Prior to the laying of the Transatlantic Cable it took approximately two weeks from a message to reach North America from Europe… weather permitting as all communications were sent via boat.

The idea of a transatlantic cable was first proposed in 1845, but the distances and depths presented formidable problems. In 1856 the Atlantic Telegraph Company was registered with a capital of £350,000 (then about $1,400,000). On the American side Cyrus W. Field was the driving force; on the British side it was Charles Bright and brothers John and Jacob Brett.

The First Cable
The manufacture of the cable started in early 1857 and was completed in June. Before the end of July it was stowed on the American Niagara and the British Agamemnon — both naval vessels lent by their respective governments for the task. They started at Valentia Harbour in Ireland on 5 August. For the first few days, everything went well but six days later, due to a mistake made with the brake which limited the rate of descent, the cable snapped. Just 380 miles had been laid.

The ships were forced to return to port. An extra 700 miles of cable was made for the second attempt which began on 25 June 1858. This time the same two ships met each other in mid-Atlantic where they joined their respective ends. The cable broke almost immediately. Again the two ships made another splice: this time they managed 40 miles before it broke again. The fourth time they had laid 146 miles before the cable was lost yet again. It was clear that this was not going to be easy! The two ships returned to Ireland but it was decided that, despite the loss of a considerable amount of cable, they still had enough for a further attempt. On 29 July they made their fifth attempt, again starting from the mid-point. This time it worked! On 5 August 1858 both ships reached their destinations – Valentia Harbour in Ireland and Trinity Bay in Newfoundland. The two continents were joined.

On 16 August communication was established with the message “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will to men.” Unfortunately the engineer in charge, Wildman Whitehouse, started by applying very high voltages rather than the very weak currents that had been tested during the cable laying. Within three weeks the damage inflicted on the cable by the high voltages was becoming apparent and it ceased to work.

The Second Cable
It took several years before another attempt was made. This time a single ship was chartered, the enormous Great Eastern, by far the largest ship of its day. She started from Valencia at the end of July 1865 and succeeded in laying 1,200 miles before the cable snapped. Several attempts were made to retrieve the broken end but they all failed.

Third Time Lucky
After so many failed attempts, the final, successful, cable was laid with virtually no problems. On 27 July 1866, the cable was pulled ashore at a tiny fishing village in Newfoundland known by the charming name of Heart’s Content. The distance was 1686 nautical miles Valentia Island. The Great Eastern had averaged 120 miles a day while paying out the cable. The first message sent on this, finally successful, cable was: “A treaty of peace has been signed between Austria and Prussia”. Queen Victoria, then at Osborne, in the Isle of Wight, sent a message to the President of the United States. “The Queen congratulates the President on the successful completion of an undertaking which she hopes may serve as an additional bond of Union between the United States and England.”

Almost immediately, the cable opened for business but only the very wealthy could afford it – the initial rates were a startling $1 a letter, payable in gold – at a time that a monthly wage for a labourer might be $20.

It is interesting to note that even though later cables could carry large numbers of signals at the same time, it was not until the 1960s that the first communication satellites offered a serious alternative to the cable when in 1966 the Transatlantic Cable Station closed its doors for the last time.

If you are visiting Valentia Island why not stay in Brook Lane Hotel Kenmare   http://www.brooklanehotel.com

and visit no35 kenmare restaurant   http://www.no35kenmare.com

The post Valentia Island Kerry first appeared on Number35.

The monastic buildings perch on a saddle in the rock, some 150m above sea level, reached by 600 steep steps cut into the rock face. The astounding 6th-century oratories and beehive cells vary in size; the largest cell has a floor space of 4.5m by 3.6m. You can see the monks’ south-facing vegetable garden and their cistern for collecting rainwater. The most impressive structural achievements are the settlement’s foundations – platforms built on the steep slope using nothing more than earth and drystone walls.

