Jacques. Encore.
 |
| Crab |
Jacques, now into its fifth decade, continues to set the gold standard for Cork restaurants. Our visit last week was a delightful confirmation that it remains as exceptional and reliable as ever.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the
Coyles, Clifden's New Gem,
offering good food and coffee
The news spread like wildfire through Clifden: Alice Coyle, the mastermind behind the popular Cork Fab Food Trail, was opening a food and coffee shop on her native ground! We all knew Alice for her incredible food design skills, having designed the stunning
Beer of the Week
Wicklow Wolf 10th Anniversary American Amber
4.8% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys
The Newtown Mount Kennedy Brewery has very good reason to get a little nostalgic about their American Amber, our latest
press release
The Met Summer Special Menu
.jpg)
The Metropole Hotel is excited to announce the launch of
press release
 |
| Oisin and Dee with Dennis Dempsey (left) and Birgitta Hedin-Curtin (right) |
 |
| You'll find her in Kyle Street. Not the girl from Ipanema! |
| Move over, California rolls! Cork City's sushi scene just got a splash of vibrant fusion with the arrival of Egawa Sushi on Kyle Street. You'll find them in the former Brazilian Golden Bites space, Egawa offers a unique twist – Japanese sushi with a Brazilian flair - note the international flags (Japan and Brazil!) displayed on their Instagram. Intrigued by the |
Beer of the Week. Kinnegar’s mixed 4-pack.
Cold IPA. Pale Ale. Pilsner. Raspberry Grisette
Donegal’s Kinnegar has just launched their summer adventure into 4-pack territory and this very convenient format is out there to be enjoyed. “Look forward to a refreshing journey through these four great beer styles. We don't often indulge in tasting notes but this time we set Sean the task of putting the experience in words.”
Cold IPA 5.3%, 400 ml can Bradleys
Colour of this Cold IPA, a once-off by Kinnegar and part of their new 4-pack this summer, is a light gold with bubbles galore racing to the soft white head. Peach, apricot and grapefruit feature in this light hoppy beer with a very refreshing finish indeed.
Wondering what a Cold IPA is? I was. It is an IPA fermented at lower temperatures than what is normally used to ferment an ale. Brewers often use a lager yeast or a combination of a lager and an ale yeast. Kinnegar: “Another riff on a tune we’ve been playing with for the past year. Practice makes perfect.”
Hazy Pale Ale,4.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys
This session pale is light straw and cloudy. The American hops have endowed Kinnegar’s latest iteration of this quaffable popular style with quite a backbone of tropical fruit, citrus and pine and just a moderate bitterness. Refreshing as expected and ideal for a session.
Sean’s verdict: “Juicy, sweet fruit, high drinkability. An indispensable summer companion. One will not be enough.”
*************************************
See updated Beer of the Week index here
*************************************
Pilsner, 5% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys
This latest lager from Donegal is straw-coloured with a soft white head and tons of bubbles rising. Much like the craft lagers we know in this part of the world but with a hoppy punch. A touch of lime runs through it to the refreshing finalé. Well worth a try and another excellent can in the 4-pack.
They say: An old-world style with new-world flair courtesy of its distinctive New Zealand hop profile.
Sean’s verdict: Citrus (lime), grape, clean bitterness
Grisettes are refreshing, low-alcohol beers with origins in the Hainaut province of Belgium. They are crisp, medium/light-bodied, citrusy beers—brewed to be endlessly approachable. It is also supposed to be a summer beer. I’ve waited long enough for summer, so here goes.
Our Raspberry Grisette from Kinnegar has an orange colour with a short-lived white head and lots of micro-bubbles. It is crisp and dry with a fruity tang from the raspberries. I reckon loganberries would have given it a real kick-ass tang. As it is, this is a very refreshing low alcohol beer indeed. Recommended pairing: with a summer’s day if you can find one in 2024. Preferably outdoors.
Sean’s verdict: Crisp, dry, citrus, raspberry. Sean doesn’t waste words.
A Taste of Tradition: Connemara Smokehouse
on the Wild Atlantic Coast
 |
| Tasting Plate |
Nestled right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Connemara Smokehouse is a haven for seafood lovers. Founded in the 1970s by John and Bridget Roberts, this family-run business has become internationally renowned for their mastery of traditional Irish fish smoking, with Graham and Saoirse Roberts now at the helm.
The Smokehouse has achieved esteemed
Stepping into the Past, Embracing the Present.
Victorian heritage with modern comforts at Foyle's Hotel, Clifden
 |
| . Celebrity chefs. Not really. Recognise anyone? Gerard King's painting is always a talking point in Marconi's |
Imagine sinking into a plush armchair in Foyle's Hotel's foyer. The ornate wooden staircase whispers stories of a bygone era, transporting you to a time of classic elegance.
 |
| Marconi's |
 |
| Room with a view. Pic: Kirsty Lyons |
Barnahown, a luxurious new low-impact 4-bedroom Irish guesthouse near Mitchelstown in Co. Cork has opened its doors, offering Galtee mountain views, creature comforts aplenty, and access to a multitude of local wellness, adventure-based, and food-focused experiences.
The sensitively renovated and lovingly-restored 1800's farmhouse provides the
Dive into Oyster Nirvana
at Moran's Oyster Cottage
 |
| Thermidor |
Imagine this: a quaint, thatched cottage perched right on the Galway coast, the salty breeze whispering promises of fresh seafood delights. That's exactly what greets you at
press release
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF AYALA CHAMPAGNE
AT FORBES STREET BY GARETH MULLINS
Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins is delighted to announce the next wine dinner in their exclusive series on Thursday, 25th July. This prestigious event will be run in association with Findlaters & Co. and will celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship of the Champagne house AYALA, an esteemed family-owned establishment founded in 1860 by Edmond de AYALA. Nestled in Aÿ, in the
Poderi Dal Nespoli Trebbiano Rubicone (IGT) 2022, 12% ABV
€12.95 Bradleys
Fresh and fruity wine is Highly Recommended.
Crossing the Rubicon!😉
The colour of this full-bodied organic Italian white is a pale and clear straw. Aromas hint of lemon and peach follow through in the flavours (where you may also find
