Articles

Ashford Castle Estate made a wonderful setting for this year's Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards a heartfelt celebration of Ireland's food producers and craftspeople.
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Nothing brings people together like food and nowhere do we see this demonstrated better in Ireland than in the Blasta Books cookery series, which tells the stories of an extraordinary diverse range of chefs and cooks through their food...
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There’s much talk of food tourism these days, and of the ambitious menus presented by high-end chefs, at eye-watering prices. But, impressive as some of these culinary creations are for special occasions – and no doubt a satisfying experience for those who enjoy food tourism as a hobby, or even a way of life – excellence at a more accessible level is in many ways even more admirable. Take the humble seafood chowder, for example. A staple on so many menus and the mainstay of thousands of visitors and holidaymakers travelling around the country every year, this wholesome meal in a soup bowl served simply with soda bread and butter is so varied in that it has inspired numerous competitions over the years, both here and abroad.
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As the importance of biodiversity is better understood, public interest in protecting and promoting it is growing and The Organic Centre in Co Leitrim has organised a busy timetable of over 11 events and exhibitions for the 2025 National Biodiversity Week which takes place from 16th to 25th May.
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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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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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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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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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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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