News Archive
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Cinnamon Garden
20 December 2018
I’m a die-hard Indian food fan, and, while I had been there a few years ago, having heard nothing but great things of late about Aashim Bajaj’s Cinnamon Garden Restaurant in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, I couldn’t wait to try it again.
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Restaurant Review - Da Mirco
19 December 2018
After 13 years as manager of the fabulous Farmgate Cafe in the English Market, Mirco Fondrini has now planted his own flag, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who visited his contemporary Italian Osteria, Da Mirco, on Bridge Street in Cork City
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Lucinda's 20 BEST Festive Shopping Lunches
12 December 2018
The big day out for Christmas shopping is something we always remember, and lunch is a big part of it. Whether you want pizza, pasta, a traditional roast or something more exotic, there's lots of festive food to be enjoyed.
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Restaurant Review - Layla's
05 December 2018
The Devlin Hotel in Ranelagh is an uber-cool spot with all the modern features and slick finishes that you could ever want, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who made her way upstairs to it’s retro-inspired gastrobar-style restaurant.
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Restaurant Review - Del Fino
28 November 2018
Fed up with the non-stop nonsense of frenzied foodies battling for pizza pride on social media, Lucinda O’Sullivan was delighted by the new Del-Fino restaurant, where thankfully the higher end of Italian cuisine was on display.
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Restaurant Review - The River Club Grill Room
21 November 2018
With the hotel industry perking up again, new spots and revamps are bustin' out all over, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who was curious to see and taste the latest innovations and renovations at the fab River Lee Hotel in Cork.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Daata Tandoori Bray
20 November 2018
As most of my readers know, I absolutely love good Indian, Pakastani or other Asian food, and, when I find a restaurant that can deliver on the authentic flavours and spices, I just keep wanting to go back.
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Restaurant Review - The Gastro Bar at Fade Street Social
14 November 2018
From reality TV to Michelin stars, Dylan McGrath is a big deal in the Irish foodie world, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Unfortunately, in reality, the new menu at his Fade Street GastroBar, was not up to par.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Cafe Carleton
09 November 2018
Following for a day of shopping at Newbridge Silverware in Co. Kildare, our feet were in tatters and, feeling a bit of post-shopping peckishness, we made our way to the Café Carleton, which is the dining option at the Newbridge Visitors Centre.
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Restaurant Review - Chestnut
07 November 2018
With this year’s Michelin Stars now shining brightly, Lucinda O’Sullivan was on a mission to check off the one place she hadn't yet tried; Chef Rob Krawczyk's much-lauded Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob, Co. Cork.
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Restaurant Review - The Carriage House
31 October 2018
Last year, the legendary Adare Manor reopened under the baton of horseracing head-honcho J.P. McManus, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who visited their brand new casual restaurant, The Carriage House.
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Restaurant Review - The Dalkey Duck
24 October 2018
Having visited The Dalkey Duck when it opened and finding the menu very basic, it’s goose was cooked as far as Lucinda O’Sullivan was concerened, however, a repeat visit saw this duck rise like the proverbial phoenix.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel
18 October 2018
Fabulously situated in the heart of the O’Donnell county, the Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel in Ardara, Co. Donegal is certainly worth a visit.
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Restaurant Review - Gourmet Food Parlour Skerries
17 October 2018
Having started out with a small suburban cafe, these two Lorraine’s built their foodie empire in the height of the recession, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who couldn’t wait to grab a bite at their latest GFP branch in Skerries.
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Restaurant Review - Crow Street
10 October 2018
With two neighbourhood restaurants already to their names, David Coffey and Damien Quinn have planted their flag in Dublin City, writes Lucinda O'Sullivan, who tried their new spot in Temple Bar
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Bay View Hotel
04 October 2018
The fabulous seaside town of Kilkee in Co.Clare is renowned for its magnificent views of Kilkee Bay and the the cliffs which surround it, and, it’s a perfect base from which to set about exploring the rough and rugged Wild Atlantic Way.
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Restaurant Review - The Forge
03 October 2018
With a new team at this Co.Meath restaurant, eager to prove their metal, Lucinda O’Sullivan was keen to visit. However, she found it needs to put its own stamp on things, instead of relying on the old guard's dated duds.
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Restaurant Review - Steps Of Rome
26 September 2018
The long standing Steps of Rome restaurant loaded up the chariots, a couple of years back, making its way out to Windy Arbour, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Unfortunately, she felt they'd gone from city chic to neighbourhood nosh.
