2009 AA Rosette Award

Chefs at The Castle Hotel celebrate their 17th consecutive AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.

17 Years!

This week The Staff at The Castle Hotel welcomed back some dear old friends from The Isle of Man! Four golfing gents to be exact, who have now stayed with us for 17 consecutive years. They claim that in those 17 years, only 2 days of golfing have been cancelled, so maybe this record suggests our Irish Summer's are better than we think!

Other business we enjoyed this week was; a honeymoon couple from Florida, a walking group from Holland and an active retired dinner group.

The Perfect Day Out

Kayak & Canoe Trips on the Lakes of Killarney, only 35 minutes drive from The Castle Hotel in Macrom.
Explore the deep, sparkling Lakes of Killarney by kayak or canoe! Beginning at 15th century Ross Castle, paddle into Lough Leane, discovering wooded islands, limestone caves and local history. With an experienced, qualified guide learn the skills to master your boat and keep a look-out for white-tailed sea eagles as they soar above Killarney National Park.
Half Day Kayak Trip: €50 per person: 10am - 1pm, a relaxing paddle in the morning breeze.
Full Day Kayak Trip: €75 per person: 10am - 4pm, with picnic lunch & land on the ruins of Innisfallen Abbey.
Dawn Kayak Trip: €60 per person: 6am - 9am, experience the dawn chorus & quietly lapping waters.
Sunset Kayak Trip: €50 per person: 7pm - 10pm, indulge in the rustling islands, sleepy swans & western sunset.

Equipment ProvidedContact: info@outdoorsireland.com or +353 (0) 86 860 45 63. Collection can be arranged.

Walking in The Macroom Area

Our Favourite is Gougane Barra Forest Park, in the Shehy mountains. It has great forest and nature trails suitable for all abilities. From here the river Lee begins it's journey to the sea. The forest is surrounded by mountains which has excellent hill walking.

10 Tips for Hill Walking!

Have a map: OS Discovery Series Map, ideally laminated or in a Ziploc bag.

Check the weather forecast.

Plan your route: where are you going to start and finish, what distance is it, how long will it take you, any hazards along the way such as streams, rivers or cliffs.

Get local knowledge: talk to someone who's already done the walk to find out about places of interest along the way, a good spot to stop for lunch, any access issues.

Have the right equipment: boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, hat & gloves, food & drink.

Park considerately and ask permission from the landowner to cross their land, if necessary.

Leave no trace behind you: everything from tea bags to banana skins should come back with you.

If the weather begins to put you under pressure or your own abilities are reaching their limits then recognise it as early as possible and change your route accordingly.

Take plenty of photos.

Don't lose your car keys!