International Women's Day Wine event at River Lee. Mid-term Afternoon Tea at Cork International. Wedding Showcase in Fota Resort

Three Hotel Dates for your Cork diary.

International Women's Day Wine event at River Lee. 

Mid-term Afternoon Tea at Cork International. 

Wedding Showcase in Fota Resort

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Women's Day Champagne event at River Lee.  

Bubbles with ‘Champagne Sophie’ and a Charles Heidsieck wine dinner.

The River Lee in Cork will celebrate International Women’s Day in sparkling style this March with a special one-night-only wine dinner in The Grill Room at The River Lee, hosted by Sophie Kutten — affectionately known across Europe as ‘Champagne Sophie’ — the International Brand Ambassador for the legendary Champagne house Charles Heidsieck.

Taking place on Wednesday 4th March at 7pm, this €125 six-course dinner will see guests guided through a joyful and immersive tasting of some of Charles Heidsieck’s most celebrated wines, paired with a provenance-led menu created by Executive Head Chef Paul Lane. Hosted alongside The Doyle Collection Group Sommelier Philip Dunne, the evening promises storytelling, flavour and Champagne in equal measure, with Sophie’s infectious enthusiasm bringing the room to life.

Founded in 1851 and known as one of Champagne’s most elegant and characterful houses, Charles Heidsieck has long been celebrated for wines of depth, complexity and charm. A pioneer of Champagne culture, founder Charles-Camille Heidsieck earned the nickname ‘Champagne Charlie’ for bringing Champagne to the world stage. Today the House remains one of the most awarded in the region, with a modern winemaking legacy that continues to define excellence.

Guests will begin the evening with Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve N.V. served alongside caviar blinis, before moving on to a West Cork hand-dived scallop sashimi with ponzu dressing, shaved cucumber and radish salad paired with Blanc de Blancs N.V. The centrepiece of the menu features roast turbot with Champagne beurre blanc, toasted hazelnuts and sea herbs, served with the iconic Blanc des Millénaires 2017, the House’s flagship cuvée.

A lamb course follows, where Michael Twomey’s roast lamb with liquorice and honey glazed heritage carrot and cherry jus is paired with Charles Heidsieck’s Ambonnay Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2022, before the evening closes on a celebratory note with raspberry millefeuille, vanilla crème and pomegranate sorbet alongside Rosé Vintage 2018. Petits fours, tea and coffee round out the experience.

Sophie Kutten brings a rare theatrical energy to the world of wine. After an early career with Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, she spent a decade in theatre before returning to Champagne, where she now carries the voice of the House across Europe. Her mission is simple: to share the soul of Charles Heidsieck and let its quiet magic shine through every encounter.

The dinner forms part of The River Lee’s annual International Women’s Day programme, with the hotel’s much-loved professional headshot day also returning as part of the celebrations, and a nod to empowering women both socially and professionally.

Tickets for the Charles Heidsieck dinner in The Grill Room are priced at €125 and are expected to sell quickly.

 

Cork International launches Family Afternoon Tea for Midterm.

Aoibhe Jacob and Nancy Corcoran at the launch of the Family Afternoon Tea

The Cork International Hotel has launched a Family Afternoon Tea for the February midterm which will be available from Monday, February 16th to Saturday, February 21st.

Families will be offered finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and patisseries which will be created using locally sourced ingredients from some of the region’s top producers. 

Among the offerings are rotisserie beef, rocket and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise on white bread; chocolate brownie with chocolate ganache and candied hazelnuts; and éclair with vanilla crème and pistachio crumble.

The afternoon tea is accompanied by a carefully selected tea and coffee service, designed to compliment each layer of the menu. 

The Family Afternoon Tea will be served Monday to Saturday from 1pm - 4pm. The price per adult is €45 and €20 per child and booking through the hotel’s website is essential.

