Bia Beirut Joins The SuperValu Food Academy. Three products to watch out for in the weeks ahead

 Bia Beirut Joins The SuperValu Academy.

Three products to watch out for in the weeks ahead.

Dozen of hopeful companies are joining the SuperValu Food Academy this year. Among them is Bia Beirut, a Cork-Lebanese couple: Pamela and Rabih Farah. Like all applicants, Bia Beirut had to make their pitch and were delighted to hear that their chance to shine started on April 27th. Pamela told me: “We are going to trial for 20 weeks with 3 products (hummus, Muhamara, snaps).”

Founded in 2024, they share “the vibrant flavours of Lebanese food” with local customers through their market stall at Mahon and Douglas, through event catering, and now, through SuperValu.

Look out for this trio on the Supervalu shelves

Now well established, the Food Academy programme supports the successful development of local Irish food and drink producers by building solid business foundations and skills that will equip them to supply and progress into the retail sector.

When Bia Beirut asked me if I would spread the word, I had no hesitation as I had already tasted and enjoyed one of the mezzo bites that they sell at their stall. When Pamela offered samples of the three products that they are selling in Supervalu, that made my day and also made quite a meal, as you can see from the plateful above.

Sourdough by Bia Beirut

The authentic Lebanese-inspired dips, the creamy hummus and muhamara (an addictive roasted red pepper mix), along with the crunchy sourdough snaps make quite a combination and we added to the mix with beetroot, pickled cucumber and some olives with Feta and we also included another Bia Beirut favourite Makdous (baby aubergines packed with walnuts, red pepper, and garlic).  As you see, there was no shortage of texture or flavour there and it took a while. But we had little else to do only enjoy!

The dips are quite versatile. The muhamara, for instance, can be used as a pasta or pizza sauce, also with fish, while both may be swirled into soup. More info here.

Bia Beirut at Mahon Market last Thursday

At Bia Beirut, they also create Lebanese-inspired artisan breads. Indeed, Rabih (pronounced Rabia) told me he started off as a baker and he’s a good one. We bought a loaf of his white sourdough (he also does wholemeal and rye) last Thursday and it is one of the best around and I tried it out with some Killowen Cows Cheese (also bought at the Mahon Market) and also , separately with our own Loganberry jam. Thumbs up all the way!

The hard-working couple are delighted with their involvement so far. Pamela: “The Food Academy has been a game changer for us, providing the guidance, support and confidence to move from kitchen to shelf, and to bring the flavours of Beirut to Cork and beyond.” So do keep and eye for the products at Supervalu or indeed at the farmers markets in Mahon (Thursday) and Douglas (Saturday).

A tray of Makdous at the market

In Praise of East Cork. Food. People. Place. Worth a Visit!

 

St Tola Tartlet at Clancy's Youghal

Superb fish at Sea Church, Ballycotton

In Praise of East Cork.

Food. People. Place. Worth a Visit!

Friendly people, great food, and coastal and inland attractions make East Cork a gem of a place to visit. From the fantastic 13th-century St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal to high-class Gardens and Arboretum at Fota, and Barryscourt Castle in between, all free to enter, there is a treasure chest of places to visit in the area.

Featherblade, signature dish at Ferrit & Lee

Let me take you on a trip to see a slice of it. We’ll also enjoy some delicious meals as East Cork is a foodie’s paradise with top-notch venues including CUSH and Ferrit & Lee, Midleton’s pioneering Farmers Market (every Saturday), and the food mecca of Ballymaloe. Cafés worth noting in the area are the Kilkenny Design Café and Carewswood Café (in the garden centre).

Christy Ring

And, before or after Ballymaloe (which could take a while), do take the opportunity to visit the medieval town of Cloyne. It is one of the area's hidden gems, its skyline dominated by the large medieval Round Tower and across the road is St. Colman's Cathedral, built in 1270/80 and still in use. 

Famous Cloyne people include the 20th century hurler Christy Ring and the 18th century philosopher George Berkeley, both of whom are remembered here: Ring's statue (right) is by the GAA field and Berkley's tomb is in the cathedral.

Cush Midleton

Coming from the city on the old Cork-Waterford road, look out for signs (on your right), just after Glounthaune, for the Harpers Island Wetlands. Enjoy the nature all around you, including the ample birdlife (get your photos from the hides there!).

