Happy the food lover visiting Ireland’s western capital who happens on Aoibheann MacNamara’s trio of Galway restaurants at Spanish Arch.
A wonderful stone-built medieval customs house overlooking the Claddagh Basin is home to Ard Bia (&lsq ... more...
If you prefer to stay in a quietly situated owner-run establishment of character rather than an hotel, Kathleen O’Regan Sheppard’s long-established guesthouse just a mile from Killarney town centre could be the place for you.
Just off the ... more...
Owned for many years by the Duke of Abercorn, and magically situated on one of eleven islands on Upper Lough Erne that are also part of the Estate, this beautiful country house hotel was acquired by the Crawford family in 2024.
The original castle dat ... more...
The Step Inn is one of those places that has been around so long, it has become an intrinsic part of the village. There's live music on Saturday nights and lives sports in the bar on a 60in high definition TV with surround sound.
Typically, it's buz ... more...
Small but perfectly formed, this tiny shop just off Arbour Hill brings many a treat to a recently gentrified area; run by Brendan O'Mahony (the Dublin face of the Real Olive Co - well known at markets), it stocks artisan products (the gorgeous Chez Emi ... more...
In the centre of Carlow town, directly opposite the Cathedral, this stylish and sociable venue has everything that makes a good night out.
As soon as you enter through the gated courtyard and up the steps, a little piece of Spain appears. The atmosphe ... more...
Butchers / Internet/Phone Mail Order / Meat & Game / Poultry
Third generation farmer Ray Dunne's refrigerated cabinet is a familiar sight at farmers' markets, where he sells his grass fed 21-day dry-aged beef, free range chickens and speciality beef sausages.
His 100 acre farm is near Killeigh on the Laois/Offa ... more...
Originally from France, Olivier Beaujouan’s experience as a pork butcher and chef is serving him very well in his current business, in which he produces and sells a unique range of products from (and inspired by) the local environment, especially ... more...
A familiar brand to two generations, Peadar and Mairin O’Lionaird’s preserving company Folláin (‘Wholesome’) was established in 1983 and is one of the earliest and best loved of Ireland’s new wave of small, quality ... more...
Another venture from the team at nearby cocktail hotspot Cask, under co-owner Andy Ferreira, Paladar hit the ground running when it opened on Cork’s Bridge Street in autumn 2022 - and very soon started to make waves internationally too, with ... more...