The Irish Experience - Mountain Explorer

It was that Saturday in March whereby the weather completely forgets what month it is and fast forwards to Summer - a gloriously warm, clear day. Myself and the other half had signed up to a Mountain Explorer Experience with The Irish Experience. An eco, adventure tourism company founded and based in the Sunny South East.

L-R Willy, Graham & me!

The day started in a café of a service station in Lemybrien, Waterford. Here we met our guides for the day. Graham Doyle - owner of the Irish Experience - a ball of enthusiasm and energy, a clear passion for adventure and a bit of an adrenaline junkie. William Nolan – mountain guide, a wealth of knowledge and experience on all things mountaineering and climbing, an impressive resume of climbs and a really nice guy. A ten-minute orientation on what to expect for the day with the group (5 of us on this particular day) and then we were off up the road to park at the foot of the Commeragh mountains. 

The Crew

The walk was going to take up and around the edge of the Coumshingaun lough. We each got a map and compass and Willy took us through some map reading skills so we could find where we were and the lay of the land and then off we went. 

Fitness wise I would say a moderate fitness level is required but we did stop frequently to take in the surrounding views and to do a little bit more map reading - leaving plenty of time to take a breather. 

Trek to the Top

Both Graham and Willy are passionate about the ‘leave no trace’ movement towards ensuring that the countryside should be left exactly as you find it – Eco tourism is a big part of what The Irish Experience is all about – this was evident throughout the day as they picked up and pocketed any bits of rubbish that they came across for proper disposal later.

I have done my fair share of hillwalking over the years and I had expected that this would take me a bit out of my comfort zone – I wasn’t disappointed and to be honest I think I left the comfort zone back on the first steep bit of slope! As we got further up the mountain there were a few sections of scrambling – requiring both hands and feet to negotiate up the rocks. The section just before the summit is the toughest bit of the climb. The mountain is steep and there no room for overtaking. Willy reminded us to put our trust in our feet and they wouldn’t let us down. Despite the fact that the trail is narrow, rocky and steep I did take on what he said and it is amazing how quickly you build that bit of confidence in yourself when you know you have two guides with you as experienced as these two looking after you. The views of the lake on the way up are just spectacular and you really have to remind yourself that you are less than a half hours drive from Waterford city and about an hour from Wexford.

There were a few points where a helping hand was needed when my legs weren’t quite long enough to reach a grip and when we finally did reach the top there were smiles all around as we got to take in what we had just climbed and the spectacular views across Carlow, Wexford and Waterford.

All the way up we had been learning how to recognise the different landscapes and terrains on the map, seen features you may remember from Geography in school and learned tips and tricks for making the most out of your hill walk.

Graham - owner of The Irish Experience

At the summit we found a sheltered spot and sat for lunch. Now, there is dining alfresco and then there is alfresco dining at the top of a mountain in the Irish countryside. What a view! We had packed our own lunch and this was added to by Graham who rustled up hot chocolate for everyone along with a flapjack  - the most enjoyable hot chocolate I think any of us had ever had!  

Making the hot choccies!

After lunch we learned how to use the compass with the map, how to measure distance and some other things which I will look forward to putting into practice on my next outing.

The decent down the other side of the lake was not quite as strenuous and the lads told us some local stories such as that of a man who returned from war and lived for 40 years in the mountains here as he couldn’t bare to be around people and the busyness of the towns.

Snowballs!!

The whole loop covered about 7.5km and we completed it in about 5.5 hours and we had a bit of a sit-down and debrief once back at the carpark.

As well as some fantastic photos, great laughs and a confidence boost we took away some skills that we can work on and develop for future adventures into the mountains!

As the saying goes, ‘tell me and I will forget, show me and I will remember but involve me and I will learn’. The knowledge, passion and genuine excitement at showing people this fantastic landscape and teaching them is a wonderful thing to witness and I would highly recommend Graham, Wille and the Irish Experience as a great way to get a foot out the door and into the surrounds of the South East countryside and coastline.

The View

Tips:

A reasonable level of fitness would be recommended. Walking boots are a must and plenty of water and snacks. Graham sends an email in advance of the day with everything that you will need.

Pricing: This particular excursion costs 59.95 low season and 79.95 per person in the high season, which starts on May 1^st. Group sizes are small to ensure safety and enjoyment for all. 

