A visit to Ireland

I am not a keen flyer. No scrap that, I hate flying. This has not always been the case but two bad flights and I have been slightly put off. This hasn't stopped my love of travelling but it does put a dampener on the start and end of any holiday.

                       
So anything that distracts me before flying is a definite plus. No 1 Gatwick is an airport lounge which is the perfect place to escape and while away a few hours before any flight.

When I was invited as their guest during a recent trip to Ireland for a friends wedding, it was a resounding yes. The lounge is lovely and light, with fantastic views of the runways where you can sit and watch planes arriving and taking off. 

They also have complementary hot and cold food, drinks and WiFi. 

Nothing settles a foodies nerves than indulging in their favourite pastime, eating of course!  

A bacon roll, followed by a Waffle...

At £22.50 for three hours, No.1 offers a nice relaxing space to prepare you for your flight. It certainly helped to settle my nerves before takeoff. 

On the ground from Dublin it was a two hour drive to our destination Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan. We passed through lots of beautiful countryside and Bessie the cow popped out to say hello on route. 

We arrived at Slieve Russell Hotel which is set in beautiful grounds on a huge valley, 18 hole golf course and most importantly spa and wellness centre. 

                       

Most hotels generally disappoint me on the food front. Mainly I think because they have to cater on mass to so many diners, food is often either boring or sounds much better on paper than what is delivered. 

The Conall Cernach Restaurant I am pleased to report delivered on both counts a great menu and lovely food. 

For starters I opt for warm goats cheese salad, heather honey, hazelnuts and figs. There is something very naughty about warm cheese and fig; totally delicious. 

My dining companion goes for melon with orange Sorbet. 

For the mains it's an easy choice, we both plump for the Tournedos of Prime Irish Beef Fillet. 

Served with mash and vegetables. 

The steak was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection and the bullion juices divine. The steak was straight of a local farm and was amazing. 

Having spotted dessert on the table next to us it was an easy choice for me. 

Ice cream no matter how full I can always find room. 

However when I spotted this heading to the table I was a little jealous...

The Strawberry Meringue Medley, I was reliably informed, was definitely the better choice. It was polished off in nano seconds and I didn't get a look in. 

The wedding was a truly wonderful occasion, the bride looked beautiful and I was so very pleased that I got to share in my friends wonderful day. A brilliant stay in Ireland. 

www.slieverussell.ie
Slieve Russell Hotel,
Ballyconnell,
Co Cayan