There's A 200th Birthday Party In Ireland
What's more Irish than the potato? How about a pint of Guinness? The Irish Brewery is celebrating the 200th Anniversary—not of its brew but of its first barrel exported to the United States in 1817. The Stout itself was first brewed in 1759 in Dublin's St. James' Gate Brewery. And since then Guinness has been one of the world's most successful brands of beer. Today, Guinness is brewed in almost 50 countries and is sold in over 120. Back home in Ireland, Guinness accounts for one in three beers sold. And it's to its devotees there's nothing like the Guiness that's Dublin's own. To celebrate their American anniversary, two of Ireland's premiere hotels have banded together with a special birthday package. It lets you stay in luxury both in the Capital and further afield in County Mayo. And it lets you experience a pint of Guinness history along the way.
[[{"fid":"4862002","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"%3Cp%3EMerrion%20Hotel%20Drawing%20Room%3C%2Fp%3E","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"%3Cp%3EMerrion%20Hotel%20Drawing%20Room%3C%2Fp%3E","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"3"}}]]
It begins with a two-night stay at Dublin's superb 5-star Merrion Hotel. This Georgian beauty could not be better situated: It's in the heart of Georgian Dublin within easy walking distance of The National Gallery of Ireland, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street. Included is a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, the birthplace of Guinness, where guests will participate in The Guinness Connoisseur Experience. Back at the hotel, birthday party guests can enjoy a full body massage for two and a three-course dinner at The Merrion Restaurant, including a bottle of carefully selected wine.
[[{"fid":"4862000","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"%3Cp%3EAshford%20Castle%20Connaught%20Tea%20Room%3C%2Fp%3E","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"%3Cp%3EAshford%20Castle%20Connaught%20Tea%20Room%3C%2Fp%3E","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"2"}}]]
Then, transfers included, it's off to Country Mayo, a picturesque three-hour drive. And at the end of the rainbow lies Ashford Castle, recognized as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The 13th century castle has the distinction of having been home to the Guinness Family from whom it was purchased and restored to new luster. Guests will be greeted by a member of Ashford Castle's staff whose family served the Guinness' themselves. The 350-acre estate has every imaginable activity from falconry to fishing. But the most memorable part of a stay here may well be the meals served in the elegant George V dining room, tea in the Connaught Room, and drinks before dinner in the Prince of Wales Bar.
As a thoughtful parting gift, Executive Pastry Chef Paula Staklum, has created a Guiness Gift Box that includes Guinness Petit Fours as well as a recipe for Guinness Soda Bread. We managed to cajole Chef Staklum into giving The Daily Meal the recipe which follows.
The total cost of the package with all its many extras is Euro 4,090 (US $ 4641) and stays can be arranged from now until March 31, 2018. To book and to see the entire details of what is on offer, contact either hotel at http://reservations@ashfordcastle.com or info@merrionhotel.com
[[{"fid":"4861982","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"center","field_image_alt[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_title[und][0][value]":false,"field_image_caption[und][0][value]":"","field_image_caption[und][0][format]":"filtered_html","field_image_credit[und][0][value]":"","field_image_credit[und][0][format]":"image_credit","field_has_syndication_rights[und]":"1","field_licensor[und]":"","field_license_id[und][0][value]":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-center","data-delta":"1"}}]]
Ashford Castle's Recipe for Guinness Soda Bread
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups brown flour
½ stick of butter, softened
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar
½ tbsp. salt
1 whole egg
¼ cup honey
1 ½ cups Guinness
Directions:
Mix all dry ingredients. Add butter and honey.
Add egg and Guinness and mix until thoroughly combined.
Place mixture into a 2 lb. loaf tin (16inches by 4 inches)
Bake for 45- 50 minutes at 350 degrees
Let cool before cutting.