Fresh Eire Blog

Waterford

Waterford city is located in the south east coast of Ireland and is known to be the most ancient town of the country. Throughout its history, Waterford was coveted by the Vikings and English who successively failed to conquer the city until 1650, earning it the name of «Urbs Intacta Magnet Waterfordia» (Waterford remains the untaken city) and thus acknowledging its fierce resistance. Besides its ancient historical legacy which remains an important part of the city’s architecture and identity, Waterford is recently famous for its crystal and glass production showcasing its unique local know-how and expertise. 

Hotels

- Fitzwilton Hotel:

Fitzwilton Hotel is a beautiful 4 star boutique luxury hotel located in the centre of Waterford. It is a true institution in terms of luxury, quality and leisure and has a strong modern character in its design. The Fitzwilton Hotel provides large rooms which will perfectly welcome your whole family and its advantageous location will allow you to serenely discover the city. Moreover, you will find on the ground floor of the hotel an excellent restaurant, Chez K’s Bistro, offering a diverse selection of products in order to satisfy everyone’s taste.

- Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort:

The Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is an emblematic historical landmark which hosted the famous Fitzgerald family for centuries before being turned into a prestigious hotel. The hotel is located in a private island on the eastern part of Waterford and offers a splendid setting surrounded by nature. It is the perfect place to enjoy intimate holidays and even more if you are a golf fan. Indeed, here you will find Ireland’s only true island golf resort with top facilities.

Restaurants

- Bodega:
Bodega is one of the most praised restaurants in Waterford because of the quality and freshness of its products. The collaboration with the local food providers allows the restaurant to both put forward the local food scene and offer worldwide famous dishes. This original approach between localism and globalism has been granted several awards reflecting the ever growing demand. Nonetheless, a lunch or dinner at Bodega will guarantee a good experience in a friendly environment with an excellent range of choices for wines or cocktails.

- Geoff’s:

Geoff’s is a traditional Irish pub offering great food and drinks. Its central location makes it an excellent place to stop by, either if you want to grab a beer or just taste some local dishes. Either way, you will enjoy an authentic and pleasant ambiance. Despite its popularity with locals which can lead to large crowds, Geoff’s is a place totally worth seeing and experiencing if you come to Waterford!

Attractions

- Waterford Museums of Treasures:

The Waterford Museums of Treasures are three different museums located each in the historical city centre just a few blocks away from each other. The Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower and Bishop’s palace will give you a broader insight regarding the history of the most ancient Irish city and allow you to contemplate sumptuous vestiges of the past. Indeed each museum presents a different aspect and time of Waterford and hence allows everyone to choose what you want to see depending your area of interest. The Reginald's tower is an impressive stone monument which survived throughout the ages, where Vikings used to gather their winnings whereas the Medieval Museum presents treasures from the Middle Ages. The Bishop's Palace is the place where you will find the creations from the last three centuries.

- Waterford Crystal Museum:

The Waterford Crystal Museum offers a unique opportunity to its visitors to discover the crystal production from the mould making to the engraving. During the previous centuries, this special know-how has put Waterford on the map makes it the pride of the city. The originality of this museum is the first hand experience provided to visitors, as indeed you can admire the whole production process of true crystal masterpieces.

- Golf:
As we previously mentioned, Waterford is a great place to golf in Ireland! In complement to our previous recommendation for Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf resort, we would like to add the Faithlegg Golf Club. It was designed by a famous Irish golf course architect, Mr. Paddy Merrigan, and is known to be a challenging step for golfers of every level. The Faithlegg Golf Club has also great facilities going from a spa to its Red Cedar Lounge which will allow you to profit from the greens as well as the leisure installations in order to fully appreciate your stay in Waterford.

- Edmund Rice Museum:

The Edmund Rice Museum is a tribute to a man who dedicated its whole life to the poors and disadvantaged of Waterford. This eponym museum presents the legacy of a man who inspired not only its generation but a whole people. Edmund Rice was a successfull businessman who tragically lost his family and a Roman Catholic philanthropist who dedicated its fortune and time to give a chance to the poor children to receive an education. Its behaviour in troubled times has been a great source of inspiration and a life lessons which still keep on motivating people. 

Brussels is the capital of Belgium but also the institutional centre of the European Union where you will find the headquarters. Because of this unique situation, Brussels is a national and European hub with a strong cosmopolitan dimension which is shown by its very diverse population composed of numerous cultures, religions and languages. With its 80 museums and its diverse architectural influences, Brussels is a perfect destination for an enriching cultural journey as well as for culinary vacations.

Attractions

Sablon area

Divided into Grand and Petit Sablon, this area is a must-see while visiting Brussels. Here you can taste some marvellous Belgian chocolate while visiting its monuments like the Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon or the Ergmont Park and Palace. In the weekends the Grand Sablon is transformed into a market where you can find some extremely rare objects and books if you are lucky.

