Articles

Famed for her passion for naturally nutritious food, who better than Darina Allen to weigh up the pros and cons of our free school meals...? And the verdict is not good...
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A much loved fixture in Greystones for as long as many of its customers can remember, The Happy Pear recently marked two decades of “flavourful food, cheerful community and happy, healthy living – all powered by veg”.
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Our national chocoholism is no secret and it revs up to top gear at Easter, - when it’s not just about eggs but all kinds of symbols of spring - while theme-free top quality chocolates make the perfect all-year treat. While Ireland’s growing reputation for quality chocolate is largely thanks to excellent mainstream producers such as Butlers, Lily O'Briens, and Lir, smaller-scale chocolate specialists are increasingly making a big impact as well. We've selected just ten of Ireland's growing band of top chocolatiers, who produce everything from exquisite creations for the most discerning recipient to fun family gifts. All of those below offer an online shopping and delivery service, but in-person shopping is always fun - particularly if you visit a specialist like Cork favourite The Chocolate Shop at the city's English Market where Irish producers take their place among 'the best quality chocolate from the best artisan chocolatiers throughout the world' and the range includes organic, 100% cocoa bars & powders, gluten-free and diabetic chocolate. What's not to love…
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County Wicklow has a well-deserved reputation as the Garden of Ireland, a moniker bestowed for the county's unusual concentration of historic houses and their beautifully landscaped gardens. The county boasts epic wild scenery gifted by the ruggedness of the Wicklow Mountains, the timelessness of Glendalough and its national park.
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Tuesday 4th March 2025 was a proud day for Irish Food Writers’ Guild members, as we announced our 32nd annual Irish Food Awards. And - with their reminder this year that greenwashing and food waste are more pervasive than consumers realise - the common threads of sustainability and ethical food that have been central to the Guild down through the years are more relevant than ever today.
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The famous foodie who’s flying the tricolour for us in Texas shares her excitement in discovering one of the Guide’s favourite eco-destinations, The Salthouse Hotel...
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If you’ve ever wondered why the quality of Irish meat is renowned, Darina has the answers below - and a lot of it is down to the skill of our master butchers, who are very talented and dedicated craftsmen and women who give the work of equally outstanding farmers the respect they deserve and produce top quality meats for us all to enjoy. Interestingly, two exceptional butchers also feature this month, among the winners of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards and it is inspiring to see the pride that these special people take in their craft...
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Darina Allen always keeps a close eye on food trends and new restaurants here and abroad, many of which involve her own past students. A recent visit to London was no exception - and, back down to basics at home, she’s sharing some of her favourite soup recipes too, to keep us all cheerful through cold late winter and early spring weather.
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A very interesting (and enjoyable) event took place recently at Kish Fish on the West Pier in Howth. Named after a nearby lighthouse, the business dates back 1966 when Tadgh O’Meara - father of the current owners, Tadgh & Damian near here - had a stand at the old Dublin Fish Market. Nearly six decades on, it’s a thriving business employing 150...
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Last autumn, the famous foodie who’s flying the tricolour for us in Texas went to see the new 5-star overlooking Royal Portrush, venue of The 153rd Open in 2025
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