Articles

Although it is, as they say themselves down there, ‘easy to reach but hard to leave’, Carlow somehow remains Ireland’s undiscovered county - which is, of course, the secret of its charm, so perhaps things are better left that way. But not if James and Cait Coady have anything to do with it, as their stylish boutique hotel, The Step House, has made the pretty heritage village of Borris a popular destination for short breaks and weddings.
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Complete with 16th century armoury, huge open fires, massive chandeliers and many quirky features, this castle just outside Ballina makes an unusual small hotel. It’s a wacky place for those who enjoy something out of the ordinary and it would be great fun for a group get together.
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With its weekly farmers’ market (one of Ireland’s best) and an enviable range of shops and restaurants catering to all tastes, Midleton has become a favourite destination for food lovers - a growing number of whom have been beating a path through the gated archway off the long main street that leads to The Courtyard and then to chef Kevin Aherne’s Sage Restaurant which, although in a beautifully renovated stone building (and influenced by the best of traditional values), is modern through and through.
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A love of traditional food and recognition of the environmental impact of the business are the driving forces behind Michelle Darmody’s paradise for cake lovers in Dublin. But, for all its predictably pretty flower print table cloths and dainty mismatched china, this charming place is more down to earth than you might think and they have plenty of quality savouries on offer too.
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The 'Just Ask!' Restaurant of the Month for October is unique, as it goes to one of Ireland's true leaders in the field of food provenance - and the consistency of the message tells its own story.
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Everything about Martin Bealin and Nuala Cassidy’s long-established restaurant in Dingle Town is a delight, especially the local provenance and seasonality which is its raison d'etre, and any food lover attending the Dingle Food Festival (Thu 4th - Sun 7th October 2012) should have a visit here high on the list of treats to look forward to over what is sure to be a very pleasurable weekend.
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The River Restaurant at The Strand Hotel, Co. Limerick has been awarded Bord Bia’s Just Ask! Restaurant of the Month for August. In receiving the award the restaurant which is open to guests of the hotel and general public, is being acknowledged for its commitment to sourcing ingredients locally.
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A survey conducted among leading Irish restaurant owners and chefs from around the country has shown that 70% of those surveyed have increased the amount of local ingredients for use in their restaurants in the past 2 years.
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Something very different for the ‘Just Ask!’ Restaurant of the Month in June as, for the first time ever, the award goes not to a restaurant but to a group of establishments, in Galway city.
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Right in the centre of Athlone, Thyme Restaurant is one of the town’s most popular eating places. 'Delicious food at affordable prices' is the stated aim at this cosy little spot and it's clearly getting it right as its appeal to people of all ages means that weekend tables need to be booked well ahead.
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