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Restaurant Review - The Grayson
19 September 2018
With a total reboot of what was the Residence on St. Stephen's Green, Lucinda O’Sullivan couldn't wait to book a table at The Grayson, and was delighted by the food, service and style at the Press Up Groups new venture.
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Restaurant Review - Daata
12 September 2018
Sick of the same old brunchtime routines, and eager for a change of scene, Lucinda O’Sullivan set her sights on the brunch menu at the new Daata restaurant in Greystones, hoping for some top-notch exotic eats.
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Restaurant Review - Cookes
05 September 2018
The sounds of corks popping and glasses clinking at Harvey Nicks' restaurant Dundrum had faded, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Now, after two years of nada, Johnnie Cooke has brought his talents to the table
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Dough Bros
04 September 2018
Nowadays, the Dough Bros pizzas are legendary amongst the hip crowd in Galway, but it all began with their beloved food truck, which is still on the go.
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Restaurant Review - The Ivy
29 August 2018
There's been lots of anticipation for the opening of the new Ivy on Dublin's Dawson Street, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. But, as other big British brands have learned, it'll take more than a bucket of bling to impress Dublin's diners.
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Restaurant Review - Pizza Yard
22 August 2018
Everyone loves pizza, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, they're tasty, affordable, and never go out of style, as she visits Pizza Yard in Ranelagh, D6, the latest hot shot pizza spot where, za comes, not by the inch, but by the yards.
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Restaurant Review - Mews
15 August 2018
Good service makes such a big difference, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. So, with the helpful phone manner and smiling staff on arrival, she enjoyed every second of her experience at the Scandi-style Mews in West Cork.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - La Piazza
09 August 2018
Located on Gorey’s Main Street, this popular Italian Restaurant always seems to have a buzz about it. Immediately proving popular with pizza aficionados, word of La Piazza’s impressive Italian eats had gotten to me fast.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Street Food Stop Offs
08 August 2018
With lots of great food to be had at markets fests and foodie vans and trucks, Lucinda gives you her 20 Best Street Food Stop Offs For fab flavoursome food on the go.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Oak Fire Pizza Clonakilty
02 August 2018
Way back in 2009, the guys from Oak Fire Pizza started out their biz in their converted cow box pizza trailer, operating out of markets and catering for festivals and events, proving an immediate hit with pizza aficionados.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Pizza Places
01 August 2018
If you're after the best slice of 'za' this summer, check out Lucinda's 20 Best Pizza Places for a slice of the good life in 2018.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Dining Destinations
25 July 2018
For freewheeling foodies who want great food to go with their getaway, check out Lucinda's 20 Best Dining Destinations.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Fennelly's of Callan
19 July 2018
Always on the lookout for great places to eat, we were on our way back from Waterford, and thought we’d stop off for an early lunch, having been tipped off about a cool day time spot in the pretty market town of Callan just a few miles from Kilkenny Town.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Gastro Stars
18 July 2018
For great casual summer holiday dining, Lucinda's gives you her 20 Best gastro pubs for feeding the whole flock.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - China Sichuan
12 July 2018
Kevin Hui’s incredibly popular China Sichuan is one of our longest-standing high-end Chinese restaurants, and the de rigueur destination for a huge clientele of prominent customers.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Seafood Spots
11 July 2018
With fantastic sunny weather upon us, Lucinda's gives you her 20 Best Seafood Spots to get your claws into this summer.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Baths At Clontarf
06 July 2018
With beach-hut doors, deck-chair fabric covering the seats, brass-topped tables with nautical screws, giant beach chairs, and jaunty staff bedecked in Breton jumpers and jeans, there’s more than a touch of Deauville glamour to The Baths.
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Restaurant Review - China Sichuan
04 July 2018
The once-sacred lobster is popping up everywhere nowadays across a myriad of cuisines, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Summer's here and it's the time to enjoy it, as she did at the China Sichuan in Sandyford, Co. Dublin.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Benny & Co.
28 June 2018
We were ‘on the road again’, as Willie Nelson would say. I'd been tipped off by a friend in the restaurant biz – whose wife was also from Donegal - "you have to go to Benny & Co in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal", he said, "they really do things right."
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Restaurant Review - Ananda
27 June 2018
It's been a decade of accolades and awards for the fab Ananda Indian Restaurant in Dundrum, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, and, with talented young gun Karan Mittal now in the kitchen, they'll be hitting the bullseye for years to come.