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said: “We are introducing a Family Afternoon Tea which appeals to families and multi-generational groups looking for a relaxed experience during the February midterm break. It is part of our strategy to strengthen family-led city experiences during school holiday periods. The hotel also has a recently upgraded play area for children so parents can sit back and relax while knowing that their children are having fun in a safe and secure environment.”

On the menu:

The First Bite

Truffled egg and spring onions (Brown)

Rotisserie beef, rocket and sun-dried tomato mayonnaise (White)

Coronation Chicken (White)

Smoked Salmon and Citrus Butter (Brown)

The Heart of Tea

Fruit Scones / Plain Scones

Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Ganache, Candied Hazelnuts

Financier, Fresh Raspberries and Chantilly Cream

Clotted Cream, Strawberry Jam and Homemade Butter Served on the Side with Tea and Coffee service

The Final Flourish

Lemon Posset, Cinnamon and Orange infused Berries

Éclair, Vanilla Crème, Pistachio Crumble 

Sweet touch of the moment curated by the hotel's pastry chef

For more information please go to https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/eat-drink/

 

Wedding Showcase in Fota Island Resort 

Celebrate Your Day, Your Way at Fota Island Resort

This spring, Fota Island Resort invites newly engaged couples to their Wedding Showcase, taking place on Sunday, 1st March from 12pm to 3pm. 

The elegant and inspiring afternoon aims to offer couples the perfect opportunity to envision their dream wedding day in one of Ireland’s most exclusive five-star destinations. Set on a tranquil 780-acre private island in Cork, surrounded by peaceful woodlands and lakes, Fota Island Resort feels wonderfully secluded while being less than 30 minutes from Cork city. 

Couples will have the opportunity to view the Smith-Barry Suite, this stunning space which can accommodate between 120 and 300 guests. Natural light fills the suite, which opens onto a terrace for al fresco pre-wedding drinks receptions during the summer months, offering panoramic views of the island.

For an intimate family dinner or exclusive pre-wedding celebration, couples can choose The Cove, or  Fota Golf Club which provide an elegant and private setting. For day-two celebrations, the renowned and stylish clubhouse also offers a sophisticated setting to continue the festivities. The resort's luxurious hotel rooms and self-catering lodges are ideal for guests and families to stay during your wedding, ensuring a memorable and indulgent experience for all. 

On the day, couples will meet with the hotel’s dedicated wedding team and enjoy a preview of the resort’s renowned five-star service. Guests will also enjoy elegant live music, beautifully styled spaces, thoughtfully curated goodie bags, and the opportunity to meet a selection of trusted wedding suppliers. 

From Champagne on arrival to bespoke seasonal menus, every detail at Fota Island Resort is designed to create an unforgettable day. To book an appointment for the Spring Wedding Showcase, on Sunday, 1st March or to learn more, visit www.fotaisland.ie, email weddings@fotaisland.ie, or call +353 (0) 21 488 3700.

Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast Launches Restorative and Immersive ‘Sleepcation’

press release

 

Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast Launches Restorative and Immersive ‘Sleepcation’ 

 

Winter asks more from the body than we often realise. With shorter days and reduced natural light, our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy and hormone production — begins to shift. This can affect everything from alertness and mood to melatonin release at night, leaving many people feeling more tired, sluggish, sad or mentally foggy.

 

Sometimes the finest luxuries cannot rival the impact of a truly great night’s sleep. Problems feel less overwhelming, perspective returns and the day ahead becomes brighter after deep, uninterrupted rest. Acknowledging winter’s slower rhythm — and the body’s instinctive need for more sleep — is often the first step toward restoring balance.

 

Responding to this, Dunluce Lodge has launched its restorative and immersive ‘Sleepcation’, a stay designed entirely around rest, relaxation and deep sleep.

Perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge is Northern Ireland’s newest five-star retreat and one of its most intimate. Opened just a year ago, the elegant property comprises 35 suites and a private residence, The Stookan, blending understated luxury, warm Irish hospitality and a spectacular coastal setting into a refined escape designed for complete relaxation.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation is a fully immersive experience centred on restorative rest. The stay includes an overnight escape, breakfast, a signature spa treatment, calming sleep tea and a curated bedtime wellness offering, with amenities including a Seabody Sleep Balm and a carefully considered night-time ritual designed to help guests fully switch off and unwind. (?580 per room for two people sharing).

 

At its heart is the sleep experience itself. Guests settle into ultra-comfortable Hypnos, handmade beds layered with natural fibres and cashmere guard duvets and Cheviot wool pillows by local brand, Ava Innes, chosen for their gentle weight and natural temperature regulation.  The brand pioneers a unique, sustainable duvet fill made from cashmere guard hair — a forgotten luxury fibre offering gentle weight, exceptional temperature regulation and a sleep experience grounded in natural wellbeing.

Outside, the only sound is the Atlantic rolling steadily onto the shore, while inside the Lodge, a deep quiet settles after dusk. A short bedtime story inspired by local folklore — tales of giants and heroes such as Finn McCumhaill — is left on each bed as part of the turndown ritual, encouraging guests to disconnect from screens and return to the simple comfort of reading before sleeping.

 

The woodland spa plays a central role in the experience. The Drift & Dream Ritual by Seabody begins with grounding breathwork, followed by a personalised massage using warm Lavendar poultices, aromatherapy oil and finished with Seabody’s brand-new Sleep Balm. Stretching, lymphatic drainage and gentle acupressure guide the body into deep relaxation, preparing both body and mind for rest.

 

Dining at Dunluce Lodge complements the experience, with Executive Chef Stephen Holland and his team showcasing the best of the region’s seasonal produce through thoughtful, locally inspired menus. Evenings unfold slowly — cocktails by the fire, oysters at the bar or watching the last light fade into the Atlantic — before retreating to suites where comfort, stillness and the rhythm of the sea take over.

 

Located along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route and moments from Whiterocks Beach via a private walkway, the Lodge offers a rare sense of calm in one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, within easy reach of landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation ultimately pays homage to the restorative power of sleep, embracing the rituals, environment and natural elements that support true rest. By bringing together sea air, silence, natural fibres and a slower pace of living, Dunluce Lodge invites guests to reconnect with their natural rhythms and rediscover the transformative power of deep, uninterrupted sleep. 

Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, BT56 8NB

 

For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700

Eating Out and Dining In, with Kay O'Connell's Dunnes Stores

 Eating Out and Dining In, with Kay O'Connell's Dunnes Stores

Kay O’Connell's Gluten Free Seafood Chowder reached the final six in the SOUPerb Awards 2025, a competition that saw Feast in Rostrevor, County Down, crowned as the overall winner for Ireland's Best Seafood Chowder. O’Connell’s did even better at Blas 2025 in Dingle where their Fish Pie won gold, two excellent achievements for the Cork fishmonger.

Both products were on display in the fridge of their Kate Lawlor run fish cafe in the Food Hall of Dunnes Stores (Patrick Street), as we tucked into our lunch last week. Afterwards, I made a beeline for the shelves and picked up a pack of the chowder (€7.00).

At SOUPerb,  the nod went to Feast, while Pat Cohan's Bar and Peggy's Bar were recognised for atmosphere and hidden gem status, respectively, and the judges also highlighted finalists like The Moorings, K O'Connell's Fishmongers, and Savoir Fare in a competition run with Cully & Sully and McKenna's Guides.  

The annual awards celebrate the best seafood chowder in Ireland, focusing on fresh ingredients, rich dairy, and soul in the bowl. For the awards, public nominations and votes led to finalists, followed by a judge's tour of Ireland to taste the chowders. Feast’s sustainable approach was one factor that swayed the judges who were John and Sally McKenna, along with Cully and Sully.