Next, take the Cobh exit ramp and head for breakfast or lunch, right to Bramley Lodge, or left to The Bakestone Cafe in Fota Retail Park. Now, set up for the day, go over the nearby bridge to Fota Island and its many attractions. If you have kids, go to the Wildlife Park; if not, walk through the renowned Fota Arboretum and maybe add a tour of the Georgian House. You can also enjoy lunch in Fota House where the Food Club will look after you. Both the park and the house have their own railway station, on the Cork - Cobh line.

There's a new tour and taste in operation nearby at the Hederman Smokehouse in Belvelly. Check it out here.

If you like it around this area, you may also try the high-class Fota Island Hotel and Golf Resort. Other top-class hotels in the area include the Raddison Blu (Little Island), Vienna Woods (Glanmire) and the Castlemartyr Resort with its Michelin starred Terre. The Resort also has a lively pub in the village called The Hunted Hog (serving food every day).

Planet Dessert at O'Mahony's Watergrasshill

On the way east, or on the way home, why not call to the Elm Tree for some of their tasty food? Their carvery (left) is much awarded. 

Moving on, go over the Belvelly Bridge (take a long look at the recently renovated castle) and you’ll find yourself on Great Island where the cathedral town of Cobh is situated. Much to do here including the Sirius Art Centre, also the Titanic Trail and Spike Island, walking tours, harbourside bars and restaurants and of course the Cobh Heritage Centre which tells of forced deportations and also the tales of the ill fated liners, The Titanic and the Lusitania and, of course, St. Colman’s Cathedral.

Casement Square, Cobh

Staying in Cobh? Try the Commodore Hotel (relax in your harbour view suite) with its magnificent frontage by the promenade or, if you like it even closer to the water, there's the well-named Water's Edge. 

Fota Arboretum. Also here: Fota House, walled gardens, plus a café.

Need a flavoursome plateful and good coffee? Why not try Seasalt by the water. Also look out for Ellen's Kitchen and the Quays Bar & Restaurant. In Casement Square, The Arch Wine Bar/Café has been getting good reviews while Azure Harbour Bistro will feed you very well indeed. 

Tasting of the best smoked fish included in guided tour of Hederman Smokery in Belvelly Cobh.

If you have four or more hours to spare, be sure to take the ferry over to Spike Island. It is a fantastic tour, with great guides, and so many interesting things to see and do, much of it related to its historic military and prison life, but also superb walks and views out over the harbour. Very Highly Recommended.

 Bouillabaisse at Azure, Cobh

From Cobh, boats take you across to Spike and also on harbour tours. Maybe you’d just like to walk around the town; I did so recently, taking in the Holy Ground, the Titanic Garden and the Sonia O’Sullivan sculpture, and you may check it all out here. Perhaps you'd prefer just to sit on the decking at The Titanic Bar & Grill and watch the boats go by. On the main road in and out of Cobh, why not call to the Hederman Smoke House, do the tour and enjoy some of Frank's marvellous fish. On the lookout for coffee, cake and vintage ceramics, then you must visit Belvelly Vintage at 5 Harbour Row.

Midleton Distillery

Superb Stir Fry at The Malthouse

Time now to head out of the islands and head east for a tour of the revamped Midleton Distillery Experience. No shortage of food stores, cafes and restaurants in Midleton (indeed there's a café, The Malthouse, in the distillery). Plenty more nearby, including the accomplished Ferrit & Lee and Cush. Then there's the friendly Granary foodstore now well over 20 years in business. And, at the start of 2026,  The Grumpy Bakers have moved to Main Street. You'll find them in the previous O'Donovan's premises and they now have much more space for you to enjoy a coffee and sandwich or treat.

Lamb at Ballymaloe lunch

There will be detours, of course. One that I like - you may need a driver here - is to head towards Ballyvolane House near Castlelyons. Lots to do here, including fishing and glamping, and it was here that the famous Bertha's Revenge Gin was born!

Peacock gold at Fota Wildlife

Be sure and call to the 200-year-old O'Mahony's Pub in Watergrasshill. Superb local food and drink, music also, extensive sheltered outdoor areas and ways and means to keep the kids happy.

You must stop in Ballymaloe, the home of modern Irish food, home also for the annual Festival of Food (every May). You could spend a day here. Maybe an overnight stay as well to sample the world-renowned cooking. Call to the café for a mid-afternoon or mid-morning coffee. And don’t forget Golden Bean coffee roaster Marc Kingston is also based here. Be sure to take a look at the impressive Cookery School gardens nearby, not forgetting the Shell House.

In the seaside village of Ballycotton, take a stroll down to the pier and see the fishermen come and go, maybe take a boat trip to the lighthouse on the nearby island. If you feel you need to stretch your legs, then there is a spectacular walk along the cliff tops.