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Restaurant Review - Everett's
20 June 2018
In an industry focused on flashes in the pan & plating Picassos, it's great when a chef delivers flavour along with the flair, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Peter Everett, chef patron at the new Everett's in Waterford, does just that.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Mannion's
19 June 2018
On the hunt for great food and drink, I’m up and down the country week in week out, and the latest foodie find for me is Mannion’s, just on the edge of New Ross, Co. Wexford.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Everett's
14 June 2018
When it’s a choice between flavour or presentation, flavour wins every time. Happily, at Everett’s in Waterford, the new restaurant by chef Peter Everett and partner, Keith Noonan, in the former Wine Vaults, we got both flavour and chic presentation.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Coastal Hotspots 2018
13 June 2018
Lucinda's guide to the 20 best Coastal hotspots for sun, fun and great casual food this summer.
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Lucinda's 20 Best Terraces 2018
06 June 2018
A roundup of Lucinda's 20 Best Terraces for 'Eating out' with style this summer.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Riddler Restaurant
05 June 2018
Close to Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin 8 is The Riddler, a large cafe/restaurant, which has quickly become a popular Dublin hotspot with its laid back entertaining style and atmosphere along with great food.
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Restaurant Review - Ichigo Ichie
30 May 2018
Chef Takashi Miyazaki's new Ichigo Ichie, on Fenn's Quay in Cork, offers a 12 course haute cuisine Japanese experience, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who, despite some eye rolling over the haute hype lead up, couldn't wait to try it.
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Restaurant Review - Forno500
23 May 2018
Finding good food, good service and a little bit of atmosphere all in one spot can be tricky, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, however an impromptu visit to the new Forno500, on Dublin's Dame Street, ticked all of her boxes.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Enniskerry Inn
22 May 2018
Coming back from a day out in Wexford, myself and one of the gals were more than a tad peckish and, having gotten a tip from a foodie friend who lives nearby, we decided to head for the Enniskerry Inn in Co. Wicklow.
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Restaurant Review - Voici
16 May 2018
With summery thoughts of warm French weather, continental cuisine and wonderful wining, Lucinda O’Sullivan went in search of a little 'oh la la', and found it at Voici, a new French style winebar on Dublin's Rathgar Road.
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Restaurant Review - Livin la vida mocha!
09 May 2018
Ireland’s coffee culture has changed massively in the last few years, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. Nowadays, it's more than a cup of mud and a scone – whether it’s drag shows, puzzling decors or toasties in a shipping container.
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Restaurant Review - Rasam
02 May 2018
For the past 15 years, Niseeth Tak has been breaking boundaries and setting new standards at his fab Rasam Indian restaurant in Glasthule, Co. Dublin, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, who couldn't wait to try his latest menus.
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Restaurant Review - The Baths At Clontarf
25 April 2018
Having driven by the disused and dishevelled Clontarf Baths a thousand times over the years, Lucinda O’Sullivan was delighted by the fab renovations and the top-notch food on offer at this elegant new restaurant.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Marine
24 April 2018
The Marine Links Hotel & Restaurant has been a Ballybunion mainstay since it was first established in 1922. Today it’s the domain of hoteliers/restaurateurs Derek Nagle and Anthony & Elaine Bennett who’ve brought this classic hotel into the 21st century.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Rafter Dempsey's
19 April 2018
Following a day spent indulging in some girlish retail therapy in the city of my ancestors, Kilkenny, my pal Rena and I were both famished and on the hunt for something good to eat.
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Restaurant Review - Old Town
11 April 2018
We used to have some great Chinese restaurants, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, but these days they're few and far between. So, having been tipped to Old Town on Dublin's Capel Street, she went in search of her dream Chinese.
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Restaurant Review - Elle's at the Iveagh Garden Hotel
04 April 2018
With a huge €40 million having been injected into the new Iveagh Garden Hotel on Dublin's Harcourt Street, Lucinda O’Sullivan was eager to try their new bistro, Elle's. Unfortunately, poor service made for a poor experience.
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Restaurant Review - 3 Leaves
28 March 2018
Having loved it the first time around, Lucinda O’Sullivan was delighted to be returning to 3 Leaves, an Indian restaurant at the Blackrock Market in Co. Dublin, which, since her visit, has grown in both size and popularity
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Restaurant Review - Ashford Castle
21 March 2018
With an influx of visitors to our shores for St. Patrick’s Day, the start of the tourist season, Lucinda O’Sullivan checks out the spectacular Ashford Castle, in Quiet Man country, at Cong, Co. Mayo.
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Restaurant Review - Bun Cha
14 March 2018
With a promising online presence and very inviting pics, Lucinda O’Sullivan couldn't wait to try the new Bun Cha Vietnamese street food eatery on Dublin's Moore Street. However, from start to finish, this one was a trainwreck.