Chatelain area

Chatelain area is a pretty, chic neighbourhood which can satisfy all your requests. Rich in Art Nouveau buildings, this area is perfect for tasting some flavourful local wines in stylish bars. While being here you cannot miss the Horta House, named after his former owner, the Belgian Art Nouveau Architect Victor Horta, regarded as a UNESCO world heritage site, and is one of the most outstanding buildings in Brussels.

Magritte Museum

The Magritte Museum, named after and dedicated to surrealist artist René Magritte, houses more than 200 of his works. He became famous for his provocative works trying to challenge and destroy the observer's preconditioned ideas of the world.

Hotels

Hotel Welcome

Hotel Welcome is an atypical hotel with 17 different rooms, going from the standard ones to the suite. The rooms of the hotel will set you on a unique journey as each of them are decorated according to famous exotic destinations. Located right in the city centre, a stay in at Hotel Welcome will leave you with a memorable experience.

Mas Residence

Mas Residence is situated in a nice area of the European quarter which perfectly suits either tourists or business travellers’ requirements. Their website provides several promotions all the year long and it is a really good choice to start your exploration of Brussels!

Made in Louise

Made in Louise is a family-owned hotel which makes it a great place to stay. You will also highly appreciate the location at the heart of Brussels' historic centre. The famous Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts and the Magritte Museum are all within a few minutes walk. Each of the rooms has unique features and are nicely decorated with pastel colours.

Restaurants

Chez Franz

Chez Franz, a café by day and a bar by night, is a perfect place to meet some local people because it is a popular place among them. They serve some traditional products from your Croissant for the Breakfast to your afterwork’s beer and always in a casual environment! There is also a terrace, where you can enjoy Brussels' sun while tasting some local food or wine.

Belga Queen

Belga Queen, located at the heart of the capital, is a sophisticated underground local which serves Brasserie-style menus renewed every week with local seasonal products. This restaurant is located in a 18th century building renovated by local architect Antonio Pinto creating a contemporary refined restaurant.

Le Rabassier

Le Rebassier restaurant is a tiny, but wonderful restaurant awarded with the Luxury restaurant award. Only 18 persons per night can have the privileged to taste their sophisticated cuisine where truffles have a prominent place. The menu offers traditional as well as contemporary dishes which will undoubtedly satisfy your finest expectations.

Split

Split is one the oldest cities and the second largest of Croatia. This is a dynamic city centred on the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Split is a great city with a lot of cultural diversity and is settled in an magnificent area between coastal mountains and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.

Hotels

- Palace Judita Heritage hotel:
Palace Judita Heritage is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Split, right in front of the Diocletian’s Palace. You can choose between four different types of rooms whose names are inspired by a legendary local figure.  Be sure to bring ear plugs; the Palace can be a loud place at night.

- Hotel Vestibul Palace: 
Vestibul Palace Hotel, located inside the Diocletian’s Palace, is a 4-star hotel and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the world’. The hotel has different orientations regarding the architectural style, there are indeed Romanic, Gothic and Renaissance influences which contribute to its unique character. The comfortable rooms are a combination of ancient and modern styles which are an integral and inseparable part of what make the charm of the Hotel Vestibul Palace. Be sure to bring ear plugs; the Palace can be a loud place at night.

- Hotel Atrium:
Hotel Atrium is one of the only 5-star hotels in Split, located just a few minutes away from the city centre. All rooms are modern and furnished with cutting-edge equipment. While staying there you can enjoy several different pleasant services such as an organized visiting day through the city, a relaxing massages at the Spa centre or a swim in the pool.

- Marmont Hotel

Marmont, located in the old city centre, is a four star hotel that, despite its old-fashioned and traditional exterior, is very contemporarily furnished.  The large rooms are very luxurious, very comfortable and furnished in a modern fashion.  The restaurant shares this interior and offers dishes from all over the world.  The hotel is only a few minutes away from Diocletian's Palace. 

- Cornaro  Hotel

Cornaro is a four star hotel in the middle of Split's old city centre, a short walk away from the Palace and the Riva.  This luxurious hotel has contemporarily styled, large rooms and modern interiors.  The exterior is in a lovely pink-red building that fits right in the traditional old centre. 

Restaurants

- Augubio Congo: 

Augubio Congo is a restaurant located in a 15th century villa. In this cosy and relaxing restaurant you will have the opportunity to discover some traditional Mediterranean food mixed with modern influences.

- Bokeria Kitchen & Wine:
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine was built in an old hardware market, and its style is inspired by the lively markets of Barcelona . Located right in the centre of the town, this restaurant offers you a broad range of dishes plus several seasonal meals which will perfectly match the flavourful Croatian wines. The detail that you will undoubtedly appreciate at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is the live jazz music.  The accoustics in here however make for a very loud environment.

