Kinsale hospitality group enters new phase as The Kinsale Collective

 Kinsale hospitality group enters new phase as The Kinsale Collective 

The Blue Haven Collection is entering a new phase, evolving into The Kinsale Collective as part of a forward-looking vision for the business

The group owns and operates a portfolio of well-known hospitality properties across Cork. The new brand, The Kinsale Collective, comprises The Blue Haven Hotel, The Old Bank Townhouse, Hamlets Bar and Michelin Guide–recognised Rare Restaurant in Kinsale; The Schull Harbour Hotel and Deep Blue Leisure Centre in Schull, along with Kiely’s in Cork City.

The move follows a recent €10m plus buyout by Managing Director Ciaran Fitzgerald, marking a significant step in the group's continued development.

Ciaran Fitzgerald, Managing Director of The Kinsale Collective, said: “This marks an important step forward for the business. The Kinsale Collective reflects how we are now operating — as a group of distinct properties with a shared vision and clear direction for the future. We’re focused on building on the strength of what’s already here while continuing to evolve and grow the business in a considered way.”

Fitzgerald, who has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, began his career with KPMG as a Chartered Accountant and has since held a number of senior leadership roles within the industry. 

As part of this next phase and to deliver this vision for the business, the group has made a number of key senior appointments, including the recent arrival of Director of Sales & Marketing, Dan Sweeney, formerly Marketing Director with Cliste Hospitality, with some exciting new appointments on the horizon.

Ciaran added, “A key priority for us is investing in our team. These recent appointments are an important part of that — ensuring we have the right people in place to deliver on our ambition and continue to strengthen the business across all areas.”

Keep up to date with the latest news by following The Kinsale Collective on social @thekinsalecollective.

Ireland joins EU campaign to support safer, smarter food choices this summer

 Ireland joins EU campaign to support safer, smarter food choices this summer

 

Ireland has launched the 2026 Safe2Eat campaign, a major European initiative providing clear, science-based advice to help people make safer food choices as the busy summer season approaches.

Led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and supported in Ireland by Safefood, the campaign returns for its sixth year, building on strong engagement across Europe and encouraging people to think more critically about the food they eat.

Running from April to July, the campaign provides practical, easy-to-follow advice designed to support safer everyday habits — particularly during the summer months when food is more likely to be prepared, shared and eaten outdoors. This includes key seasonal moments for family and friends' gatherings, such as BBQ season and family celebrations. 

In Ireland, the campaign will focus on practical guidance around food allergens and food composition, helping consumers better understand ingredients and labelling; along with advice on safe food handling to avoid food poisoning, including how to safely prepare, store and cook food at home.

Speaking about the campaign, Joanne Uí Chrualaoich, Safefood CEO, said: “Safe2Eat plays an important role in helping people across Ireland make informed decisions about the food they eat every day, giving them confidence and trust in the safety of their food. Partnering with EFSA is an important partnership to support protecting public health.

“As we head into the sociable summer months — with BBQs, family gatherings and outdoor eating — it’s especially important that people have clear, practical advice to help them prepare and handle food safely. This campaign helps make food safety simple and part of everyday life.”

The 2026 campaign builds on the success of previous years, which saw growing awareness and engagement among consumers. Research shows that those exposed to the Safe2Eat campaign are more likely to consider food safety when making decisions and to engage more actively with information about what they eat.

Now spanning 23 countries, the campaign continues to expand its reach, reinforcing the importance of accessible, science-based communication in supporting public confidence in food safety.

Nikolaus Kriz, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), said: “Every day, people make choices about what to eat, and they deserve to feel safe and informed. Safe2Eat 2026 turns complex scientific knowledge into practical, easy-to-use advice on handling, preparing, and understanding what’s in their food, from additives and flavourings to novel ingredients and allergens. By providing guidance people can apply at home or in daily life, the campaign promotes critical thinking, empowers citizens, and strengthens confidence in the EU’s science-based food safety system, helping everyone make safe, informed choices.” 

Irish consumers can learn more and access expert-backed advice by visiting 
efsa.europa.eu/en/safe2eat and join the conversation using #Safe2EatEU.

