Powerscourt Hotel Unveils “Taste the Season”

 press release

Powerscourt Hotel Unveils “Taste the Season” — A Seven-Course Celebration of late Spring at SIKA Restaurant

Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the launch of Taste the Season — a refined seven-course tasting menu now available at the acclaimed SIKA Restaurant. Curated by Executive Chef Cormac McCreary and his passionate culinary team, this seasonal showcase captures late spring's vibrant flavours and delicate nuances.

 

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Taste the Season invites guests to indulge in an elevated dining experience where each dish tells a story of local provenance, creativity, and technical brilliance. With a distinguished career spanning The Ritz London, Mount Juliet Estate, and Sheen Falls Lodge, Chef McCreary brings classical training and contemporary flair to this ambitious new menu.

 

“At this time of year, nature offers us such fresh, elegant ingredients — it is a joy to work with,” says Chef Cormac. “We are guided by what is at its peak, and we let that lead the way, creating exciting dishes rooted in the season's beauty.”

 

Each course is a carefully composed expression of balance and flavour, combining precision with imagination. Guests can expect a journey that highlights exceptional Irish ingredients — from delicately seared scallops with yuzu and miso, to tender Wicklow lamb paired with wild garlic and fèves — all artfully plated to reflect the freshness of spring. 

 

 

Sample Menu HERE with highlights including:

¨     Scallop | Leek, Yuzu, Miso

¨      Foie Gras | Pear, Almond, Port

¨      Halibut | Spring Cabbage, Apple, Vanilla

¨     Wicklow Lamb | Artichoke, Wild Garlic, Fèves

¨     Powerscourt Heather Honey | Fercullen Whiskey

¨     Selection of Irish Cheese | Chutney & Crackers

¨      Petit Fours

An optional Irish cheese course and expertly curated wine pairings are available to elevate the experience further.

 

Whether marking a special occasion or simply savouring a night of culinary indulgence, Taste the Season is a must-try for discerning diners seeking sophistication, locality, and a celebration of spring on the plate.  Reservations are now open at SIKA Restaurant, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa and The Taste the Season, which costs €120 per person, with a wine pairing option at €80 per person, is available to book.

 

Why not make a true experience of the visit with an overnight stay? After your seven-course culinary journey, retreat to your luxurious guest room and wake to a generous breakfast overlooking the estate. Take time to wander through the sweeping 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate, or explore the tranquil River Walk on a complimentary hotel bicycle — the perfect pairing of gourmet indulgence and natural beauty. An overnight stay with a delicious breakfast is available for booking from €160 per person sharing.

For bookings or more information, please visit www.powerscourthotel.com or contact the Reservations Team at reservations@powerscourthotel.com / (01) 274 8888.

European Investment Firm Launches €20 Million High-Yield Irish Whiskey Bond

press release 

European Investment Firm Launches €20 Million High-Yield Irish Whiskey Bond

Ernest Cantillon, co-founder & COO and James Jardella, co-founder & CEO, LYQD

Black Manta Capital Partners and LYQD Offer Institutional-Grade Access to a Growing Irish Whiskey Market

Black Manta Capital Partners (BMCP), a MiFID-licensed European investment firm, in partnership with Cork-based whiskey trading platform LYQD, today announced the launch of a €20 million High-Yield Irish Whiskey Bond. The bond offers investors 12% annual returns over a five-year term and is now open for applications.

This asset-backed investment enables the direct wholesale purchase of whiskey casks from Irish and Northern Irish distilleries, stored securely in excise bonded warehouses. Each cask will be fully insured, independently audited, and held under professional custodial management, ensuring strong protections for investors.

Unlike individual cask ownership, the bond provides institutional-grade access to the whiskey market, supported by operational expertise and compliant investment infrastructure. It creates a unique opportunity to benefit from the long-term growth of Irish whiskey, while delivering working capital to distilleries without the burden of debt.

The launch arrives as the European Central Bank continues to ease interest rates and investors seek alternatives to traditional low-yield assets. Irish whiskey has more than doubled in global sales over the past decade and remains one of Ireland’s fastest-growing export categories—poised for further growth despite short-term volatility caused by geopolitical uncertainty, including potential U.S. tariffs.

Maurice Tracey, Managing Director of BMCP Securities, said:

“Irish whiskey underpins more than 10,000 jobs across Ireland and continues to grow as a global challenger to Scotch and Bourbon. This bond offers investors a rare chance to diversify their portfolios with a stable, asset-backed investment—while supporting a vital Irish industry with debt-free liquidity to scale their operations.”

The bond structure has been designed to ride out short-term export market fluctuations while capitalizing on medium-term price appreciation and growing global demand.

Applications are now open.

To learn more or to apply, contact irishwhiskeybond@blackmanta.capital or visit www.blackmanta.capital

 

About the Team

The bond is managed by an experienced team with deep expertise in investment management, whiskey production, and financial services:

Maurice Tracey – Managing Director, BMCP Securities S.a r.l.
Finn McGahan – Vice President, BMCP Securities S.a r.l.
James Jardella – Co-founder & CEO, LYQD
Ernest Cantillon – Co-founder & COO, LYQD

 

About LYQD

LYQD (pronounced “liquid”) is a pioneering whiskey trading platform that digitizes and democratizes access to cask whiskey investment making it easier and safer. LYQD provides infrastructure, compliance, and liquidity solutions for spirit producers and investors globally.

About Black Manta Capital Partners

Black Manta Capital Partners is a BaFin-regulated European investment platform based in Luxembourg, offering tokenized and traditional investment products with a focus on transparency, compliance, and cross-border investor access.