Not much is known about the life of the monastery, but there are records of Viking raids in AD 812 and 823. Monks were kidnapped or killed, but the community recovered and carried on. In the 11th century a rectangular oratory was added to the site, but although it was expanded in the 12th century, the monks abandoned the rock around this time.

After the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, Skellig Michael became a popular spot for weddings. Marriages were forbidden during Lent, but since Skellig used the old Julian calendar, a trip to the islands allowed those unable to wait for Easter to tie the knot.

In the 1820s two lighthouses were built on Skellig Michael, together with the road that runs around the base.

There are no toilets on the island.  

If you are visiting Skellig Michael why not stay in Brook Lane Hotel kenmare  www.brooklanehotel.com

The post Skellig Michael first appeared on Number35.

“The Free Range Dairy Pasture Promise label was launched in the UK last week in an effort to alert consumers to whether the milk they buy is free range and “support farmers” by paying a “fair price” for cows that are kept in fields for at least six months of the year.

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Here’s a really fun video from the guys over at the Free Range Dairy Network which demonstrates the happy life of a free-range dairy cow!

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Free Range Dairy Network, a nationwide network of farmers who produce free-range milk, was formed in response to what it termed the “dairy crisis” hitting UK dairy farmers. According to the group, global market volatility in the dairy sector has resulted in a 30% drop in farmgate milk prices over the past 12 months. This, the Free Range Dairy Network argued, is driving “traditional family farms” out of business as milk is supplied from “increasingly intensive farming systems”.

The network aims to connect farmers with local milk processors to ensure dedicated milk collection from farms that will mean Pasture Promise milk is not mixed with milk from intensively farmed dairy cows – as is the current situation. The focus is on supplying smaller independent processors because, the Network said, this would support local communities.

“In today’s marketplace there is currently little alternative for dairy farmers other than the relentless pursuit of higher milk volumes, delivered from increasingly intensive methods. But, we want to offer farmers a vision of the future founded on value rather than volume. By labelling milk and dairy products with the Pasture Promise label we can define the value in their milk from traditional, seasonally grazed dairy herds and farming system,” dairy farmer Neil Darwent, co-director of the Free Range Dairy Network, commented.

Carol Lever, co-director Free Range Dairy Network, added: “Most consumers see pictures of cows grazing in fields when they buy milk and believe the milk they are buying has come from those cows. Whether you support intensive systems or not, at present because all the milk is mixed together you have no choice but to buy milk from those farms. The Free Range Dairy Pasture Promise label is a way for consumers to choose what type of farming system they want to support, safe in the knowledge this is helping keep pasture based farmers in business and cows in fields.”

Thank you to great article from Katy Askew & we applaud the efforts of the Free Range Dairy Network & others in implementing this type of labelling to provide a clear and concise choice for consumers.

And we’re certainly in favour of similar efforts being introduced to Ireland as we continue to strive to serve high quality Kerry restaurant food sourced from ethical local producers & beyond.

The post UK’s first free range milk label launched first appeared on Number35.

The certified traceability programme was launched by the Irish Farmers’ Association to identify imported pigmeat and to ensure that consumers are not being misled about the origin of their meat – this is something that we at No. 35 Restaurant Kenmare are great advocates of.

120 products – including mince, rashers, back bacon and pork – were sampled at various locations around the country and 51% were not assigned to the Irish Boar Database, implying that they originated outside the country. The database is a joint initiative between the IFA and the Association of Irish Craft Butchers, which obliges craft butchers to display the country of origin for meat.

The IFA national pigs and pigmeat committee chairman Pat O’Flaherty said “the level of imported product identified by the DNA testing is compounded by the fact that the country of origin was not displayed in any of the butchers’ stores audited. Over 80% are part of the programme, yet none carried country-of-origin labeling.”

The ACBI has pointed the finger at suppliers who, they say, may be supplying imported meat to butchers and passing it off as Irish, and has called for greater transparency in the supply chain.

