Articles

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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For those of us in the food and hospitality industry, it's a crucially important to keep an eye on the food and drink trends. My late mother-in-law, Myrtle Allen used to say 'be aware of trends but don't follow them slavishly' – good advice as ever...
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There’s something very cathartic about the post-Christmas/New Year period. Once the decorations have been cleared away and the house cleaned up, it’s time to go through the food...
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Anyone familiar with Irish hospitality will understand the key role played by our historic houses, many of which are famous members of associations such as Ireland’s Blue Book and Hidden Ireland, or visitor attractions in their own right (Castle Leslie, Enniscoe House, Bantry House, Glin Castle, Lismore Castle…) while others, although less well known, are equally special - and they all share many of the same challenges...
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The famous foodie who’s flying the tricolour for us in Texas reflects on time spent at home in Ireland last summer - and what it is that keeps people coming back
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Who better than Darina Allen to sing the praises of new-found gems that are closer to home than you might think - and to share some of their super recipes.
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What cook or would-be-cook doesn't love a food book for Christmas? And luckily there's no shortage of seriously interesting Irish published books to choose from, with a bumper crop this year including everything from food culture and history, to how to 'elevate the everyday'. Just a few to think about here for starters but, if time allows, there’s nothing to beat a good browse in your local bookshop. You're sure to come away with more than you meant to, but that's okay...
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