Other Finalists:

• Pat Cohan's Bar (Cong, Co. Mayo) - SOUPerb Atmosphere.
• Peggy's Bar & Restaurant (Claregalway, Co. Galway) - SOUPerb Hidden Gem.
• K O'Connell's Fishmongers (Cork City) - SOUPerb Innovation.
• The Moorings (Dungarvan, Co. Waterford) - SOUPerb Sense of Place.
• Savoir Fare (Westport, Co. Mayo) - SOUPerbly Surprising. 

O'Connell's Ingredients are: Fish mix (50%) of Salmon, White Fish, Smoked Fish; Veg - onion, carrot, leek, fennel, dill, plus milk, cream, butter, cornflour, salt, black pepper, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, and white wine.

The chowder was actually on the menu the day we were in. Perhaps I should have had tried it there along with Kate’s Beamish Brown Bread. Had to wait for later that evening when we enjoyed it at home along with CL’s brown bread.

Quite a lot of variation from the all-out traditional chowder these days and one that I really like is Fred’s Mediterranean Seafood Chowder, available in East Cork restaurants: Salty Dog, Seachurch and Cush. This too is served with Stout Brown Bread. It is a creamy tomato based soup and the ingredients are usually Mixed Fish, Prawns, and Mussels, Smoky Bacon, Saffron, White wine, Potatoes. It is a superb mix, packed to the gills with textures and flavours (including that smoky bacon). And then there's the exquisite Bouillabaisse at Azure in Cobh (though that takes us outside the category).

Fish Tacos

Not that easy to pick from Kate’s menu in Dunne's as the choice has been hugely extended over the past year or so. The blackboard by the counter is packed with well priced temptations. Quite a lively spot to enjoy a bite. And you can do a bit of people watching. I noticed queues forming at the Hot Sandwich Bar and Baxter & Greene Deli. CL has her eye on a salad from the deli next time!

Atlantic Prawn Scampi

Blarney Castle Gardens, a stroll on a February Saturday

Blarney Castle Gardens, a stroll on a February Saturday

Pics taken 07.02.2026

Mega Flower by Lynda Christian
Enamel decorated recycled metal

Teazel

Eternal Ascent by Blessing Sanyanga
Kilkenny Black Marble and stainless steel

Lost in the woods

Fern Tree Garden (above and below)

BARBERSTOWN CASTLE RENOVATES PUBLIC AREAS WITH A NOD TO THE GARDEN

 BARBERSTOWN CASTLE RENOVATES PUBLIC AREAS WITH A NOD TO THE GARDEN

 

-All Coming Up Roses at Barberstown Castle, Straffan, Ireland

 

Barberstown Castle, the four-star historic castle hotel in Straffan, Co. Kildare, is entering a new chapter following a series of thoughtful renovations to its public areas, carried out throughout the month of January and due for completion in mid- February 2026.

With over 700 years of history behind its storied stone walls, Barberstown Castle has witnessed centuries of change — from Norman stronghold to aristocratic residence, from musical retreat to one of Ireland’s most atmospheric country house hotels. Formerly home to musician Eric Clapton between 1979 and 1987, the castle continues to welcome guests from around the world, offering a warm Irish welcome in a setting rich with heritage and character.

Originally constructed in 1288, Barberstown Castle evolved over the centuries with Elizabethan and Victorian additions, carefully layered onto the original medieval keep. The property first opened to guests in 1971 as a small guesthouse and gradually expanded into the much-loved country house hotel it is today.

 

Now under the ownership and direction of businesswoman Amanda Torrens, who acquired the property in 2021, Barberstown Castle is enjoying a new renaissance. Since taking ownership, Torrens has embarked on a programme of sympathetic renovation and enhancement, bringing a fresh sense of energy, individuality and understated glamour to the castle, while respecting its historic fabric.

 

The most recent phase of works has focused on the castle’s public spaces, with the transformation of the main lobby into an elegant and light-filled Garden Lounge. Once an underutilised space, the large area has been reimagined as an elegant, welcoming, social hub where guests can enjoy morning coffee and freshly baked scones or relaxed after-dinner drinks.

