IrishCentral Ireland vacation - b5cc3275d518416eacb61d676e8d84d1

Irish restaurant critic Ross Golden-Bannon launches pop-up artisan eatery (IrishCentral)

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:19:28 PDT

Irish Restaurant critic Ross Golden-Bannon who will host The Guerilla ClubA new Irish Pop-Up Restaurant, The Guerrilla Gourmet Club, was launched last week in Dublin, by Irish restaurant critic Ross Golden-Bannon with Robert Lee Mulcahy The menu has been created with Chef Gareth Mullins, executive chef at the 5 Star Marker Hotel in Dublin The pair have joined forces with the prestigious Stephen's Green Hibernian Club, who will host the event on the summer solstice, Friday 21 June at 7:00pmBased on the Irish tradition of the Meitheal, which is gaelic for "a community working together", each dinner uses well known artisan food producers (with national and international profiles) to support fledging artisan food businesses that are only starting out READ MORE

Results of the Ulster Finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2013 - top Northern Ireland eateries revealed (IrishCentral)

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 05:48:18 PDT

James St South, Antrim wins Best Restaurant awardThe ULSTER Regional Final of the Santa Rita/ LIFE Magazine Irish Restaurant Awards 2013 took place in The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, last night and the chosen top restaurants in the region were namedThe Ulster region covers the six counties in Northern Ireland: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone & three counties in the Republic: Cavan, Monaghan & DonegalOver 250 restaurant owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the Awards, which saw many well-known restaurateurs of Ulster turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awardsIn their fifth year now, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to go from strength to strength READ MORE

Sligo College seeks entries for The World Irish Stew Championship (IrishCentral)

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:17:56 PDT

The classic Irish Lamb Stew is still a favorite all over the worldEntries are flying in for the fourth World Irish Stew Championship which takes place in St Angela’s College in Sligo on 1st and 2nd May and you can still enter!The 1st of May will see professional and student chefs from kitchens and colleges all over the world demonstrate their skills to create the ultimate Irish Stew! The judging panel a team of chefs and competition judges, selected by head judge, Gabriel Mc Sharry, will decide who will earn the title in two categories – professional and student chefEntries can be made online where there are also application forms for other culinary competitions including the Sligo Signature Dish and a Mystery Basket competition It is not only professional chefs who can enter their stew! Home cooks can enter the competition by taking a photo of their stew and uploading it along with the recipe to their website The best Irish Stew recipes will be selected and brought to beautiful Co Sligo to compete in the final on 2nd May and they will also be treated to a Sligo Gourmet Adventure!Joe Clinton, living in Donegal, was the 1st World Irish Stew Champion in 2010The World Irish Stew Championship has been running since 2010 as part of Só Sligo Food Festival and this year thanks to the Gathering IBB Fund and assistance given by the Gathering initiative, it has become what is hoped to be an annual global event in County Sligo READ MORE

A History of Ireland in 100 objects - a great free app (IrishCentral)

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:02:32 PDT

To mark Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, here is a wee present from the people of Ireland to the people of the world, for St Patrick’s Day!The Royal Irish Academy, the National Museum of Ireland and The Irish Times are collaborating with the EU Presidency, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and Adobe to bring you a gift of A History of Ireland in 100 objectsIt is available as an interactive app for Apple iPhone and iPad, for most Android tablets and on the Kindle Fire, from our website, as well as associated app stores You can also experience the book on your computer, smartphone or eReader by clicking on the 'eBook' button belowThe Gift is free to download until the end of March READ MORE

'One a Penny, Two a Penny, Hot Cross Buns' - traditional Hot Cross Buns recipe for Easter! (IrishCentral)

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:16:43 PST

Hot Cross Buns - "Half for you and half for me, between us two good luck shall be!"Hot cross buns are traditionally baked for Lent, the 40 days before Easter On Good Friday they have been served to commemorate Christ's suffering on the cross However, the bun acquired mythical properties during the centuries Early literature reveals that the hot cross bun was better known as the Good Friday Bun READ MORE

Homemade chocolate and Irish Baileys Cream truffles recipe for St Valentine’s Day (IrishCentral)

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:01:21 PST

Yum! Chocolate & Baileys Cream TrufflesWith Valentines Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share something simple yet delicious that you can make for that special person in your life! Taking the time and effort to make this yummy Valentine treat at home is a great way to show how much you really care!Beautifully balanced with a hint of bitter coffee and sweet Irish Baileys Cream, these rich little delicacies melt in your mouth and will be a very welcome way to your lover's heartThese little home-made Chocolate Truffles are so easy to make They taste divine and the secret ingredient is simply that big dollop of Tender Loving Care!Homemade Chocolate & Irish Baileys Cream Truffles for Valentines DayMy Ingredients:3 Cups Dark chocolate Chips1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder1 fl oz Cold Espresso or strong coffee1 fl oz Baileys Cream Liqueur8 fl oz Fresh CreamCocoa Powder, Dessicated coconut, Ground Almonds or Cake crumbs for coatingMy Method:1 READ MORE