Clonakilty sets the stage for West Cork’s ultimate summer party as Street Carnival turns 10!

 press release

 Clonakilty sets the stage for West Cork’s ultimate summer party as Street Carnival turns 10!

Back L-R Melissa Clarke, Andrew Loane, Tim Coffey, Kevin O'Regan, Rob O'Keeffe, Trevor Kingston, Front L-R Diarmuid O'Sullivan, Mary T Daly and Kay Hurley of Irish Yogurts at the Clonakilty Street Carnival launch 2026. Photo Dermot Sull

On Saturday 13 June 2026, Clonakilty marks a major milestone as the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival celebrates its 10th anniversary, honouring a decade of community spirit, creativity and cultural celebration in West Cork.

This milestone year will feature special guest star, Irish former rugby union player, Simon Zebo, alongside performances from headline acts including, ‘Live Forever’ Oasis Tribute Band - the definitive tribute to the iconic Manchester super group Oasis, The Kates and Black Apple Bastrds, with a packed programme of free live music, street entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the day, all set in a fully pedestrianised town centre.

The Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival is now famed for its unique long table dining experience, set amongst the colourful backdrop of Clonakilty’s bustling townscape, serving up a delectable feast of local cuisine, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.  This year’s 10^th anniversary will showcase a captivating and unforgettable gastronomic day that will delight all food lovers. 

At the launch of this year’s Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival, Simon Zebo said, “It’s a real honour to be involved in this year’s Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival. The day is all about bringing people together, celebrating local food producers and showcasing the very best talent within West Cork and Ireland. From my time on the pitch, community was everything, and you can feel that same spirit within the Clonakilty Street Carnival. Everyone from families, neighbours, volunteers and local businesses, all pulling together in the same direction to make something very special happen. It’s not only about what’s on the plate, it’s a celebration of the people behind it all and the stories they bring to the table. I am very much looking forward to celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Clonakilty Street Carnival this June 13^th.”  

Pearse Street will be transformed into a colourful, bustling food hub, with long communal tables stretching through the town centre. Food ticket holders can expect mouth-watering dishes prepared by the region’s top chefs from award-winning restaurants, hoteliers and food producers, with everything from curries to fresh local seafood, as they enjoy West Cork’s largest outdoor dining celebration.

First launched in 2016 following the town’s streetscape renewal, the carnival has grown into one of the region’s most hotly anticipated summer events, attracting thousands of visitors annually and showcasing the very best of Clonakilty’s vibrant community and culture. 

Organised by a dedicated volunteer team and supported by local businesses, including title sponsor Irish Yogurts Clonakilty, the event continues to reflect the town’s strong sense of pride, collaboration and creativity.

“This year’s carnival is a special celebration of everything the event has become over the past decade,” said organiser Kevin O’Regan. “Quite simply, the carnival wouldn’t be where it is today without the continued support from Irish Yogurts Clonakilty and all our sponsors, and the tireless work from our volunteers year after year. We’re excited to welcome Simon Zebo and an incredible line-up that truly reflects the spirit of Clonakilty.”

Children’s activities start from 11am from Astna Square, Clonakilty, with free music and entertainment all day long in the town centre. Food is served from 3pm until approximately 5pm, and is strictly ticketed only.  

Mark your calendar now for Saturday the 13 June as the 10th anniversary event promises a dynamic programme of activity, with full event details and food tickets available here and at @clonakiltystreetcarnival

Early Bird perfection at Greene's. Super food, superb value

Early Bird perfection at Greene's

Super food, superb value.

The early bird catches the worm, is the old saying. At Greene's, you may catch a whole lot better between 4pm and 5.30pm Tuesday to Thursday when their Early Bird menu is on offer at €22 for two courses, €28 for three. 

Menu: English Market Chicken Supreme with mixed Mushrooms, Baby potatoes tarragon, and Chorizo sauce.

Just one look at this and you know its going to be perfect. This main course is perfect every single time here, always bang on, a combination of perfect sourcing, perfect cooking and presentation and the service is very much on target too. 

As is the plush venue from its cascading plants and luxurious velvet seating to statement lighting that illuminates the culinary masterpieces. And then there's that illuminated waterfall outside the main window that draws visitors in from the street to have a look.