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Restaurant Review - Glovers Alley
07 March 2018
A visit to the the new Glovers Alley at the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, left Lucinda O’Sullivan in two minds. The overly-precious atmosphere did nothing for her, but Chef Andy McFadden's food is a cut above.
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Restaurant Review - Bresson
28 February 2018
With a track record for hot hip city restaurants, Temple Garner is a man who knows what the people want, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, and with his latest venture, Bresson in Monkstown, he's brought his best to the burbs.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - The International Hotel
22 February 2018
Beautifully situated in the heart of Killarney, only 100m from the Golden Gates entrance to the Demense and Killarney National park, is the fabulous 4-star International Hotel. For anyone looking to go exploring in the Kingdom, it is the perfect base.
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Restaurant Review - 20 Best Romantic Spots
21 February 2018
There are many great hotels and restaurants out there, says Lucinda O'Sullivan, all with unique style and flair, whether it's dinner aboard Orient Express carriages, Indonesian rijstaffel by the Liffey or even a secluded getaway in a private castle.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Brasserie On The Corner
15 February 2018
The City of the Tribes has some really fantastic eateries and restaurants these days, and one of their best is undoubtedly Brasserie on the Corner. With a lovely atmosphere, plenty of buzz, excellent service and some really good food, It’s tough to beat.
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Restaurant Review - Osteria 99
14 February 2018
Osteria 99 is the latest restaurant to set up shop in Monkstown, Co. Dublin, says Lucinda O’Sullivan. But, with a neutral atmosphere and an unclear motif, they need to kick things up a notch to compete in this busy, foodie locale.
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Restaurant Review - La Brasserie
08 February 2018
Maynooth is no longer just a destination for priests and students, instead, it has become a thoroughly modern town, writes Lucinda O'Sullivan, and it's now home to the blingtastic and excellent La Brasserie
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
06 February 2018
Perfectly located in the centre of the Marble City, close to popular attractions like Kilkenny Castle, the Smithwick’s experience and a host of great shops and restaurants, is the fabulous Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Butler & Barry
01 February 2018
The Victorian Promenade in Bray, Co. Wicklow, is one of the finest in Europe. It attracts people from all over the country, and at weekends, and especially Sundays, it is always buzzing with life.
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Restaurant Review - The Guinea Pig
31 January 2018
Mervyn Stewart has ridden off into the sunset after more than four decades at the much-loved Guinea Pig restaurant, say Lucinda O’Sullivan. However, new chef patron Jerome Fernandes knows a thing or two about great food.
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Our Latest Great Place To Stay & Eat - The Savoy Hotel
30 January 2018
Fancy finding yourself in the lap of luxury, surrounded by great shopping and a fab theatre district? Then the Savoy Hotel in Limerick should be at the head of your list. From top to bottom, the Savoy exudes glamour and charm.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - The Seafood Cafe
26 January 2018
You would have to go a long way to find a man as passionate about seafood as chef and restaurateur Niall Sabongi. And he has brought the fruits of the sea to Dublin city centre in a cool, casual way that reminds me of the Mercado San Miguel in Madrid.
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Restaurant Review - Idas Restaurant
24 January 2018
Kevin Murphy wanted to celebrate the Dingle Peninsula with a culinary adventure that hadn’t been seen before, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, However, despite amazing food and a brilliant team, Idas restaurant has closed its doors.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Hooked
23 January 2018
Walking into Hooked I was dazzled by all the funky decorative features of this new Sligo establishment: the wooden boat on the ceiling, the punning mural along one wall, and my favourite, the Father Jack snug.
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Restaurant Review - The Great Southern Hotel Killarney
17 January 2018
There’s excitement in the Kingdom, says Lucinda O’Sullivan, with the historical and beloved Great Southern Hotel Killarney, which has been The Malton for a number of years, being restored to it’s former glory and name.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Croi
16 January 2018
I have always loved a getaway in Tralee. From the beautiful scenery that surrounds It, to the atmosphere and ethos of the town itself, the Kingdom has always been one of my favourite destinations to escape to.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Klaw Poke
05 January 2018
With good seafood, price can often be an issue. However, Niall Sabongi's sassy seafood shack, Klaw Poke on Capel Street, offers premium poisson at a practical price.
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Our Latest Great Place To Eat - Mikey Ryan's Bar & Kitchen
03 January 2018
Cashel has always been a magnet for visitors to our shores, including HM Queen Elizabeth II, and now there’s a place that is, as the Michelin man might say, ‘worth a detour’.