A short visit to the centre of Ireland

Athlone is the centre of Ireland isn't it? Or is my geography off?! 

Anyhow a few weeks back we had a mini "staycation" in Athlone / Glasson.

First stop was Wineport Lodge, Glasson.

They upgraded our room to a lake view room with a balcony which was a lovely surprise on arrival. Huge bed, huge shower and bath. Then the views over the lake are just glorious. Even in grey weather. 

We had a drink in the Bollinger lounge before dinner. I had a French martini. It was super and far too easy to drink! 

They brought us the menus and was able to order before even going to our table in the restaurant. They then came back to show us through to our table when our starter almost ready. 

We were shown through to our window table. Fabulous views of the lake at sunset. Just breathtaking. The photo doesn't do it justice! 

To the food. We shared the seafood platter. My favourite had to be the prawns Marie rose (retro I know but still a firm favourite) 

For my main I ordered striploin steak with sweet potato fries and Bearnaise sauce. The fries were served in a cute little pail. The steak was well seasoned and cooked how I like it.

For dessert I chose the chocolate tasting plate. I loved the cookie and cream ice-cream. 

The following morning we chose to have breakfast in our room. I went for the Irish breakfast with pink grapefruit juice and coffee. Great coffee and loved the black pudding. 

Last time we were here was almost 10 years ago. It was far more expensive then from what I remember. Sorry I left it so long. Definitely won't leave it as long next time!! Didn't try hiring a BMW bike or their hot tubs. That's for next time :)

We did some "exploring" but the weather was so rainy it was done by car!

That evening we went to Athlone. We had a couple of drinks in Sean's Bar before dinner. You just have to go here and see the sawdust on the floor for yourself :)

For dinner we booked Kin Khao Thai... It had to be the Best Thai food I've had in a long long time!! 

Starter I had won ton wrappers that came with a fab plum dipping sauce. 

I also got to try some of Sean's mango and prawn salad.

My main was Thai green chicken curry. Lovely kick to it. There was peas in it. I thought they were a v nice addition. I loved it when the chap that looked after us offered more rice to mop up the last of my sauce. 

The crockery is v pretty. 

Had a glass of white wine with our starter then red wine with the main. (Funnily enough we had the same a couple of days later in an Italian restaurant in Dublin :) )

I tried two scoops of their homemade coconut ice-cream for dessert. It was DELICIOUS!!

Lovely setting and I'd definitely go back. If you're in Athlone make this a must go to place :)

Next morning we went for breakfast at Loaves and Fishes.

I had the muffin with bacon and sausage with a coffee. It was really SOOOO yum and there was no scrimping on the breakfast goodies :)

The lady that looked after that was super. Couldn't have been any nicer. 

Such a nice little midweek staycation!

Wine, cider and Asian street food

Stopped in at Cavern at Baggot Street Wines on Upper Baggot Street after walking in the rain from the beer and cider festival at the RDS.

We didn't have food just had glasses of wine. I chose a Viognier - decent glass size.

The staff are so so nice and were v attentive! Brilliant vibe in a great space. 

You can also buy wine from Baggot Street wines and they charge corkage - I think it's €5 for wine. 

They brought out some popcorn with Parmesan, rosemary and sea salt. They were so moreish!! 

I will definitely be back for more wine and food!

The rain had disappeared when we were leaving so we took a stroll around Stephens Green and then headed Camden Street for food. 

Lots of places to choose from but we settled on Neon Asian Street food.

First off I will say that this would have been an exceptional visit but for the fact I'm not really a fan of communal style food sitting beside people and listening in on their conversations. 

You're brought to your seat, given menus and then when you're ready you go up to order at the counter.

I ordered Pinot Grigio and the Thai green curry with tiger prawns and steamed rice. The curries and rice are brought out in takeaway containers and the bowls are already on the table with plastic cutlery. 

The portions are generous and there were LOTS of prawns in the curry.  The curry had a lovely kick to it. 

The food is AWESOME!!! 

They give you cones so you can make your own soft serve ice cream but as you can see from my photo I'm not very good.

If you're a fan of Asian food you have got to try here!

Last stop of the evening was Against the Grain on Wexford Street. Just had a glass of Macivors Cider (they have it on draft here!) and then headed home! Spotted this on Leeson Street... Don't you just love Dublin sunsets?! 

Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival

Industries Hall looks a lot nicer when it's not set up for insurance exams (shudder!!) 

So you collect your glass and wrist band on the way in. Paid €2 to upgrade to the goblet glass. 

Didn't notice the route map so we basically "winged" it :-) 

Great choice of beers and ciders with a couple of distillers thrown in!!

Was good to see so many of the brewers there representing some very fine drinks indeed. 

I did try some beers such as Vincent van Coff by Mountain Man and the Rascals / 250 square coffee beer...

My favourites had to be the special ciders I tried from Toby's (saddle sore scrumpy) and Macivors (festival special) 

The honey cider from Doyles was a lovely way to start the journey. 

Food wise I chose sweet potato fries from Dave's woodfire pizza co (with rosemary & sea salt), thai curry from Bitchin kitchen and then some cookies from the Dublin Cookie Co. Sean went with the fish and chips from Say Fish. 

We tried the salt caramel, chocolate and beer and apple cider cookies. They were really good so we got a box of cookies to bring home! 

We were lucky that we went Saturday afternoon when it wasn't that crowded but the heat in the hall can get unpleasant!! We also managed to get a seat outside in the tent to eat our food and enjoy some tunes. 

My only issues were the lack of seating inside and the greenhouse effect inside the hall.