After all that exercise, treat yourself to a gorgeous meal at Seachurch or the also excellent Salty Dog that overlooks the harbour. Don't forget the Trawler Boyz behind the Blackbird Pub. Enjoy lunch at Carewswood Café in the Castlemartyr garden centre of the same name and do check their plants! Like to stay here for a night, then check out the Castlemartyr Resort (where you can enjoy your lunch in the Canopy).

View from the Bayview Terrace

Prefer a coastal stop? Then the Garryvoe Hotel and its top notch Samphire Restaurant, with great views over the bay, is close at hand. And across the bay, there's its sister hotel, The Bayview, great views here also. Closed in mid-winter but, when open, check out the superb cooking of chef Ciaran Scully, an example here.

Ballycotton cliff walk

Meal time at Festival
of Food in Ballymaloe

Youghal is the final town, on the Blackwater and just shy of the border with Waterford. On the way, you could stretch the legs in Killeagh’s Glenbower Woods, one of many attractive walks in the East Cork area which now boasts a greenway from Midleton to Youghal.

Just a few minutes from Killeagh village, you'll find the lovely food market on Joe's Farm (the family themselves renowned for their vegetable crisps); you can find superb local produce here, much of it from the farm. They also hold special events for the public, eg cutting sunflowers in August and harvesting pumpkins later in the year.

Perhaps you'd prefer to take in the magnificent views on the two walks in nearby Knockadoon. In Youghal, you'll find good coffee and food at The Priory on Main Street. Just alongside is the newly refurbished Clock Gate Tower, a must visit!

Stretch the legs and work up an appetite on the relatively new Youghal Boardwalk that runs alongside the beaches. Indeed, Clancy's Bar & Restaurant is at the eastern point of the boardwalk and they will feed you very well indeed.

After all the activity, you deserve to rest up for the night. Enjoy a meal in the Old Imperial Hotel on Youghal's main street, maybe just a drink in its old Coachhouse bar, maybe both! Aherne’s, of course, is famous for its seafood and they too have rooms. Aherne's is now being taken over by the Finns (famous for earlier and popular restaurants in Timoleague and more recently Kinsale) and are expected to make quite an impression in Youghal.

Samphire Restaurant at Garryvoe Hotel

And, before leaving the area, don’t forget to visit the gardens at Ballynatray House, a Blackwater gem.

Dinner at Brook Inn

If, at the end of a day's touring, you find yourself heading back towards the city, then do consider the Brook Inn near Glanmire for dinner. It is a lively buzzy place and the food is good there too. Or dine and stay at the lovely and comfortable Vienna Woods Hotel.

Enjoy East Cork, the food, the place and its people!

Pelican gets his fish at Fota.

Ballynatray House, by the Blackwater

(revised May 2026)
If you have a cafe, restaurant, or visitor attraction, not listed here, please let me know by DM and I will do my best to visit with a view to inclusion in the next revision. You may also use the comment facility below.

Clouds and wildflowers on Knockadoon

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Breathe In, Bliss Out. The Yoga Picnic Returns To Westmeath!

 THE YOGA PICNIC RETURNS WITH

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD YOGA, SPA, ASTROLOGY AND MORE

 

-Breathe In, Bliss Out-

 

Saturday, 4th July 2026 will see the return of The Yoga Picnic, set against the backdrop of Lough Ennell in Co. Westmeath. Taking place on the grounds of Lilliput House, the award-winning event has become one of Ireland’s best-known wellness festivals, bringing together yoga, movement, music, nature and community for a full day by the lake. Founded by sisters Alice and Katy Harrison together with their friend, Mary Gardiner, The Yoga Picnic was created to showcase Ireland’s yoga and wellness community while promoting connection, sustainability, mental wellbeing and mindful living.

 

What began as local grassroots gathering in 2022 has grown into a major wellness event featuring more than 100 classes, talks and experiences led by leading Irish and international facilitators. The 2026 programme includes yoga, meditation, yoga nidra, breathwork, sound healing, ecstatic dance, drumming circles, poetry readings, cacao ceremonies, forest activities, workshops and live music. The festival welcomes everyone, from complete beginners trying yoga for the first time to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their practice. There are also dedicated sessions for children and families throughout the day.

 

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga also returns to the festival, allowing participants to take their yoga practice onto the water. Suitable for all levels, SUP Yoga focuses on balance, movement and connection with nature while enjoying the calm surroundings of Lough Ennell.