If the chicken is something of a tradition here, this Butternut squash and Ricotta Cannelloni is just one of the amazing new main course choices on the Early Bird Menu.

Menu description: Cannelloni Butternut squash, ricotta cheese, Tomato sauce, with black olives and basil

My description: Exquisite.

Don't worry about the details. Just be open to this delightful and delicious plateful and you'll enjoy for sure!

By the way, Early Bird starters include 

Organic Ardsallagh Goats Cheese,  Apple and beetroot.

Greene’s Seafood Chowder with Ballycotton smoked fish, mussels and Pana Bread.

and Soup of the evening. "Wholesome, comforting like no other. With soda bread."

Desserts can sometime be a letdown. No danger of that here. I've enjoyed that Sticky Date Pudding (above) previously and had no hesitation in ordering it again with its Toffee Brandy Sauce and vanilla ice cream. Another toothsome dessert (below) is the Spiced Roast Pear: Caramelised pear, spices, vanilla cream, pistachio praline. Go on, treat yourself!

Overall, the Greene's menu, including the Early Bird, is a celebration of local flavour and  heritage. Look out for their Beef and Beamish Stout Stew, Quigley’s Lamb Shank and of course the English Market Chicken Supreme. Here too you may enjoy the pleasure of dining with  ‘Steak On The Stone’, offering a choice of prime cuts sizzled to perfection. The steaks make quite an impression as they arrive at the table. And the kitchen is also noted for excellent fish dishes. More info here.

Visitors wander in from the street to check out the waterfall

CASTLE PUTS DOWN ROOTS. Barberstown Plants 2,500 Native Trees

press release

CASTLE PUTS DOWN ROOTS

Barberstown Plants 2,500 Native Trees

Amanda Torrens at the launch. See video of the occasion here

Barberstown Castle proudly welcomed The 100 Million Trees Project to its historic grounds and planted 2,500 indigenous Irish trees together with its own staff, customers and friends, last week (Monday, 13^th of April).

The initiative was made possible through the generosity of Barberstown Castle owner, Amanda Torrens, who secured the planting package at auction in aid of The Hope Foundation. The project not only enhances biodiversity on the Castle’s 20-acre grounds but also reflects a deeper story of renewal, one that mirrors the transformation of Barberstown Castle itself in recent years. 

 

When Amanda Torrens acquired the property in 2021, the operation employed just 12 people. Today, that number has grown to 157, reflecting a significant period of investment, revitalisation and ambition.

Jane Murphy, Amanda Torrens and Jess Day . 

Speaking about the milestone, Amanda Torrens said, “planting these trees feels incredibly symbolic of what has been happening here at Barberstown. From a team of just 12 people to more than 150 employees today, we have seen extraordinary growth, not just in numbers, but in energy, creativity and vision. 

These trees will grow alongside our team and our business, putting down roots that will last for generations. We are only ever custodians of this Castle, and it is our responsibility to nurture and future-proof it in every way we can.  These trees will be here long after we are all gone and will help us to support our climate, encourage biodiversity and to champion and protect the natural world.”

The planting initiative comes as Barberstown Castle enters a new chapter, with the estate being continually renewed through a programme of thoughtful enhancements. The four-star historic castle hotel is currently completing a series of renovations to its public areas, carried out throughout January and due for completion in mid-February 2026.

 

With over 700 years of history behind its storied stone walls, Barberstown Castle has evolved from a Norman stronghold to an aristocratic residence, later becoming a musical retreat and now one of Ireland’s most atmospheric country house hotels. Formerly home to Eric Clapton between 1979 and 1987, the castle continues to welcome guests from around the world.

Originally constructed in 1288, the castle has grown through Elizabethan and Victorian additions layered onto its medieval core. Since opening as a guesthouse in 1971, it has steadily expanded into a much-loved hospitality destination.

Recent renovations have transformed the castle’s public spaces, including the creation of the elegant Garden Lounge, a bright and welcoming hub showcasing contemporary works by French artist Patrick Rubinstein in collaboration with Gormley’s. The adjacent Garden Bar and Garden Suite have also been refreshed, enhancing the guest experience while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding gardens.