- Konoba Varoš:

Konoba Varoš restaurant is located in the ancient part of Split. It is an old-styled restaurant with wood decorations offering a pleasant Dalmatian background music creating a very authentic and pleasant atmosphere. They serve various typical Dalmatian meals with fresh local meat or fish, which will match everyone’s requirements.  If you intend to order a Peka Octopus (stew), be sure to give the restaurant some notice - ideally 24 hours minimum.

- Zinfandel's Food & Wine Bar

According to the owners, they wanted the interior to be both industrial and rustic looking and it truly looks exquisite.  Importantly, they've also managed to capture the hearts of guests with their contemporary Croatian cuisine and tapas, charcuterie and cheese platters, excellent wines and impeccable service.  It is tucked away nicely in a quiet little alley, close to Diocletian's Palace. 

- Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar

This wine and cheese bar has 'Dalmatia' written all over it with over 100 wines.  Representing the diversity and quality of wines in this region, 50 wines are available to try by the glass.  As well, they offer about 20 artisan cheeses that are primarily produced locally.  You can pick and choose whatever suits your taste buds as you relax in their cozy interior space with stonewalls set against elm and oak furniture.  They have an extremely friendly staff, many of which hold wine qualifications

- Mazzgoon

Newer eateries like the eclectic Mazzgoon at the West Gate of the Palace, with a charming courtyard that wraps around the place, are creating imaginative interpretations like terrine of rabbit with grapefruit marmalade starters; a smashing risotto with raisins and apples and finishing a traditional brudet fish stew with local sweet wine to give it a marvelous new taste.  Their pastry chef adores chocolate and her homemade truffles are absolutely killer.  If you really consider yourself a seafood aficionado, now that you are finally here, the one dish you must have at least one serving of is Black Risotto.  Don't be put off by its strange licorice look, the taste is remarkably light and sweet.  Other fin food not to miss, despite its lowly status and bargain price is Gavuni and Sardines.  The former are tiny smelts that are quick-fried and so downright yummy they're like seafood pomme frites.  And the sardines here are so fresh and unsalty, you will be amazed.  Then there's Grdobina (devil's mother), a ferocious looking monster whose fat, sharp toothed head is chucked into the soup pot, but it's firm white yummy tail is deliciously grilled.  Padraic, owner and operating manager of Fresh Eire Adventures, claims the macaroni, shrimp, cream and black truffle dish here is the best he has tried in the city. 

Attractions

- Diocletian’s Palace:
The Palace of Diocletian is listed, with the Historical Complex of Split, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive palace charged with history was built in the 4th century as an retirement residence for Diocletian, the famous and powerful Roman emperor. Nowadays it represents almost half of the town's historical centre and is one of the most crowded tourists sites. While visiting the Diocletians’s Palace, don’t forget to visit Saint Domnius Cathedral which basically built as a mausoleum, a majestic funeral eulogy from another time.  Be sure to check out our blog post Diocletian: From Emperor To Enigma written by renowned historian Jonathan Brucefield. 

- Archaeological Museum

Even though it's situated north of the town centre, Split's archaeological museum is certainly worth the trip.  The museum was founded in 1820, making it the oldest museum in Croatia.  The museum's contents come mainly from central Dalmatia, especially from Salona, with thousands of stone epitaphs from that region.  Also featured are ceramics and glass of Greek and Roman origin, along with hundreds of other objects made from bone, metal and glass from various historical periods including prehistoric, pre-Christian, Greek and Medieval.

- Froggyland

This quirky museum exhibits over 500 stuffed frogs in every day human situations.  This is all possible thanks to Taxidermy, a preservation technique that fills up the frog from the inside through its mouth.  The museum features frogs who have been preserved by masters such as Francois Perrier, Walter Potter and Pierre-Yves Renkin.  Ferenc Mere, founder of the museum and also a master in the art of Taxidermy, created this unique collection which, to the present day, remains the biggest and best collection of its kind in the world. 

- Beaches:

1. Riva 

Riva beach is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of relaxation with either a walk along the promenade or a glass of wine in front of the water. This is a dreamy setting with palm trees and pristine waters where several cafés and bars are situated. This location is popular and the setting is as beautiful by day as by night.

2. Bačvice Beach 

Bačvice Beach is the favourite beach of Split for swimmers, as they can practice all year around. Not only the warm temperature is appreciated but also the cleanliness of the water. Indeed Bačvice Beach as earned the ‘Blue Flag’ which awards the quality of the water. Finally this popular beach is also accessible to disabled people and you will find plenty of activities there to make the best of your stay.  Try catch a game of Picigin at sunset - this local, ancient, game is played here. 

- The Ivan Meštrović Gallery:
The Ivan Meštrović Gallery is an art museum honouring the work of the 20th century scultpor. The building in itself is a work art as it as constructed on plans designed by Ivan Meštrović. Inside the building as well as in the beautiful gardens, you can find several masterpieces in marble, stone, bronze or wood.