A short walk from Behan's grave is a pub appropriately known as The Gravediggers, also known as John Kavanagh's, built into the cemetery walls. It's known to serve the best pint of Guinness in Ireland.
GETTING THERE
Direct access to Dublin is available from airports across Scotland.
DETAILS
Rates begin at £523.
For more information visitIreland.com
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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
This is where Holywood star Grace Kelly stayed in Dublin
SLEEPING MATTERS The Martin Burke suite door opens onto a hall, and I walk into a bright room where the sun beams through a large window. The view of St Stephen's Green is stunning. In front of me is a chaise longue and coffee table with books, bottles of water and some luxury Irish chocolates. The bedroom provides 300-thread Egyptian cotton bedding. A power shower decorated in marble is the ideal way to recover from an early flight. Comfortable robes and slippers are also provided. The hotel features a variety of rooms, all with style and character. NICE TOUCH The Horseshoe Bar is the ideal place to start or finish a night in Dublin with one of their classic cocktails. The friendly barman is happy to freestyle and chat through several options. The Horseshoe is frequented by politicians and cultural figures who stop by for a quiet drink. The film-noir lighting, red walls and brass-trimmed curved bar all add to the low-key atmosphere. Upstairs 1824 displays a variety of Irish figures in a mythological setting featured on mural panels painted by artist Paul Slater. Every choice of late-night tipple you can imagine is on display behind the bar in rich wood panelling. Even better is that both of these magnificent bars are on site. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Sunday evening in the Saddle Room was a relaxing and enjoyable experience, I was well looked after by the staff on a warm, quiet evening with a view. I opted for Bantry Bay scallops for the starter and a fillet of Black Angus beef. The sommelier was happy to answer questions and provided the perfect red wine. Another excellent choice, a two-minute walk away, is Hugo's. The turquoise blue outside decor with gold lettering is an iconic Dublin landmark. It's like entering into another magical world brimming with atmosphere. The Guinness & black treacle bread and dressed West Cork crab are a hunger-quenching start to the evening. Murphy is passionate about local produce, and the Andarl Farm pork chop was a mouth-watering highlight. DRINK IN THE SIGHTS Glasnevin is Ireland's National Cemetery. I was given a tour that included fascinating stories from the world of sport, art and politics. Among them was Manchester United player Billy (Liam) Whelan, who was killed in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, musician Luke Kelly from The Dubliners and writer Brendan Behan. A short walk from Behan's grave is a pub appropriately known as The Gravediggers, also known as John Kavanagh's, built into the cemetery walls. It's known to serve the best pint of Guinness in Ireland. GETTING THERE Direct access to Dublin is available from airports across Scotland. DETAILS Rates begin at £523. For more information
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited Philadelphia – the home of Rocky & the birthplace of the USA, full of fascinating history & incredible food
PHILADELPHIA is a city that punches way above its weight - and I'm not just talking about the iconic Rocky statue that looks out over the classy metropolis. The 'City of Brotherly Love' is the birthplace of the United States and is packed full of rich history, art, culture and fantastic cuisine from around the world. Advertisement 9 Philadelphia skyline Credit: Getty 9 Our man at the Rocky statue 9 Philadelphia - a classy city on Amerca's east coast 9 The Philly skyline with the William Penn statue atop City Hall You can stroll from one side of town to the other in around an hour - before running the final 48 steps up the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs immortalised by Sylverter Stallone in the 1976 movie. Known as Philly to the locals, you can now fly direct from Scotland for the first time in six years with American Airlines. 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I arranged a guided tour with City Food Tours to make sure I didn't miss anything. 9 Foodies heaven Reading Terminal Market Credit: Daniel Knoll Advertisement There's American cuisine like cajun and gumbo, pancakes, burgers and the famous Philly cheesesteaks. But they also have Central American, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Moroccan, Japanese…and an Irish pub called Molly Molloy's. There's always an Irish pub! My guide said that food brings people together and that's what Philadelphia was all about, it's not called the City of Brotherly Love for nothing. Speaking of Irish pubs, the city's oldest bar, McGillan's, was just around the corner from the market. Advertisement 9 McGillan's Old Ale House Opened in 1860, the legendary watering hole even survived prohibition and was absolutely bouncing when I arrived - probably because the local baseball team, the Phillies, were playing. The cool funky vibe was maintained in every restaurant I visited. Jim's on South Street was a rite of passage for a cheesesteak while the Harp and Crown was a classy dinner joint for a Friday night. Advertisement Chris' Jazz Cafe was like going back in time. I had the jambalaya while the live band entertained us with exceptional tunes, both new and old. Talking of going back in time, no visit to Philly is complete without checking out Independence Hall, the birthplace of the nation. The building has been lovingly maintained from the days in 1776 when America came into being and broke away from the British Empire. Across the road, the Liberty Bell is one of the most recognisable symbols of freedom across the globe. Advertisement 9 Gordon, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in the background It became a powerful sight during the abolition of slavery and, despite cracking over the centuries, has stayed a massive part of the American identity. Nearby, the Museum of the American Revolution is another must-visit part of Philly. 