An old Irish pound note makes a bit of money in Jersey - reminising and fun with the exchange rate (IrishCentral)

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:16:02 PST

An Irish Punt / Pound in old money (Photo: Jim Lowney)Going through the old dresser that is an extension of my desk of sorts, I discovered an old one punt note the other morning No idea how long it’s been there, nor do I recall from where it came They haven’t been made for more than twenty years, at least a decade before the euroSo, I did what everyone today would do READ MORE

Irish Beef is selected as a key ingredient in 2013 Bocuse d’Or International Chef’s Competition (IrishCentral)

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 04:46:02 PST

Paul Bocuse - Probably the most famous Chef in the world!Irish Beef has been selected as a key ingredient at this year's Bocuse d’Or International Chef’s Competition The event takes place at the upcoming Sirha Food Fair, Lyon, France, 29-30 January, 2013 The international competition, named after legendary French Chef Paul Bocuse, seeks to identify the world’s top competitive chef using only the world's best food productsThe selection of Irish Beef followed a rigorous and lengthy process by the competition’s International Organisation Committee was based on its grass fed nature meaning the beef is of a high quality in terms of tenderness, taste and texture READ MORE

Win a flight home to Ireland for The Gathering 2013 (IrishCentral)

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:15:51 PST

Or why not come home to Ireland yourself for the Gathering Ireland 2013!The Irish Food Guide blog in conjunction with A Taste of Donegal Food Festival invite you to Enter a Fantastic Competition to bring a loved one Home to Ireland for the Gathering Ireland 2013!We all know someone who we would love to bring home to Ireland for the Gathering Ireland 2013 You can Enter our Competition to Win a Return Flight to Ireland (Entry fee applies) for a family member or friend from anywhere in the World, plus €500 towards any Gathering Ireland event at a venue of your choice after the draw dateEntry is only €10 and you can enter as often as you like to be in with a chance to bring that special someone home Imagine the delight of your Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister, Niece , Nephew, Grandchildren, Boyfriend, Girlfriend etc if you won them a ticket home to your local Gathering event!ONLY 2,000 TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED offering you a great chance to win this fabulous prize!Closing date for Entry is 28 February 2013 and The Winner will be notified by 7 March 2013 READ MORE

Bluffing your way through January (IrishCentral)

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:30:44 PST

Players up the ante at the Super Poker Event of Europe 2012(Credit:Danny Maxwell, courtesy of Poker Ireland)Ah January, named after Janus the two-headed god from Roman mythology, mostly because January is all about lying to yourself Whether it’s pretending that New Years Eve went exactly as you had planned or that empty promise that you’ll give up whatever that thing that is ruining your life is, nobody gets through January without a fib now and thenThink about it, as soon as you get into work your boss will go “Man, bet you miss being off…” and you have to hem and haw and go “No, having zero responsibility and almost choking on chocolate because I was gorging on them so fast I wasn't taking the wrapping off was a punishment, a burden and one I CANNOT WAIT TO BE SUBJECTED TO AGAIN IN 351 days READ MORE

The Best Irish food finds of 2012 - from trout caviar to black pudding (IrishCentral)

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:30:52 PST

Fresh Irish vegetables2012 was a great year for Irish Food! People all over the country have been taking what was originally a hobby or pastime and have been creating new small food businesses with some wonderful results These new food producers are evident at the many farmers markets, country markets and food festivals all over Ireland, north and south of the borderExisting small food companies, with assistance from their County Enterprise Boards, have been expanding their business, employing people and gaining more recognition for their products at a growing number of Irish Food Awards ceremoniesRestaurants are changing their attitude and are getting away from the one-stop-shop attitude of commercial purchasing READ MORE

Tasty foodie dips recipes for your New Year’s Eve party (IrishCentral)

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 06:30:59 PST

Prawn and Cream Cheese DipWith New Year’s Eve upon us this weekend, I thought that a few tasty and easy to make "Dips" will come in handy if you are planning a house party for the occasion!These simple dips can be used with potato chips, crackers, potato wedges, cut-strips of carrot or celery, tortillas, oven chips, breadsticks, samosas, spring rolls or anything else that takes your fancy!These recipes each make enough for 10-12 people from each but you can double up to make more Happy New Year!Prawn & Cream Cheese Dip8oz Philadelphia (or other) cream cheese1/4 small onion, peeled and choppedBunch of parsley2 tbls Lemon Juice1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped1/4 tspn black pepper4oz cooked, peeled prawnsMethod:Mix all together in a blender until almost smooth and chill for 1 hour before useSweet Chilli Mayonnaise3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce8 tablespoons mayonnaiseMethod:Mix both ingredients together and serve straight awayAvocado Guacamole4 mild chillies, finely choppedA wee bunch coriander (cilantro) chopped2 tomatoes, finely choppedPinch of salt1 medium onion, chopped1-2 tbsp waterJuice of ½ Lime3 ripe AvocadosMethod:Peel & dice the avocado and leave aside READ MORE

