Nora the Explorer!

Hi all,

I’m back! I’ve just had the most wonderful day in the Botanic Gardens in North Dublin. It’s like a little hidden gem in such a lively bustling city such as Dublin!
Just like Glasnevin Graveyard and Museum I was able to take a leisurely walk from the Ardmore Hotel (well that was after I had a little rest after the big lovely Full Irish breakfast I had in the Cream Restaurant-compliments to the chef!)
So anyway I got to the Gardens and was immediately struck by the beautiful smell of the hundreds of flowers, plants and trees that call this place home.
I have to say my favourite part of my visit was feeding the ducks in the many ponds and streams,( I’m not actually sure if you’re allowed do that-oops!), while feeding the ducks I was delighted to find a cheeky pair of squirrels inching their way toward me to try get some bread! I had never seen anything like it they’re obviously well used to people!
Another beautiful part of the Botanic Gardens is the Rose Garden, filled with hundreds of roses, all different types and colours-and the fragrance! My word, it was heavenly!
I ended up spending the whole day there just following all the little paths and bridges to one beautiful garden after another, it was wonderful.
I definitely think I’ll be making a return trip before I leave Dublin!
But for now it’s back to the Ardmore- I’ve had a craving for the chef’s hot and spicy chicken wings all day!- I might even have a pint of Guinness to wash it down!
Well bye for now I’ll be back soon

Nora

Nora The Explorer!

Well I am finally getting around to logging in. Since arriving at the Ardmore Hotel I have had such a time exploring North Dublin that I havent had a moment. Last Saturday Night I had such a great time singing and dancing in Premier Bar that I almost couldnt talk or walk on Sunday. Terrific band and night. However I did manage to make it for the Sunday Carvery- Roast Chicken with fab vegetables and my favourite Mash- extra gravy for me please chef!

Anyway on Monday I set off on the short walk to the new Glasnevin Museum, what a unique idea- a museum attached to the cemetary- dont think there is another one anywhere else in the world. The weather was lovely and walking over the hill towards Glasnevin Cemetary it is hard to imagine that there is over one million people buried there.

The museum itself lived up to expectation with City of the Dead being far more interesting than its gloomy title sounds. The entire exhibition is thought provoking and it is difficult not to feel insignificant when presented with many books toys and possessions belonging to people buried in the graveyard.

I enjoyed stories from the Grave Diggers- recorded years ago in Kavanaghs pub as well as a film about the history including the Body Snatchers..

Many famous people are buried in Glasnevin Cemetary including Maude Gonne, Luke Kelly and Christy Brown. I spent hours flicking through the touch screens absorbing the information. All in all a very enjoyable and unique experience.

By the time I walked back to the Ardmore Hotel I was shattered, just popped in for the one glass of guinness in Premier Bar and lo and behold there were a few of my buddies from Saturday Night, a friendlier bunch you couldnt meet with Jim holding court at the end of the bar reading out the most interesting parts of the paper!

This morning I have indulged with a delicious breakfast of Waffles, covered in Maple Syrup in Cream Restaurant so I am set up for the day. Ill update you again soon about my travels in North Dublin as soon as I can.

Take Care til then, Nora

Daily Specials

Why not take a look at our Specials Menu for today and come down to the Premier Bar for lunch to try it for yourself!

Cream of Celery & Apple Soup

Roast Loin of Bacon with a Parsley Sauce served with Mixed Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes

Oven Roasted Pork & Leek Sausage served with Mixed Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Grilled Fresh Seabreem served in a Hollandaise Sauce

Roast Vegetable Quiche served with Side Salad

Chocolate & Hazelnut Meringue Roulade served with Fresh Cream

Nora The Explorer!!

Watch this space- from Monday onwards we will be handing our blog over every week to Nora the Explorer..

Nora the Explorer as she is known is a guest of ours who has recently returned to Ireland from abroad. Such was her delight when she discovered a hotel located on the very spot of the Premier Dairies Factory that she checked in straight away. Many happy memories from an era long gone.

Nora will be staying with us at the Ardmore Hotel for the next six months and plans to pack as much into those six months as possible.

Nora intends to discover North Dublin as it is now. Starting with a trip to Glasnevin Museum and Cemetery. She has agreed to share her voyage of discovery with our guests and will update the blog as she goes. Visits will include the many attractions that are within easy distance of the Ardmore Hotel. We have recommended some but I am sure that there will be many more that we havent thought of- perhaps you can give her some advice? Sometimes we take for granted the many terrific places on our doorstep.

So far on the list after the Museum & Cemetery have been explored are The Botanic Gardens, Croke Park Stadium, Dublin Zoo, the Phoenix Park, National Aquatic Centre, Farmleigh House, Aras an Uachtarain, Charlestown, Finglas village, the local Farmers Market in Glasnevin Industrial Estate, Dublinia, Hurly Burly for the neices and nephews and obviously a trip to Dublin City to visit all the City has to offer. The list goes on... Sign up to our blog for the first of many adventures from Nora the Explorer...

Daily Specials

Come down to the Premier Bar for some lunch, we have our daily specials menu from 12.30 until 3pm and an extensive Bar Menu until 10pm

Todays Specials are:

Cream of Vegetable Soup

Roast Crown of Turkey with Herb Stuffing in a Red Wine Gew served with mixed vegetables, baby boiled and roasted potatoes

Half Roast Chicken with Herb Stuffing served with mixed vegetables, baby boiled and roasted potatoes

Beef & Mushroom Pie served with mixed vegetables, baby boiled and roasted potatoes

Warmed Vegetable Quiche served with side salad and coleslaw

Black Forrest Gateau