 

The dramatic vaulted ceiling, featuring a distinctive hexagonal design, has been painted in soft off-white tones and trimmed with gold detailing to accentuate its architectural form. Underfoot, the classic black-and-cream marble chequered floor anchors the space, while a refined palette of champagne, white and cream provides a calm backdrop for bold contemporary art.

 

The Garden Lounge showcases vibrant works by French contemporary artist Patrick Rubinstein, whose kinetic pieces reinterpret iconic masterpieces including Vermeer’s, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Klimt’s masterpiece, The Kiss, and works inspired by Matisse. Characterised by bold geometric lines and vivid colour, Rubinstein’s art creates a striking sense of movement and visual illusion. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with Gormley’s and forms part of a rotating programme of exhibitions to be displayed at the Castle throughout the year.

 

The adjacent Garden Bar has also been refreshed, with heritage sage green tones reflecting its outlook onto the rose garden beyond. The space will serve light lunches, fresh bakes, artisan coffee and expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed yet refined setting, with direct access to the gardens during warmer months.

 

Completing the suite of renovated spaces, the adjoining Garden Suite mirrors the ceiling shape of the Garden Lounge and introduces a playful note through quirky wallpaper and luxurious textures. Deep-pile carpets, chandeliers, and rich fabrics frame large windows and doors that open directly onto the terrace and rose garden, blending old-world elegance with contemporary comfort.

 

Speaking about the completed works, Amanda Torrens said, “This renovation is part of programme of improvements and additions that we will continue to do at this historic building.  We are just custodians of this Castle and it our job to maintain, improve and future proof this incredible space for generations and perhaps even hundreds of more years to come.”

 

A proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book, Barberstown Castle has been welcoming guests for more than five decades. With 61 individually styled bedrooms, award-winning dining in the Barton Rooms, relaxed hospitality across its bars and public rooms, and a reputation as one of Ireland’s most romantic wedding and event venues, the castle continues to evolve while remaining true to its distinctive identity.

Set on 20 acres of landscaped gardens and located just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport, Barberstown Castle offers a rare combination of history, comfort and quietly confident style — now enhanced by a renewed focus on its garden-facing public spaces.

 

THE SQUARE BAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2026 - ENTRIES NOW OPEN

 

press release THE SQUARE BAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2026 - ENTRIES NOW OPEN

With 31 categories available, this is the perfect opportunity for bars across Ireland to gain the recognition they truly deserve. The deadline for entries is Friday 3rd April 2026, so don’t miss out on your chance to shine.

View our 2026 Categories

How to Enter:

Bars looking to participate must complete an online entry form, which will then be reviewed and judged by a panel of esteemed industry experts. The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala awards ceremony held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, on Monday, August 24, 2026. This black-tie event is a highlight of the hospitality industry calendar and promises an evening of celebration, networking, and industry recognition.

New for 2025: Headline Sponsor ''SQUARE''

We are delighted to welcome Square on board as the 2026 headline Sponsor for the Bar of the Year awards. For more information on all sponsors, see link below

2026 Sponsors

Who Can Enter?

The Irish Bar of the Year Awards welcome entries from all types of bars, including traditional pubs, modern bars, and trendy cocktail lounges. Categories also exist for bars that serve food. Judges will be looking for establishments with unique personalities, exceptional service, and unforgettable customer experiences. 2025 Winners

Join the Conversation

Follow the excitement and share your journey on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For queries, call our events team on (01) 640 1777, or email us at events@ashvillemediagroup.com with your details and enquiry.

Highlight video from our 2025 awards ceremony

Stunning news from Dungarvan: The Tannery is in its final year. Not quite goodbye, more a victory lap.

 The Tannery at 30: Paul and Máire Flynn announce the final year of an Irish restaurant institution, and the beginning of a new story

Paul and Máire

As The Tannery enters its 30th year in business, chef Paul Flynn and his wife and business partner Máire Flynn have announced that 2026 will be the restaurant’s final year of service. On January 1st 2027, after three decades at the heart of Dungarvan and the Irish food scene, the doors of The Tannery Restaurant will close – a decision made by the Flynns on their own terms, and with enormous pride in what they have built.