Ireland's only community chef launches new collection of festive Christmas recipes (IrishCentral)

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 06:01:39 PST

A Collection of Festive Recipes by Community Chef Brian McDermott The Christmas period can be a very stressful time for a family and sometimes the pressure of preparing a "perfect" Christmas Dinner can be too much for some Mums and DadsCommunity Chef Brian McDermott, from Donegal, has teamed up with the Craft Butchers of Ireland and produced a new "Collection of Festive Recipes" which will help to take the take the pressure off the home-cook and leave more time for festive fun! This is a new simple guide to a perfect Christmas Dinner!Brian McDermott is Ireland's first dedicated Community Chef and is passionate about food, reducing salt, tackling obesity, growing his own and supporting local produce His innovative and relaxed style of cooking is featured at food festivals from Donegal to Cork, where he shares the stage with his good friend and mentor Neven MaguireThe "Collection of Festive Recipes" booklet is being launched Wednesday 12th December and can be picked up, for free, in Craft Butchers shops all over Ireland READ MORE

SMORGASBOARD - An Irish Company invent a Board Game for Foodies! (IrishCentral)

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:16:47 PST

Do you like fun & food with friends? Then you’ll love SMORGASBOARD®, a fun new game for foodies created by Irish husband & wife entrepreneurs, Richard Kelly & Maggie Leonard who form RichArtBorn from a passion for food and a love of design, Richard & Maggie have spent the last two years developing SMORGASBOARD® and once the concept for the game was perfected, they used the Irish small business funding website FUNDIT to help get it to the production stage The game has been wonderfully illustrated by the award winning designer Steve Simpson whose work has exhibited in London, LA and New York READ MORE

Ireland's Brighton -- The fashionable seaside resort of Bray filled with bars and culinary treats (IrishCentral)

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:31:02 PST

BrayLess than 13 miles from the centre of Dublin is Ireland's original seaside resort Bray is a fine town straddling the Dublin Wicklow border In 1854 the railway was built out as far as, what had been up to this, a sleepy market town and thus sparked a building boomThe town was transformed into a fashionable seaside resort and it became known as the "Brighton of Ireland" READ MORE

Cork on a fork - an epicurean journey through Ireland food capital (IrishCentral)

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:17:31 PDT

Room with a viewWhen the September sun shines, is there anywhere else better to be than in the foodie capital of Ireland - Cork?And by Cork I mean the city and the county This trip though, was just the city Possibly one of the best breakfast selections to be had in Ireland, is here, in the River Lee Hotel Kicking off with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, yoghurts, homemade muesli, porridge READ MORE

The Gathering kicked off with a bang in Dublin at Notre Dame game -- Terrible commentary by David Feherty on CBS damaged Ireland’s image (IrishCentral)

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:47:09 PDT

David Feherty's CBS coverage of Emerald Isle Classic damaged Ireland's imageThe Gathering kicked off here last weekend The name had been passed around on the media for a while, but to be honest I think Irish Americans knew more about it than we did over hereIn simple terms the plans is to get the Irish Diaspora back ‘home’ to visit Ireland in 2013The Notre Dame game was the kickoff, especially the Fighting Irish pep rally which was carried live on TV READ MORE

Top ten mistakes tourists make in Ireland - from clothing to your credit cards (IrishCentral)

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:56:50 PDT

By: IrishCentral Staff Writers

1. Just because the calendar says summer don’t pack just summer clothes. You can get four seasons in one day there .

Irish heritage website of the week - Ireland's National Museum (IrishCentral)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:55:18 PDT

National Museum of Ireland, Kildare StreetWe are staring a new resolution here at the Celtic Times corner, a shout to an honoured Celtic Times Heritage website of the week: wwwmuseumieCheck out the National Museum’s website for an update on what’s up at their venues in Kildare Street and Collins’ Barracks in Dublin (there is a museum link bus to shuttle visitors between the two locations), and at the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar, Mayo READ MORE

Ireland’s top seaside vacation locations, villages and beaches not to miss - PHOTOS (IrishCentral)

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:45:23 PST

By: IrishCentral Staff Writers

SEE PHOTOS - Ireland's top seaside spots