Articles

A year after Covid-19 first darkened our lives, things are beginning to look up at last - but we’re all getting really weary. So, now that we’re on the home straight and the prize is in sight, it’s more important than ever to focus on keeping well...
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Martin and Sile Dwyer’s Chambre d’Hôte in the Languedoc has been closed by Covid for months on end and, as for everyone in lockdown, the daily walk has become their main highlight. As spring arrives, the foraging year begins, adding interest to their outings - and some of the wild food that’s there for the taking in France is surprisngly exotic…
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Flowers are synonymous with gifting - but not all flowers are equal. Fresh, lively, seasonal flowers from a local grower will out-class the superficial perfection of imported ones any day - and many of our home grown blooms have beautiful natural fragrance too, which is rarely the case with those flown in from afar. And, as well as the pleasure given to the recipient, there’s the satisfaction of supporting Irish businesses too - just like our food producers, flower farmers urgently need our help.
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While St Valentine's Day will be very different this year, there are plenty of ways to make sure it's a memorable occasion - and an excellent start would be to order one of the many excellent celebration menus available for collection or delivery. Here's just a few of the best, selected by Jillian Bolger for you to choose from...
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The famous foodie who’s flying the tricolour for us in Texas looks beyond the food world, to a different craft - and shares a proud connection between Ireland and the new First Lady’s beautiful outfit at the US Presidential Inauguration
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GIY founder Mick Kelly has plenty of ideas to keep us all busy and well fed this year
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The beginning of February is very special in the Irish calendar and - although the meteorological beginning of spring is a month later - La Feile Bride, the feast day of Saint Brigid on 1st February, marks the start of the new season of seed sowing, when nature begins to spring back into life and hope is renewed. All the more reason to celebrate this year...
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Martin and Sile Dwyer’s Chambre d’Hôte in the Languedoc has been closed by Covid for months on end. So now‘the dinner’ takes on a different role - and, simple as it is, Martin’s Lockdown Cauli story will resonate with many other cooks and chefs, no matter where they are.
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Delicious pancakes hot off the pan sum up Shrove Tuesday (16th February this year) for a lot of families - and making them is fun, so it’s just what we need right now...
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Paul Fogerty, head sommelier at Ashford Castle, shares his recommendations for wine choices to complement many occasions and foods over the festive period - even if you’re not booked into Ashford Castle!
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