The announcement is not an ending, but a considered reshaping of what The Tannery means. Paul and Máire will continue to run The Tannery Townhouse and the Cookery School on a seasonal basis, welcoming guests from spring through to autumn, and serving dinner to The Tannery Townhouse residents. The spirit of The Tannery – hospitality, generosity, humour, and deeply flavour-driven cooking – is not over, but evolving.

If you had told the Flynns in 1997 that their small restaurant in Paul’s hometown would still be thriving 30 years later, they would have been thrilled. In the intervening decades, The Tannery has become one of the most respected and beloved restaurants in Ireland, a place that has helped shape modern Irish cooking while anchoring Dungarvan as a serious food destination. It has outlasted trends, weathered recessions, survived storms literal and metaphorical, and grown up alongside a loyal community of staff and customers who now span generations.

The restaurant’s story is inseparable from the town around it. Dungarvan has flourished as a food hub in part because of The Tannery’s influence, and the Waterford Festival of Food – now a nationally important event – grew from the same ambition to showcase the region’s potential. Through the festival and beyond, the restaurant has welcomed an extraordinary roll call of guest chefs and collaborators, from Fergus Henderson and Angela Hartnett to Jason Atherton, Stephen Harris, Mickael Viljanen, Richard Corrigan, Robin Gill, Mark Hix, Ross Lewis, and many more. Alumni from The Tannery kitchen now cook all over the world, including Mickael Viljanen, who has gone on to redefine the top tier of Irish dining.

For Paul and Máire, the greatest pride lies not in awards or accolades, though there have been many, but in longevity – of staff, of friendships, of connections, and of relationships with guests who first came as children and now return with children of their own. The Tannery has never been just a restaurant. It has been a gathering place, a training ground, a stage for visiting chefs, and a cornerstone of a community that embraced it from day one.

There will be no single farewell party. Instead, in typical Flynn fashion, the final year will be one long celebration. For the next eleven months, Paul and Máire invite regulars, old friends, and first-time visitors to be part of the last service season of The Tannery Restaurant – a rolling toast to three decades of cooking and the craic.

“If someone had handed us a crystal ball in 1997 and said, ‘You’ll still be at this in 30 years,’ we’d have bitten their hand off,” says Paul. “We’ve had the run of our lives. We’re closing because we can, not because we have to, and that’s a great position to be in. Hospitality has thrown everything at us over the years and we’ve always managed to dodge most of it. Navigating storms is our superpower. But 30 years feels like a good, round number, and we’d like to scale back on our own terms before I’m wheeled out of the kitchen. This last year is about enjoying these last months properly, cooking for the lovely people who’ve kept us going, having the kind of fun we were probably too busy to have the first time around.”

“We feel incredibly proud of what The Tannery has become and of the people who built it with us,” says Máire. “Our staff are the beating heart of this place, with so many with us for years. We’ve watched families grow up through this restaurant. We’ve made lifelong friends across the dining room. Being part of the Dungarvan community and of the wider Irish food family has been a privilege. Welcoming wonderful chefs over the years into our kitchen, and seeing our talented alumni go on to extraordinary things, reminds us just how connected and generous this industry can be. Our decision comes from a place of gratitude and confidence. We’re excited about what comes next, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the year ahead with everyone who has been part of our story.”

The final restaurant service in The Tannery will take place on January 1st 2027, with bookings for the closing period to be announced later this year. From spring 2027 onwards, The Tannery Townhouse will continue to welcome guests, and the Cookery School will operate seasonally. 

Join Paul and Máire as they celebrate the last year of The Tannery – not as a goodbye, but as a victory lap for one of the great success stories of Irish hospitality.

 www.thetannery.ie 

press release