Lucy and I were delighted to go along to lovely Leitrim today to try out the Afternoon Tea at Glencar teaSHED. I’m sure you all know by now that I’m a big fan of cake and as I’ve been on a healthy eating kick I haven’t had any in ages so today was such a treat.
As I haven’t been picking up the camera I’ve been messing about writing. On one of my walks I was inspired to write this – it’s a sort of poem (I think!)
On the way back from Coney Island after a lovely day at the Bealtaine Festival. Meeting inspiring people, listening to music, poems and stories.
It’s going to be a busy weekend in Sligo with so many wonderful events taking place, here are just a few:
“Hidden Gems to Treasured Destinations”
Historic Temple House was the majestic backdrop to the launch of the very first South Sligo Tourism brochure. Entitled ‘Secrets’, it has the theme ‘hidden gems to treasured destinations. This is a genuine community initiative, planned and produced by a dedicated committee of volunteers and local tourism businesses. The aim is to showcase and unveil the hidden secrets and treasures of south and west Sligo.
“South Sligo Tourism was established to boost visitor numbers and tourism revenue in the region”, said Cllr. Paul Taylor, Chairman, South Sligo Tourism, “This brochure is the first, tangible step towards achieving our aim. Now we have a publication which specifically highlights all that we have to offer in this area. For the first time, the tourism spotlight will illuminate the treasures of south and west Sligo which have for so long remained undiscovered”.
The brochure is both practical and eye-catching. In addition to detailing the many tourist attractions, it also contains a comprehensive map and full calendar of events for 2017, including a weekly Irish music session guide. Right across the south and west Sligo region there are activities and festivals in from music, heritage, crafts, dancing and drama. The brochure will be an invaluable aid to planning a holiday and are likely to prove very popular with locals as well as visitors.
The launch itself was a microcosm of all that’s good in the region. It’s impossible to imagine a more suitable backdrop than Temple House and while the soaring birds of prey from Eagles Flying might have been at home in the surroundings, the lawn was an unusual home for the kayaks of Wild Wet Adventures, who usually reside in the lake nearby. Inside, other local attractions showcased their wares including Woodlands Equestrian Centre, Tubbercurry Golf Club and Beltra Country Market. Even the vast interior of Temple House is not big enough to house all the attractions that South & West Sligo has to offer, but the tasters served to whet the appetites of all present. Visitors can look forward to walking in the rolling low lands of the Ox Mountains, learning Irish music at the Coleman Music Centre, taking in a Ceili during the South Sligo Summer School or just relaxing and enjoying the pace of life in this delightful area.
The REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone) project 2016, led by Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce and Sligo County Council, facilitated the setting up of the South Sligo Tourism Group. This group is a shining example of how real partnership can and does work within communities. Through them South & West Sligo is emphatically claiming its place on the Irish tourism map.
For more information check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southsligotourism or Twitter www.twitter.com/visitsouthsligo #SouthSligo
A follow on from my blog post about my wonderful Friday sampling the most amazing food, drink and hospitality. Saturday in Galway was just as special with a visit to Spiddal, a tour of Galway Market and so much more.
