News from the Front

'We've got mountains, the Lough, good restaurants, a Medieval town, and a real adventure playground with sea fishing, yachting, water skiing, windsurfing and archery'.

This is Carlingford, and we're talking to Paul Carroll of Ghan House. Carlingford is also on the Cooley Peninsula, centre of the republic's only Food & Mouth incident. So what's it like operating in the people business on the Cooley Peninsula?

'The mood is resilient' Paul tells us. 'Bord Failte, up 'till now have always ignored us, but now, for the first time, we are going to get positive discrimination, and it's about bloody time!

'Carlingford has done well due only to private investment. We've one hell of a place here, and it's built up from local people believing in what they have and what they do'.

In response to the FMD outbreak, Bord Failte have agreed to engage a PR company, to market north Louth, and they have a huge amount to offer. Ghan House itself has been carefully restored and now runs as a well equipped guesthouse with a cookery school and top flight restaurant. Included on the menu this weekend are Carlingford Oysters with a cornmeal and smoked chilli crust, lime and chilli mojo; Polenta with butternut squash, red onion, sage & goat cheese gratin; Seared hake with Anagassan crab and fennel risotto, fennel butter; Rhubarb and strawberry compote with rhubarb sorbet in a meringue case. Upcoming courses in the school include Italian cooking from Ursula Ferringno, Ghan House chef Paula McIntyre on brunch ideas, a barbeque brainstorm, and an artisan baking course given by Paul Merry. These courses are incredible value for money, with Paul Merry's three-day intensive course for keen enthusiasts or professionals priced at just £250, including Sunday dinner and lunches. Day courses start at just £40 including lunch.

For more information check out www.ghanhouse.com

We have been asked to advise potential travellers to Ireland that at the present time Foot and Mouth Disease is no longer disrupting those who want to enjoy the many activities Ireland has to offer the visitor. Due to vigilance on behalf of both the farming community and the public at large, FMD has been contained. So, pass it on: Ireland is open for business, and the many B&Bs and hotels around the country will be glad of your business. For the very latest information on FMD, please consult the Tourist Board web site: http://www.footandmouth.travel.ie