Located just an hour's drive from Armidale, Glen Innes blends together a visit to Wales, Scotland and Ireland without the hefty price tag. The town is very proud of its ancestors, displaying the Scottish, Irish, English and Welsh national flags throughout.
Glen Innes takes its ties to the rest of the world very seriously. In recognition of its Celtic heritage, the town features the southern hemisphere's only solar-aligned megalithic stone circle - 29 big rocks acting as a clock, calendar and compass all in one. It may seem cryptic but with each stone marking an hour of the day, it is actually a great time display.
Right next to the stones is Crofters Cottage, the ideal place to pick up a custom made kilt. Choosing a kilt can be quite complex. Initially the outlay may seem a lot, but a quality kilt can stay in the family for generations. After being measured for size Wendy the kilt maker will need about two weeks to custom make your kilt.
Fishing is part of the town's Celtic culture. A popular fishing spot in Glen Innes is Beardy Waters, named after the two hairy Scots who first settled in the district.
The Beardy Waters are supposed to be good for trout and redfin, but if the fish aren't biting, the Cornishman's Caf in the main street of town turns out a mean fish pie - heads and all. The fish pie is based on an old-time Celtic recipe but Kim the chef, who was born and bred in Cornwall, cooks up loads of additional Celtic food in the wood fired oven to cater for all tastes. The food at Cornishman's Caf is relatively cheap and while you eat, you can be entertained by live Irish music.
By sunset you'll be ready to try a night in Ireland or Scotland, and Diarmid's B&B can give you both. One bedroom is entirely Irish green and decorated with leprechauns, while the other is decorated with a Scottish theme. A Celtic afternoon tea of Scottish shortbread, West Country tarts, Edinburgh scones, Manx ginger fairings, Glen Lyon raspberry tarts and pots and pots of tea is also included in the price of your stay.
No dip into Celtic culture would be complete without the sound of bagpipes, so be sure to head to the Standing Stones where the Glen Innes Pipe Band plays about 12 days a year on Saint's days and festivals.
The facts
Qantas Link operated by Eastern Airlines has connections to Armidale daily. Prices start from $545 ex Brisbane, $547 ex Melbourne and $311 ex Sydney. Includes charges, levies and taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
A night at Diarmids B&B starts from $98 per couple, including gourmet breakfast and Celtic afternoon tea and a free guided tour of the Australian Standing Stones.
Diarmid's Bed & Breakfast
Tel: 02 6732 5701
A kilt from Crofter's Cottage costs between $550 and $1000 depending on the tartan.
Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre
Tel: 02 6732 2397
Cornishman's Caf
Tel: 02 6732 6080
Tourism New South Wales
Tel: 13 20 77
