Farmshop / Fruit & Veg / Internet/Phone Mail Order
The cutaway peat bogs on the Irish midlands may look barren to the untrained eye but the acidic growing conditions favour certain crops, such as blueberries - a relative of the smaller native Irish fraughan or bilberry.
Widely recognised as a 'supe ... more...
This fine pub (and 'emporium') has been run by the McCormack family since 1960. It's one of the neatest pubs around, with trees and shrubbery between the car park and an imaginative conservatory extension at the back of the pub, effectively screening ... more...
Thankfully, at least the heart of this renowned pub seems to be resistant to change. It's one of those lovely places with a grocery at the front and an unspoilt hard-floored pub with an open fire at the back.
Visitors returning after a long absence wi ... more...
Hidden behind a thriving vine, which threatens to take over each summer, this charming 250-year old pub is soothingly dark inside making a fine contrast to the cheerful eccentricity of the current owner, Michael Hough.
A world famous music pub, it&rsq ... more...
While casual dining continues to be the big story, the most exciting restaurants are those with chefs grounded in fine dining.
Pickle, Sunil Ghai’s authentic Indian restaurant, ticks the box perfectly: an attractive casual ‘eating house an ... more...
Right on the beach in Dunmore East, and with sea views out towards the Hook Lighthouse, The Strand goes back to 1750 but today it is the first choice for many discerning locals when it comes to seafood - and, increasingly, for discerning foodies on hol ... more...
Here in the village of Lisbane, close to the shores of Strangford Lough, one of County Down’s prettiest little treasures is to be found at the thatch-roofed Old Post Office, which dates back to the 1840’s.
Having lain derelict for many yea ... more...
Cheeses / Classes/Courses / Internet/Phone Mail Order
In rich pasture land beside the River Erne, Silke Cropp makes her wonderful range of goat, sheep and cows' milk cheeses. Silke is one of Ireland's longest-practising cheesemakers, and the original, Corleggy, is a natural rind hard goats' cheese with co ... more...
Located in one of Cork city's most iconic buildings - dating back to1820 and home to the Dwyer family's legendary manufacturing business that employed thousands at its peak - Dwyers of Cork is now an atmospheric big gastropub, popular for its live musi ... more...
Easy to spot with its white walls and beautiful hanging baskets - and the cast iron farm gates wide open in a welcoming, “Come say Hello”, type of way - cheesemaker Helen Finnegan's café is at Knockdrinna Farm on the main street of ... more...