Among the butchers held up as examples of best practice was Cork’s Ó Crualaoí’s, who have four butcher’s shops around the county. They, along with Quinn’s of County Clare, were described as “star performers” in the report.

“These stores are members of the Association of Craft Butchers and it should be pointed out that the ACBI members showed much greater support for Irish meat than the non-members” said Mr O’Flahtery. “We appreciate that the local butcher is under pressure. However, that is not an excuse to mislead the consumer on the origin of their meat. A fresh round of testing in butchers shops will commence next month,” he concluded.

All of the above points to the need of complete transparency in the industry & why we are extremely proud to serve pork which has been hand-reared on Dermot Brennan’s farm just outside Kenmare & we look forward to seeing even more restaurants in Kerry following suit in terms of supporting local pork producers.

The post Irish Pork, is it ? At No. 35 Kenmare, it is! first appeared on Number35.

It’s nearly Christmas time again.

Kenmare has always been a special and unique place to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
The Christmas celebrations are now complimented by the wonderful Kenmare Choral Festival. This special combination will leave you with many lasting memories.
Come and see the town crib, sparkling town lights and beautiful shop windows. Visit the food and craft markets and Winter Wonderland; listen to storytelling and Christmas Choral song from all corners of the town; watch the charming Christmas parade or catch a festive movie; taste and smell something special at one of the many food and drink events; learn a thing or two at one of the arts and crafts workshops; take part in a charity walk or Treasure Hunt; and bring in the New Year at the Gala Ball or gather at the countdown in The Square.

You will be spoilt for choice in Kenmare! Seems it is Christmas why not spoil yourself and indulge in what we have to offer:

Luxury 4* Accommodation is the perfect pre christmas treat contact Brook Lane reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website for all our special packages  www.brooklanehotel.com

Dinner  No 35 Kenmare Restaurant  is a tasty little treat for all the family Call 064 664 1559 for reservations or visit our website http://www.no35kenmare.com/

The post Christmas in Kenmare first appeared on Number35.

Kenmare market showcases just how local fresh produce should be sold, in a traditional old fashioned market place. Held every Wednesday in Kenmare Square the market provides a variety of Items to grab your attention.

Local producers and craftsmen, and women, line the streets with stalls and the aroma of local fish, cheese and herbs begins to drift around the square. Artisan products are available to sample and enjoy. The fresh breads, cakes and take away foods cater for a variety of dietary needs. All produce is sold by the producer, showing just how passionate they are about their products & we’re equally passionate about supporting as many of these local producers as possible within our restaurant menus steeped in Kerry’s local ingredients.
The market deals in all kinds of everything from home-made jewellery to antiques and everything in between.  In typical market style all prices can be negotiated and haggling is part of the charm of this little market.

If you are visiting Kenmare then this market is a must visit destination. You’d never know what might catch your eye or tickle your taste buds. This local event is a unique experience that cannot be missed.
If you are looking for overnight accommodation we recommend the 4* Brook Lane Hotel for luxury accommodation. Reservations can be made by contacting reception on 064 6642077 or booking inline at http://www.brooklanehotel.com/
If you wish to make a dinner reservation at No 35 restaurant , which is located in Kenmare town, please contact 064 6641559 or visit our website http://no35kenmare.com

The post Why You Need To Visit Kenmare Market! first appeared on Number35.

For the seventh year in a row,  Dingle will host its annual Food Festival. Founded in 2007, the Festival showcases the quality of the food that is locally produced and the warm welcome offered to those who choose to visit our beautiful Corca Dhuibhne.

The town is renowned for its restaurants, most of which offer excellent local seafood. Once cited as ‘The most beautiful place on earth’ by the National Geographic, Dingle was voted among the top 100 destinations in the world by Trip Advisor.

The Dingle Food Festival has grown steadily in popularity and has a range of events including a Taste Trail in over 55 outlets, where festival goers can purchase taste tickets and sample local cuisine delights in locations that vary from pubs and galleries to shop and restaurants.

