In a story that has captured international news coverage, celebrity couple Kim and Kanye West jetted to Ireland from their Italian wedding for a honeymoon stay at Castle Oaliver near Ardpatrick.

Speculation about the famous couple’s where-abouts intensified this week, with early rumours about a stay in the Castle-martyr Hotel, but yesterday it became clear that they had spent a couple of nights in Castle Oliver. Another local told the Vale Star that there were reports that the celebrity couple were paying a substantial five figure sum to hire Castle-oliver for five days this week.

There were further reports yesterday, Wednesday, that the Kim and Kanye went for a cycle on the Bally-houra Way where they enjoyed a picnic supplied by the old Bakehouse, Bruff. The news went viral on the media, which is a great advert for Ballyhoura and its many attractions.

Even local sign maker Elaine O’Dea of Ballyhoura Signs was quick off the mark with a special sign to celebrate the visit. The sign was erected on the grounds of Castle Oliver by per-mission of owners Emma and Declan Cormack, and features a special message of welcome to the locality for the famous guests.

See story on page 42.