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GO: PHILADELPHIA GO: PHILLY GETTING THERE: American Airlines flies daily direct from Edinburgh to Philadelphia until October 5. See for best fares. STAYING THERE: For best room rates at the 5H Loews Philadelphia Hotel. See MORE INFO: See for all you need to know to visit the city. For art aficionados, the city has a dazzling array of galleries that would grace any city in the world. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is absolutely enormous and packed with valuable pieces, some of them hundreds of years old. Advertisement You could spend days exploring the three floors and not get bored. Just a few minutes walk away, the Barnes Foundation is another treasure. There are Picassos, Renoirs and fantastic art that can't be seen anywhere else in the world. On the other side of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a museum dedicated to the man himself. Advertisement He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and was a scientist among many other things, including being a signatory to the Declaration of Independence. The building that bears his name, the Franklin Institute, is an awe-inspiring celebration of cutting edge science and technology, delivered in an easy-to-understand way. As if that wasn't enough art, the South Philly Art Tour by WeVenture is another must. The two hour wander around the funky neighbourhood is illustrated by street art by Isaiah Zagar. Advertisement His mosaics that cover entire building walls and lanes tell stories about the people who stay in the area - some alive and some as a tribute in death - along with his views on historic events. It's a lifetime's work that surrounds you and it's incredible stuff to see. On my walk home, I decided to have a seat at Dilworth Park, just outside the City Hall. 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North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
I spent day in Llandudno and tried out things I've not done for years
Many of us have enjoyed the attractions of North Wales' premier seaside town - but often when we were much younger. With the summer holidays coming up, I revisited Llandudno - dubbed the Queen of Welsh Resorts - to see whether they still have the same allure, and was pleasantly surprised. Llandudno has upwards of 2.8 million day visitors a year according to a Great British Tourism Survey from some time ago, giving the area a huge economic boost. On Tuesday morning, I started out at the Great Orme and drove to the summit car park. I intended to take a cable car ride but popped into the shop first for a mooch. It has the usual fridge magnets and knicknacks but I was interested to see they sell a children's Fossil Dig Kit for £6.99, (marine invertebrate and coral fossils have been found in the carboniferious limestone hereabouts), a Llandudno seagull cuddly toy (£7.50) and mini bingo (£1.99) for the trip home. The adjoining summit cafe, with its hot buffet, was very popular. Then it was time to take a Great Orme cable car ride for the first time in years. You go around the back of the summit cafe and can buy a return ticket for £15 at a booth. Beware it's cash only though. Naturally, safety is crucial and aswell as a somewhat ambiguous sign warning customers "Anyone standing up in the cable car may not return", there were sandbags to weigh it down during the journey. With a gentle jolt, I was off, leaving behind the hubbub from the machinery. It's a nine-minute descent and I was impressed once again with the panoramic views of Llandudno Bay, Great Orme Country Park, disused quarries, St Tudno's Churchyard and Haulfre Gardens. The peacefulness and serenity were striking (I didn't look directly down), punctuated by an occasional, cheery "Hello" from the occupants of a passing cable car. I got off at the cable car station by Happy Valley (having to pay another 50p - not sure why) before walking around the building to get into another cable car for the returning ascent. I learnt there had been customers from Canada and Malaysia that day and I heard American, Irish and Brummie accents too. Clearly, Llandudno's cable cars are enduringly popular. On the way back to the summit car park I passed the Rocky Pines crazy golf course which I'd tried with the family years ago. It still looked fun and a woman was diligently hoovering the mini-fairways to keep them in tip-top condition. Next, I drove into town for a walk along Llandudno Pier - another attraction which has its seaside charms. I headed into the amusement arcade where I spent £1 at a machine to charge up a credit card-sized fun card. It paid for a chance to win a prize on a kind of mini-ferris wheel in a glass cabinet. There were Deadpool, Hello Kitty and Winnie the Pooh lamps but no joy, this time around. Wandering along the pier I was pleased to see a resurgent vinyl record stall - (Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson were among the artists), CDs and further along a Stormtrooper and Darth Vader figures. Of course, the squawking of seagulls is never far away in this town and at another kiosk fridge magnets proudly declared: "I lost my sausage roll/donut/dignity to a seagull in Llandudno". I thought I'd finish off with a lesser known attraction: Llandudno Chocolate Experience. I'd been here a while back but there is always more to learn. Customers get free chocolates of varying types - nutty, plain and milk etc - to be consumed at certain points on the trail to reflect how the taste of it developed. Display boards tell the story - "Milk chocolate would not appear until after Henri Nestle invented powdered milk (in 1867) Daniel Peter worked out how to add it to chocolate." And another board states: "Chocolate was first officially sent as a gift during the Second Boer War to celebrate the New Year of 1901. Queen Victoria asked Cadbury's to make a chocolate bar for her soldiers, however this caused a problem. "Cadbury's was a Quaker company and, as a result the owners were all pacifists. In the end they only branded the bars the Queen saw and the rest were totally unbranded." The chocolate museum is open from 10am till 4pm Mondays to Fridays. (Admission up to £6.50). There's a factory beside the Llandudno Chocolate Experience and Paul Williams and the other staff are happy to explain to you about how chocolate is produced. It had been fun to revisit the attractions of yesteryear and to see they're still flourishing. The town holds happy memories for many and its enduring appeal is clearly attracting new generations of visitors too.
