Postcards: Oct 29

Nine’s Victorian-based travel show Postcards is off to Ireland this weekend as Rebecca Judd and Brodie Harper visit Northern Ireland’s County Fermanagh, the streets of Dublin and historic Cork.

Bec lives out a real-life fairytale exploring Belle Isle Castle on the private island of Belle Island in Northern Ireland’s County Fermanagh. The elegant historical property includes 13 uniquely decorated bedrooms as well as courtyard apartments, newly restored coach houses dating back to 1856, and stunning gardens. Bec takes a scenic cruise through the placid waters of Lough Erne before going back to the castle for a cooking lesson with chef Joe Kelly at the on-site, purpose-built cooking school.

Next Bec heads to the heart of Dublin to find the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay. First up is the Clarence Hotel owned by none other than U2’s Bono and The Edge. She checks out the penthouse, with its panoramic views of Dublin city, and the Cleaver East room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Next door, Dublin’s newest food and drinking den entices Bec to visit three eateries, including Roberta’s Restaurant, Tomahawk Steakhouse and Dollard & Co.

From there she’s off to The Hugh Lane Gallery to study the impressive collection of artworks by world-famous artists. Bec strolls down Grafton Street to browse famous Irish stores such as Brown Thomas before popping by the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre where more than 40 shops sell everything from flowers to interiors and antiques.

We find Brodie at the luxury Hayfield Manor hotel in Cork, taking in the incredible features that include 88 individually decorated rooms, a deluxe spa area, a tranquil library and the Manor Bar. For a bite to eat she tries Perrotts Garden Bistro, and Orchids Restaurant for afternoon tea. Brodie then heads to The English Market for fresh produce from local farms before travelling out of town to the famous medieval Blarney Castle.

Picturesque Sheen Falls Lodge in south-west Ireland beckons – a hotel that overlooks Sheen Falls and has luxurious accommodation options as well as an exclusive health spa and the Sun Lounge, a sun-filled space for guests to relax in. Brodie also pops by the Cocktail Bar and The Falls Restaurant to sample the premium wine and delicious seasonal menu. Then she completes The Ring of Kerry, a 170-kilometre drive along the Iveragh Peninsula, enjoying the rustic coastline and heritage landmarks.

Sunday at 5.30pm on Channel Nine (Melbourne).