The hotel is a proud member of Ireland’s Blue Book and the winner of the Good Food Ireland Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025. Set on 20 acres and located just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport, Barberstown Castle continues to balance heritage with forward-thinking vision. The addition of 2,500 native trees reinforces this commitment — rooting the Castle’s future as firmly in sustainability and community as it is in history and hospitality.

For further information or to book, visit www.barberstowncastle.ie or call (01) 628 8157.

 

Beer Tip. One blond from Mescan and a lager by Rye River

Beer Tip

Both Very Highly Recommended!

Both Very Highly Recommended!

 

Art and terroir: an evening with Château La Coste at Park Hotel Kenmare

 Art and terroir: an evening with Château La Coste at Park Hotel Kenmare

 

On April 26th, Park Hotel Kenmare will host a celebration of fine art and fine winemaking, with a wine dinner featuring the organic and biodynamic pours of Château La Coste, introduced by their head winemaker, Paul Guillouard.

 

The connection between the two estates is a natural one. Château La Coste is an Irish-owned 200-hectare organic vineyard in Aix-en-Provence that, much like Park Hotel Kenmare, places a deep value on contemporary art and architecture. While the Château is known for its Provencal sunlight and the Park for its restful Kerry views, both share a philosophy of understated quality, appreciation of craft, and a respect for the land.

 

Winemaker Paul Guillouard will share the story of the estate’s transition to biodynamic viticulture, and introduce the selection of wines on the night. With a background spanning Chablis and Corsica, his approach is defined by minimal intervention, allowing the limestone-rich soils of Provence to speak clearly through each vintage.

 

Beginning at 6.30 pm, the night opens with Château La Coste La Bulle Sparkling Rosé NV and a selection of garden canapés, followed by dinner at 7 pm. The format is designed to be conversational and relaxed, with Paul introducing each pairing as the evening progresses.

 

The menu, designed by Park Hotel Kenmare’s head chef James O’Sullivan, focuses on seasonal ingredients from local producers, paired with wines that reflect the specific character of the Château La Coste vineyards, and echo the respect for terroir.

 

The starter of Spillanes crabmeat and torched Goatsbridge trout with wakame and caviar is paired with the Grand Vin Rosé 2024. This gourmet rosé is floral and bright, offering a clean balance to the seafood. The second course features roast halibut with Derrynane pepper dulse and a mussel beurre blanc, accompanied by the Château La Coste Grand Vin Blanc 2024, a blend of Chardonnay and Rolle that carries notes of citrus and toasted brioche with a subtle saline finish.

 

For the main course, Kerry hill lamb with vadouvan aubergine, morels, and wild garlic is paired with the Grand Vin Rouge 2020, an elegant, structured red aged for 18 months in oak. The evening concludes with a dessert of vanilla soft serve, garden magnolia, and forced rhubarb, served alongside the estate’s signature Château Rosé 2024, known for its pale colour and delicate mineral lift.

 

The Château La Coste wine dinner is €140 per person and can be booked via Eventbrite, by calling the hotel on 064 664 1200 or emailing info@parkkenmare.com.

 

Make a night of it from €302.50 pps which includes a place at the wine dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast the following morning for each guest.

 

www.parkkenmare.com.

#pressrelease

Liberty Grill gives the midweek slump a delicious bump

 Liberty Grill gives the midweek slump a delicious bump

Seared Beef Salad

Feeling that midweek slump? What not check out some of the offerings around two as a few restaurants are trying to fill the Tuesday to Thursday gap.

Indeed, Liberty Grill have an offer for each day from Tuesday to Thursday. I called there last Tuesday to take advantage of the Tuesday Date Night. For €50 per cou­ple, you share a starter, enjoy two main courses, and fin­ish with a dessert to share. A relaxed and deli­cious way to break up the week — and a very good excuse to skip the cook­ing and share time.

We certainly enjoyed it. Excellent food and a lovely service as well. We started off with a plate of Louisiana style Calamari with a lime and corian­der mayo. The Calamari, which can be quite chewy in some places, were perfectly cooked and that mayo enhanced them. There was also a choice of Fish Cakes, Chicken Wings., Tomato Salsa Bruschetta, and Mexican Mille Feuille.