 

This year’s line-up features internationally recognised teachers including Dylan Werner, Tara Judelle and Benita Wolfe from the USA, Manasi Sridhar from India, and UK teachers Michael James Wong, Hannah Barrett, Adam Husler and Holly Husler. Ireland’s yoga community will also be strongly represented with teachers including Eithne Kennedy, Sinead Mooney, Mari Kennedy, Michael Ryan and Jack Harrison.

 

Alongside the yoga programme, festival-goers can enjoy a range of additional wellness experiences throughout the day. Astrology talks and readings will feature as part of the 2026 event, while the popular Uisce Spa returns with saunas, ice baths and hot tub experiences overlooking Lough Ennell.

 

The spa area will include wood-fired saunas, ice baths, healing salt rituals and traditional whisking sessions, offering attendees the opportunity to experience hot and cold therapy in a natural lakeside setting.

 

The festival will also feature live music performances throughout the day, culminating in an evening lakeside concert with Jack Harrison and band.

 

Rooted in the belief that yoga is for everyone, The Yoga Picnic continues to provide an inclusive and welcoming space where attendees can step away from busy daily life, spend time outdoors and connect through movement, music and shared experience.

 

Speaking about the event, Katy Harrisson said, “The Yoga Picnic was created to bring people together and make wellness accessible to everyone. Whether someone is attending their first yoga class, bringing their children for a family day out, or looking for advanced workshops with international teachers, there is something for everybody at the festival.”

 

Adult day passes are available from €95. Please note that the Uisce Spa and Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga sessions are available at an additional cost.

 

Tickets are available now from The Yoga Picnic or by emailing hello@theyogapicnic.com

 

Blarney ablaze with colour these May days.

Blarney ablaze with colour these May days.

Pictures: 05.05.2026

Rampant ramsons

In the fern garden

A walk through the flowering shrubs

Wild garlic in the Fern Garden

A carnival of many shrubs in flower with a delightful duo of bluebells and wild garlic light up Blarney Castle Gardens

pics: 28.04.2026

Queue for the Blarney Stone!

Tulip Time at Blarney Castle 

Tulips coming on strong these days at Blarney and the display should last for a week or two more.

Amazing how quickly the magnificent cherry blossom

of just over a week ago has almost totally vanished.

Not too far away though the rhododendron offer vibrant pink

in the Himalayan Valley have some time still left

to show off! See the current display on this 27 second video.

 

The vibrant blossoms of
 rhododendron on the Himalayan walk.

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Cherry Blossom Time At Blarney Castle Gardens

Visit: 27.03.2026 

Blossom all around you as you walk towards the garden

 Prunus Shirotae close to the entrance

First days out for the cattle.
At least, the first time I saw them.

First flowers on the wild garlic.

In the Himalayan section, a hint of what's to come

Cyclamen, with is distinctive leaf pattern.

River, blossom and castle.

Time for a rest!

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Magnolia, you sweet thing...

Blarney Castle Gardens 

Pics: 20.03.2026

American (Yellow) Skunk-cabbage

Tearoom or temple?

Blarney House

Above, the Fern Trees Garden

On the boardwalk

Daffodils galore

Prunus Shirotae, just inside the entrance.

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Wishing Steps and Daffodils at Blarney Castle Gardens

11.03.2026 

Short videos of the Wishing Steps (remember you must walk backwards to have your wish granted!)

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More signs of Spring at Blarney Castle Gardens

Pictures 3rd March 2026

Castle, river, and Ester Barrett's St Hubert's Stag

Blarney House, opens to the public for a few weeks at the peak of the season

Castle, its tall watchtower and river.

Castle and Ester Barrett's Catch

Castle and its tall watch tower.

Castle, crocuses

Crocuses

Cut branches are used to make this fence.

Morning sunshine highlights moss on the branches.

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Resident Heron enjoys the sun at Blarney Castle Gardens

pics taken 15.02.26

The resident heron knows the sunniest places

 

A crowd of Crocuses

Daffodil rows

A host of daffodils. Some 40,000 bulbs in all!

An avalanche track of Snowdrops

Blarney House

The famous castle towers over nearby house in the garden

A bare tree except for lots of ivy

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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)

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Sunshine walk at Blarney Castle Gardens

Sunday Feb 1st 2026

Copse under a blue sky

Snowdrops

Blarney Lake viewing point

Daffodil road

Horse rests in the morning sun

On the lake, reeds in blue water.

Blarney House (south face)

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Crocus and Snowdrop. Blarney Gardens.

31st January 2026

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Photos from 19.01.2026

New viewing point at lake.