About The Irish Experience:

The company was founded in 2016 by Graham. They are a Wexford based outdoor adventure company and as well as the mountain experience (which is new for 2017) they offer a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and coasteering in the stunning surrounds of the Hook Peninsula. Catering for corporate, private group, families, hens/stags and students the team are happy to work with you to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.

The Irish Experience can be contacted through their website: theirishexperience.com

So why do it? Why go up the mountains, out of your comfort zone, learn something new and enjoy breath-taking experiences? In the words of guide Willy Nolan “For those who understand, no explanation is necessary; for those who don’t understand, no explanation is possible”.

Get out, join the Irish Experience and Make it Mór!

We did it!

Ends of the earth...

The ends of the earth to which I refer is actually Mizen head - Ireland's most south westerly point. Head to Cork, go through the Jack Lynch and keep going and then keep going some more!

When we visited we camped in Barleycove. A gorgeous little campsite just down the road from Crookhaven village with a lovely little beach in a sheltered inlet to enjoy. 

Mizen head is another fifteen-minute drive from there. Top tip is to get there early in the morning. We arrived just as they were opening up and apart from a few student tour guides lazing in the sun at the visitor centre we had the Southerly tip of the country to ourselves. Just as you are guaranteed to see Fungi in Dingle you are guaranteed to see seals off Mizen head. We weren't disappointed. There was a pair basking in the pool below the landmark bridge - absolutely beautiful! 

 

While we were enjoying the views we noticed a few dolphin fins making their way across the headland. Then a few dolphin fins turned into tens and then into hundreds - it was unbelievable - literally dolphins or as far as you could see. Like a mass migration across the water - what a treat and we got to enjoy the spectacle from the very tip of the country and without a soul around!

It is 7.50 per adult to go through the visitor centre and cross the bridge. There are a few different walkways around and the scenery is worth every cent! Also included is a throwback to junior cert Geography - a spectacular example of a sea arch and sea stack!

Some top tips for your trip to Crookhaven - the campsite owners don't always let you book in advance and operate a first come, first serve basis in the high season. Ring ahead and see what it's looking like then arrive early. Bring a torch for the walk back from the pub at night. It's a narrow road and a busy one when the pub empties out!

Crookhaven village, home of the most southerly pub in Ireland, is a tiny little place and if you are planning on taking a break from campsite cooking and eating out then you will need a reservation during the high season.

On the way to Crookhaven you can take a small detour to Beal na Blaith - the site of the shooting of Michael Collins. It's a humbling place to stop and take in the importance of the history of the area.

Finally, on a summers day, you will be hard pushed to find a more beautiful place to get totally lost so fill up the tank in Dunmanway, turn the sat nav off and just enjoy it!

Step House Hotel - An elegant stay!

A sleepy little village in the heart of County Carlow. A main street and on one side is the Step House Hotel. A boutique hotel and thee perfect place to relax and unwind.

The hotel is just the right size for what it is about. The reception area is stylishly decorated and a lovely young receptionist checked us in. We were staying in an deluxe room. 

Up a little flight of stairs and you are at the room. This hotel is my kind of place. A beautifully decorated room in soft, country greens and creams with a touch of a victorian feel in the furnishings. The double doors opened out to a spacious balcony with a view of Mount Leinster.  Such peaceful and elegant surroundings.

So why did we really chose the Step House – well its reputation for food really!

We dressed for dinner – which there was absolutely no need to do. A few years ago in Ireland there was such a trend of dresscodes. It makes me very happy that is no longer the case but I do like to get a little dressed up – to pay respect to the beautiful food!

The Room

When we booked we didn’t know that the restaurant didn’t open on a Monday or Tuesday. We had opted for lunch earlier on in the day in a little old fashioned pub down the road so we hadn’t already dined in the bar. I have to say I was a little disappointed as I had heard that the ambiance of the restaurant was as nice as the food itself. In saying that the bar had a cozy open fire, bubbly local staff and a genuinely warm atmosphere.

Duck Main Course

The menu is the type of menu I love. Nothing stuffy or anything that could be perceived as pretentious. Just a good selection of good food cooked beautifully.
 

Sticky Toffee Pudding

For starters I had my most favourite dish. Goats cheese. It was done on a toasted bread, toasted nuts, mixed greens and a lovely  delicate dressing. I would have to say it is up there with the best goats cheese starters I have ever had. Honestly it was just divine!

For mains the two of us went for the duck (Duck again I hear you ask?? Yes, we are duck fans and so think we know good duck when we taste it!) This was more then good.  We opted for a red wine with the mains.