Caesar Salad, with chicken.

On then to the mains and here I met an old friend: their Seared Beef Salad. You get Vodka and chilli mar­i­nated steak strips, char­grilled on sea­sonal leaves with bal­samic onions, rus­tic pota­toes, red pep­pers and toasted pecans plus one of the best salads around. A jazzy dish, top quality and no shortage of quantity either.

CL meanwhile was enjoying her Little Gem Caesar Salad. This consists of Grilled avo­cado, crou­tons, capers and vegan parme­san shav­ings with Cae­sar dress­ing and your choice of tem­peh or free- range chicken and bacon. She picked the chicken (for which there is a small supplement). Thumps up here as well.

Other mains on offer were Fish and Chips, two Steaks and a variety of the Burgers on which Liberty first built their reputation and their loyal following. Of course we had the sweet finish, sharing a heavenly Tarte Tatin. Dark and sticky caramel, sweet apples and vanilla ice-cream combined to make this toothsome dessert and put a smile on our faces as we headed out into Washington Street.

Tarte Tatin

******************************

Liberty also have offers, with a difference, on Wednesday and Thursday

Wednes­day Wine Social | €10 off any bot­tle, all day. “Some of the best mid­week con­ver­sa­tions hap­pen over a good bot­tle. We’ve done the hard work choos­ing the wine — you just need to show up. Many of our wines are organic and vegan- friendly, per­fect along­side our evening à la carte or a long lazy lunch.”

Love ♥️ Thurs­days | €37 for 2 courses of Cork’s finest. Choose your main course of a pre­mium steak from O’Mahony’s Butch­ers in the Eng­lish Mar­ket OR the fresh­est catch from Bal­ly­cot­ton Seafood and O’Connell’s — along­side sea­sonal accom­pa­ni­ments straight from the kitchen.

See the Menus here 

Dave Long Tours Ltd. acquires The Viaduct Restaurant, Cork

The Viaduct Restaurant, Cork,  acquired 

by Dave Long Tours Ltd. 

Cliste Hospitality today announce the sale of The Viaduct Restaurant in Cork to Dave Long Coach Travel Ltd., with the business due to close  on Monday, 25th May 2026.

For the coming weeks, the focus remains firmly on welcoming guests and continuing to deliver the experience that customers know and value. During this time, there will be no disruption to day-to-day operations, and all existing bookings will be honoured in full. This includes all upcoming Communion and Confirmation celebrations, with guests assured that their plans will proceed exactly as arranged. Gift vouchers will also continue to be accepted and can be redeemed in full prior to closing.

As the closing date approaches, the team at The Viaduct Restaurant looks forward to welcoming both loyal customers and new guests, offering an opportunity to enjoy the restaurant once more and to thank all those who have supported The Viaduct Restaurant over the years. The management team at The Viaduct wish to sincerely acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of the team, past and present, whose contribution has been central to the restaurant’s success. 

The property has been acquired by Damien Long of Dave Long Coach Travel Ltd., who said, “For us, the acquisition of this iconic Viaduct premises represents a hugely exciting opportunity as we develop this site into our new purpose-built transport hub. This hub will include a new daily Cork to Dublin bus service and a brand new park-and-ride shuttle service with multiple city centre stops and a stop at Kent Station. In addition, the building itself will be reimagined as a roadside plaza, similar in style to the popular motorway service plazas. We're really excited to begin development on this first-of-its-kind project, which will deliver a level of transport connectivity never seen before for the people of West Cork, Cork City and the surrounding areas.”

The sales process was managed by Rob Coughlan of Cohalan Downing Estate Agents, and the owners would like to thank him for his professional guidance and support in delivering a smooth and successful transaction. 

ENDS

Anarchy reigns at Cask. In the best possible taste, of course.

 Cask Unveils 'Tasty Anarchy', A Revolutionary New Cocktail Menu

Miki Barlok's photo shows Harry Broadhurst and Linda O'Flynn eyeing the
"Buzzin' with Intent" cocktail  inspired by Boomtree Bees who work
to protect Ireland's native honeybee.