The Dingle Food Festival plays host to the annual Blas na hÉireann awards, now in their fourth year. These National Irish Food Awards were devised and are organised by the Festival. Blas na hÉireann highlight and celebrate the quality of the best Irish food producers and award gold, silver and bronze medals in over 30 categories.

Why not visit  Kenmare during the festival or make a day trip, please take a look at the  Accommodation & Dining options we have to offer.

Luxury 4* Accommodation and Eat&Sleep special offers contact Brook Lane Hotel reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com
Dinner reservations in No 35 Restaurant Kenmare Call 064 664 1559 or visit the website on http://no35kenmare.com

The post Dingle Food Festival first appeared on Number35.

Month of September – Exhibition: “Sea or Sky- Your heart be mine” Roberta Stone

5^th September – Film: Hitchcock 8pm

7^th September – Drama: The Great Hunger 8pm

12^th September- Film:  Flight 8pm

13^th September- Musical: “Melodies to Remember – Lara o Sullivan & Elana Alekseeva 8pm

18^th September- Drama: Our Last Chieftain-O Sullivan Beara 8pm

19^th September- Film (15A): Untouchable 8pm

20^th September- Culture Night 6.30pm

25^th September-Poetry Night 8pm

26^th September-Musical: Freddie White 8pm

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in the Carnegie arts centre Kenmare . No35 restaurant is only a 3 minute walk from the theater  Enjoy a fresh local meal from No 35 before the show.
Please see our Early evening menu

For reservations call 064 6641509

Early Dinner Menu: http://no35kenmare.com/index.php?page=midweek-specials

The post Carnegie Arts Kenmare September Events Line Up first appeared on Number35.

Month of August – Exhibition: The colour of your Thoughts: Alfred Roch & Yvonne Sterrenburg

22nd August – Film: Zero Dark thirty 8pm

23 August Comedy: Chevoc’s Summer Shorts 8pm

28^th August Micheal Harding: Staring at Lakes 8pm

29^th August Film: Stand by me 8pm

30 August Gathering Exhibition: Triumph over adversity 19.30pm ( Runs for the duration of gathering weekend)

31 August Gathering Event:  Land is Gold 7pm

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in the Carnegie arts centre Kenmare. Enjoy a fresh local meal from No 35 before the show.
Please see our Early evening menu

For reservations call 064 6641509

Early Dinner Menu: http://no35kenmare.com/index.php?page=midweek-specials

The post Carnegie Arts Kenmare August Events Line Up first appeared on Number35.

“Fair day in Kenmare”

The 15^th of August has been a long term tradition in the town of Néidin, in English Kenmare. The fair dates back to the 1760’s. This fair originally consisted of two market days, August 15^th for the sale of cattle and other livestock while August 16^th was for the sale or materials and non-livestock items. Over the years and with the introduction of taxation on the sale of livestock the market days began to merge into one large fair day. The tradition of a market day in Kenmare remains to this very day with the new addition of tools, food, fortune tellers and much more. It is the perfect setting to witness old and new joining together in harmony.

This event is one of the highlights in Kenmare’s diary, it is a unique experience that everybody should enjoy at least once Kenmare town will be full of people and the atmosphere will be unlike anything else. Kenmare has one of the few remaining authentic fairs and people flock from far and near o buy & sell all kinds of everything. Market stalls will line the street and Kenmare will be like you’ve never seen it before. It truly is an experience not to be missed!

As Kenmare will be so busy it is suggested that you make your Accommodation and dinner reservations in advance of the day! If you are visiting for the fair day have a look at our accommodation and dining options.

For Luxury 4* Accommodation contact Brook Lane reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com

For dinner reservations in No 35 Kenmare contact 064 6641559 or visit the website http://www.no35kenmare.com/

The post 15th of August Kenmare first appeared on Number35.