A self-styled cross between Parisian chic and New York cool, the atmospheric outdoor terrace of this fashionable restaurant on the ground floor of the Westbury Hotel is a prime people-watching spot that’s reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie, whil ... more...
Fish & Seafood / Meat & Game / Restaurant / Wine Bar
An old corner building in the heart of Galway, now elegantly refurbished, is home to the modern and friendly pub, Blakes Bar, is on one side and, on the other, the restaurant and wine bar 'The Brasserie on the Corner', which is a younger sister bu ... more...
A contemporary space that has become established as a benchmark of modern dining in the Dublin 8 neighbourhood of Leonard’s Corner, Bastible’s proprietor Barry Fitzgerald is a chef with serious form (as head chef at London’s Har ... more...
In a stunning location on the lower slopes of Slievemore mountain - overlooking Keel Lake and the dramatic cliffs, shore and crested sea beyond - this aptly named lodge and restaurant/wine bar lays claim to being one of Ireland's best-kept secrets, and ... more...
At the foot of Croagh Patrick, just cross the road from the Great Famine national monument, this characterful old pub has been in the same family for generations and dates back to the mid eighteenth century.
Flagged as a 'museum pub', the photographs ... more...
From the constantly evolving world of 'street food' themed restaurants in Galway, 'Papa Rich' is one of the younger kids on the block, covering all the bases from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Soul Food, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese. Papa R ... more...
Now vibrant and exciting, the Camden Street and Wexford Street areas have changed in recent years, with cafés, restaurants and bars springing up throughout this south city centre area. And a venue that has played no small part in this re-energis ... more...
Centrally located on Letterkenny's busy main street, Brendan McGlynn's long established tea rooms have been pleasing local people in search of a nice cup of tea and a 'quiet moment' since 1994.
There have been plenty of extensions and refurbishments s ... more...
A tree-lined driveway in the centre of the charming village of Clonegal leads to this fine property, and it is well worth venturing up the leafy avenue (and past the pot-bellied pig in its little arc) as there is plenty here to interest and enchant peo ... more...
McCarthy’s is in the middle of the medieval town of Fethard, at the heart of the equine scene in Tipperary with numerous trainers and breeders dotted around nearby.
Very little has changed since it was established in the 1850's by Richard McCart ... more...
Spring brings plenty of reasons to get out and about - and there's cause for celebration too, with Mother’s Day, St Patrick's Day and Easter all presenting very good reasons to give in to temptation. And - especially appealing as it's a weather proof option - Afternoon Tea can provide a perfect excuse for a relaxing get together. It's become one of the nation's favourite outings in recent years, with desirable destinations all over the country offering memorable experiences to delight ...
Travelling the roads of Ireland more than most, we know what a difference a good journey break can make - and we have dozens of favourite pit stops dotted around the country. For this collection, we have picked some of the best that open fairly long hours, for those relaxing en-route meals.
It's been a strange year so far, weather-wise, but with no shortage of sunshine and - unusually for Ireland - real heat. Met Eireann may say it's warm, but to most of us it's hot and one of the best ways to deal with it is under a parasol while enjoying a drink or a leisurely meal. Here are a few of the many excellent places where you can do that...
Summer may be a long time coming this year, but when the sun is out and you’re off on a break there’s nothing that says ‘down time’ like alfresco dining. So here are just a (very) few of this year’s favourites to enjoy in lovely places on your summer travels around the country.
Summer in Ireland and seafood is at its best...With dozens of seriously good speciality seafood restaurants around the country, our selection below is just a drop in the ocean. Better get started with this little taster then – always remembering there are plenty more (including many deservedly famous places) to choose from as well...
Georgina Campbell suggests some interesting destinations for an off-season break at this time of plenty. These are just a few of the places where nature's bounty is celebrated in wonderful ways: foraging expeditions, cookery courses and, of course, delicious seasonal meals that make the most of the harvest - often with a special focus on vegetarian cooking
No surprise that Kerry came top of a recent survey polling favourite counties for Irish holidays - sure wasn’t Queen Victoria herself a fan? August is a time for casual dining - out of doors if you're lucky - so this month we’ve picked some great summer pubs to enjoy in the top ten 'staycation' counties
Discerning diners are always interested to know where their food comes from, and what could be more delightful than taking a stroll around the garden where it was growing just hours - or minutes - before it landed on your plate. More and more restaurants are taking ownership of their fresh produce supplies now, and these are just some of the most interesting kitchen gardens.
There’s a growing feeling that Ireland is now ready to focus on the needs of the ‘food tourist’, as opposed to the visitor who simply enjoys good food as part of the overall experience. The true food tourist (international and domestic) will choose their holiday destination specifically to explore it through its food.
Inviting guests to savour a moment of refined indulgence, the Mount Congreve Gardens luxurious Festive Afternoon Tea Experience is offered through November and December this winter...
With a rich historical and maritime legacy, East Cork has a truly unique variety of attractions to offer the visitor.
It is a haven for family holidays with a huge range of activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
In this extensive county, the towns and villages have their own distinctive character. In West Cork, their spirit is preserved in the vigour of the landscape with the handsome coastline where the light of the famous Fastnet Rock swings across tumbling ocean and spray-tossed headland. The county is a repository of the good things of life, a treasure chest of the finest farm produce, and the very best of seafood, brought to market by skilled specialists.
The town of Killarney is where the Ring of Kerry begins and ends for many, among the lakes and mountains where they are re-establishing the enormous white-tailed sea eagle, has long been a magnet for visitors. Across the purple mountains from Killarney, the lovely little town of Kenmare in South Kerry is both a gourmet focus, and another excellent touring centre. As one of the prettiest places in Ireland, Kenmare puts the emphasis on civic pride.
That Galway Bay coastline in Co. Clare is where The Burren, the fantastical North Clare moonscape of limestone which is home to so much unexpectedly exotic flora, comes plunging spectacularly towards the sea around the attractive village of Ballyvaughan.
Connemara, the Land of the Sea, where earth, rock and ocean intermix in one of Ireland's most extraordinary landscapes, and is now as ever a place of angling renown - you're very quickly into the high ground and moorland which sweep up to the Twelve Bens and other splendid peaks, wonderful mountains which enthusiasts would claim as the most beautiful in all Ireland. Beyond, to the south, the Aran Islands are a place apart.
Rivers often divide one county from another, but Fermanagh is divided - or linked if you prefer - throughout its length by the handsome waters of the River Erne, both river and lake. Southeast of the historic county town of Enniskillen, Upper Lough Erne is a maze of small waterways meandering their way into Fermanagh from the Erne'e source in County Cavan.
Co Cavan shares the 667 m peak of Cuilcagh with neighbouring Fermanagh. No ordinary mountain, this - it has underground streams which eventually become the headwaters of the lordly River Shannon, Ireland's longest river that passes south through many counties before exiting at the mighty estuary in Limerick. A magnet for tourism now with boating, fishing, cycling and walking-a-plenty.
Between the sheltered bays at the foot of the Glens of Antrim, the sea cliffs of the headlands soar with remarkable rock formations which, on the North Coast, provide the setting for the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giant's Causeway.