Cask, Cork city’s award-winning cocktail bar located on MacCurtain Street, is set to launched its most ambitious menu to date, Tasty Anarchy, on Tuesday 14th April 2026. The new menu represents an exploration of flavour, creativity and sustainability, redefining the way cocktails connect people to place, land and time.

Tasty Anarchy is more than a list of drinks, it is a living, evolving expression of Cask’s philosophy. 

“Our goal with Tasty Anarchy was to go beyond the traditional cocktail experience,” explains Andy Ferreira, Managing Partner at Cask. “We wanted to create something deeply rooted in Irish craft, ecological stewardship and genuine connection, to create a menu that immerses guests in the story behind every ingredient, every collaboration, and every drink.”

Across sixteen drinks, Cask has collaborated with the people quietly reshaping how we live with the land: seed savers, coastal foragers, farmers, and craft producers. The menu celebrates the unpredictability of wild fermentation, the slow alchemy of plants, and the quiet patience of a growing forest.

Since opening in 2017, Cask has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most innovative cocktail bars, with numerous national and international accolades. Tasty Anarchy continues this legacy, offering a menu that is immersive, thought-provoking, and rooted in the ethos of connection to the land, to people, and to creativity itself.

Location: Cask, 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork 

Website for Menus and Bookings: www.caskcork.com

Social Media: Instagram @caskcork | Facebook @Cask

Delicious Midweek Lunch in Ballymaloe's Conservatory.

Delicious Midweek Lunch in Ballymaloe's Conservatory

Simple Irish Cuisine

Ballymaloe use the three words above to headline their food offering.

"When you dine in our historic country house, you are dining in the internationally recognised birthplace of modern Irish cuisine. Since 1964, we have built this reputation on sustainable food principles, seasonal menus and master craftsmanship. Today, we continue to serve simple Irish cuisine using the freshest seasonal ingredients that we grow in our walled garden, rear on our on-site farm and buy from the most trusted local suppliers."

On the Ballymaloe plate, there are no fancy tricks or gimmicks to make it look appetising, so no Espuma, no Liquid Nitrogen, no liquids turned into powder. No need. The local produce, in the skilled hands of Head Chef Dervilla O'Flynn, speaks for itself.

Simple. Simply Superb!

Lunch in the Conservatory is served Monday to Saturday 12:30 to 14:00. More on dining at Ballymaloe here.

Slow Roast Shoulder of East Cork Lamb with (the amazing) Thyme Jus, Gremolata & Braised Crushed Turnip. No long list of ingredients for the above main course, they keep it simple. Gremolata, as many of you know, is a green sauce made with chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic, regularly served with Ossobuco. But here its match with the lamb was a happy and delicious one.

The simple pattern is also evident in the superb Pan Fried Ballycotton Sole (below), Saffron, Vermouth Sauce & Braised Garden Leeks. Other dishes that appear under Mains in the menu - it can change from time to time - are Braised Short Rib of Beef, Horseradish Crème Fraîche, Confit Onion & Garden Kale,  and also Roast Caherbeg Free Range Bacon, Fennel Jus, Pancetta Stuffing & Sautéed Wild Garlic. In addition, there is a vegetarian option. 

Shellfish Arancini with Pickled Ginger Aioli  above, and below, the Ballymaloe Farm Pork & Apricot Terrine with Mostarda, and Toast, that I enjoyed and was absolutely superb. The arancini also went down a treat and another starter on offer last week was the Portobello Mushroom Soup with Thyme Gremolata.  

Sweet ending.

Pistachio Meringue with New Season Rhubarb & Vanilla Ice Cream. Again, just three main ingredients and a terrific combination with the vegetable often thought as a fruit at the heart of it. We both agreed on this choice leaving the Twice Baked Chocolate Cake for another day. We finished off this very enjoyable lunch with a shared pot of the high quality Golden Bean Coffee. Also on offer was Herb Tea and Barry’s Tea. 

Head Chef Dervilla O’Flynn is the guiding hand here. So well done to her and her team, and thanks also to  our well-informed and discreetly attentive server who enhanced our experience and made the visit a very pleasant one indeed.