For desert Liam opted for a selection of ice cream and sorbets. They were so tasty.  I am a huge fan of anything that has caramel, toffee, butterscotch of a variation of any of these so desert for me was a no brainer. Sticky toffee pudding with popcorn, apricot, elder flower and a nutty ice cream. It was heavenly! A desert chef who can serve a sticky toffee pudding that is rich but not very heavy is top class in  my books!

Relaxing.

After dinner we brought drinks up to the room, threw open the balcony doors and sat enjoying the sunset until, in a matter of minutes, the sky clouded over and then down pour…The perfect time to jump into the huge, cozy and ridiculously comfortable bed!

Breakfast was served in the restaurant. 
It's decorated very simply. It seems to be that if a restaurant is decorated simply the food is where the artistry is. Breakfast offered a choice or healthy or indulgent and we enjoyed a bit of both. The pastries were divine!

The bill came to €170 for the night b&b, dinner and after dinner drinks. The Step House has romance, elegance,  is a culinary treat and a great retreat. Honestly, what’s not to love!


So what's coming up. This Friday we are going to the wedding of friends of ours in the beautiful Seafield Hotel near Gorey, Co Wexford. I have been to the spa but never stayed. As a bride to be myself  it will be a real treat.

Also, I am expecting a fab hamper from Irish Food Co-op full of Irish artisan goodies so I will be doing a review of the products and introducing you to some great Irish food producers.

I hope you enjoyed the read.
Aideen.

The view from the balcony

More views of the Carlow countryside

Dressed for dinner

A hidden gem in the South East - Aldridge Lodge, Duncannon

Aldridge Lodge

Billy Whitty and Joanne Harding are the proprietors of a little jewel in the South East crown – Aldridge Lodge. Situated just outside of the seaside village of Duncannon, Co Wexford it is a gorgeous little escape. It is a restaurant with a small number of lovely guest rooms.

Myself and himself booked a one night b&b and dinner stay. When you arrive to the house you feel as though you really are arriving to stay in someone’s home. The first sign of it being a guesthouse is the doorway framed with various accolade’s from the Irish Times to Food and Wine magazine.

Awards, Awards, Awards!

Billy met us at the door and brought our bags up to a beautiful double room with a view that I would dream of waking up to every day! The room was spacious, bright and fresh. A little tea area with a slice of coffee cake each ‘ to keep us going until dinner time’ as Billy said, was a lovely welcoming treat.

The Room

and the view...

There was no need to book a time for dinner – the table was there for the evening - love it!

We had a pre-dinner glass of prosecco for me and beer for himself. (Himself’s name is Liam and he is my fiancé – he will feature in these pieces frequently!!)

Sunset

Enjoying dinner

A candle lit table by the window to dine while enjoying the most gorgeous Wexford sunset. The menu was great. Not too much that you don’t know what to order but still with a tempting selection. One of the details that jumps out at you is the amount of local produce on the menu. A testament to the thriving food industry in the South East and how local business work with each other.

While Billy and his team work the kitchen, Joanne and her team work the floor and did they work it! Johanne herself is the star of the show and the repeat guests (who there seemed to be a few) were thrilled to have a chat with the bubbly hostess.

Starters were fab. I went for the scallops and himself went for the pork belly. Both were divine. (We both have to try what each others orders – thems the rules!! ) The star of the show for me was the main. We both went with the seared duck breast and confit leg. Succulent, rich and just enough! We enjoyed a bottle of red with this.

Duck for mains

When I was making the booking I had mentioned that Liam was celebrating his birthday. When desert arrived Liam’s was a fun birthday plate complete with candle. I was thrilled and he was mortified (but secretly delighted I think!!)

The Birthday Boy!

After a long, relaxed dinner we retired to a lovely, cosy bed.

Some guests enjoyed a glass of wine and a chat in the bar or the little sitting area by the bedrooms.

Breakfast was a treat with everything you could ask for and again a lot of local produce.

The bill for the night - so b&b a wonderful dinner and drinks came to €193.

We left relaxed, full and with every intention of returning and I can’t pay a higher compliment then that!

Click here to visit their website.

Whats do in the area – Duncannon beach is just down the road and is just lovely. Dunncannon fort is also in the village.

I hope you enjoyed the read. There is lots more to come from Wexford restaurants, a trip to the Midlands and a staycation in Cork. Some more photos to finish it off!!

Aideen.

The room

Pre-dinner drinks

Desert

Duncannon Beach

Nautical!