Exploring Waterford’s Viking Triangle

Exploring Waterford’s Viking Triangle.

Wedding of Strongbow and Aoife

A little industry has sprung up around Waterford’s Viking Triangle. It didn’t happen by accident; a lot of hard work and planning have made this attraction a must-visit. Luckily enough, much of the history can be easily found in a small area, and perhaps the best way to do so is to invest in the Freedom of Waterford pass from umbrella group Waterford Treasures.

For just 18 euro, the flexible and discounted Freedom of Waterford ticket allows the visitor to enjoy an ‘Epic’ walking tour of the Viking Triangle with an expert guide, taking in 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces. Plus, complete access to the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, The Irish Silver Museum, and Christ Church Cathedral. 

Meagher's swords. The one on the right was made by Tiffany's, New York

We did it all in one day, but you can spread it over a few days if it suits you. And it may well suit quite a few, as there is a good deal of walking and standing involved.

We met Anna, our tour guide, just outside the Bishop’s Palace, which is under repair and under a wrap. She set the background to the area, though frustrated that the palace and the Theatre Royal (our next stop) were both hidden behind scaffolding.

Name of the long boat by Reginald's Tower.

Another stop was to show the remains of the medieval wall and its infamous murder hole. Anna was informative and lively, acting it up a little and enhancing the dry history.

Even Thomas Francis Meagher, the Irish patriot, American soldier and governor, came in for a little ribbing. Meagher, born 1823, was convicted of sedition and, like many an Irishman, was transported to Tasmania. He eventually escaped to the US, where he fought on the Union side in the Civil War, later, briefly, becoming governor of Montana before drowning in the Mississippi while on a steamboat trip in 1867.

Christchurch Cathedral

 He is remembered for being the first man to unfurl the Irish tricolour, which took place on the Mall (where we walked). The tricolour was hung from one of its splendid Georgian houses, and an impressive statue of Meagher on horseback and in his American army uniform stands there.

Soon we were at Reginald’s Tower, alongside which stands a recently constructed long boat. These were used by the Vikings and this one has the name “VADRARFJORDR” on it. I think you’ll guess what that represents!

Two sturdy grandfathers and an eye-catching Australian made pocket watch in the Museum of Time

Then we passed Greyfairs (the monks here wore "cheap" grey outfits, and while not too far away, a better class of monks wore black and were known as the black friars).

Soon, we were at the Christchurch Cathedral, and Anna was talking about its famous architect, Honest John Roberts. He was a very busy architect but still found time to ensure that a worker’s pay came on time and often arranged for it to end up in the hands of his wife rather than in those of the publican! 

Amazing display of 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments in the Medieval Museum

After lunch at the café in the nearby House of Waterford, we visited the four centres covered by our pass. Perhaps the Bishop's Palace and the Medieval Museum are the most interesting, but there is also lots to see in the Museum of Time and the Irish Silver Museum. 

Other attractions that may be visited, all in the triangle but not covered by the pass, are Reginald’s Tower , King of the Vikings , and the Irish Wake Museum. We’ll have to return to the city.

Fuller's Bistro. Lunch venue in Lismore.

We entered the county itself via Lismore and, after lunch, headed up the Vee, just as the spoilsport rain arrived to spoil the mountain view. 

We took the Cappoquin road on the way down from the hills and headed for the Dromana Arch, a Hindu Gothic gate dating from around 1830, a few minutes south of Cappoquin.

It was originally built from wood and papier mache to greet the owner of the Dromana Estate, Henry Villiers-Stuart, and his wife, Theresa Pauline Ott of Vienna, on returning from their honeymoon in 1826. The couple was so enchanted with the gate that it was reconstructed in stone in later years. Nowadays, it is looked after by the Waterford County Council.

By the way, if you come from the south, you will drive through Villierstown, the birthplace of the famous world and Olympic runner John Treacy. At the end of the village, the road reaches a pair of impressive pillars. No need to detour, carry on through, this is a public road, and soon you'll be at the arch.

Also on this trip:

The Granville Hotel

Bodéga Waterford

 

Bodéga Waterford revisited. Long overdue!

Bodéga Waterford revisited. Long overdue!

When I strolled in for dinner last week, I didn't realise it had been ten years since I last visited Waterford's Bodéga. 

Scampi, chicory

They don’t do lunch here nowadays, except on Sundays. That’s not the only change, but they are still strong supporters of local produce, and, unlike some restaurants, that extends to local beers and ciders. I looked at the drinks list before ordering, and though they had a couple of O’Hara ales on offer, I chose the local Legacy Cider. That comes from the Brickey Valley. You pass over the river Brickey when you go and come on the main Cork-Dungarvan Road.

While the specials board is brief compared to what was offered in 2015, there was still a wide range of choices on the menu. Starters also included one or two “nibbles”, and there was a welcome plate of bread and dips.

I began with the Venison Bolognese croquettes, parmesan, pesto mayo, and balsamic glaze, and they turned out to be excellent, even if the meat’s flavour was muted. The Monkfish Scampi Fritters with green curry mayo, chicory, and apple salad were a touch too heavily coated, while the fish itself was superb, and the accompaniments were a treat.

Between courses, I enjoyed my dry cider from Dungarvan, while CL sipped on a Hollow Leg Albariño, a non-alcoholic wine that is appearing on more restaurant lists these days.

Bodéga is well known for its fish dishes, and indeed, the only mains on the specials board featured Sea Bass. However, I never pick that fish, as you are never told where it comes from. I did pick the pan-fried Dunmore East lemon sole. Asparagus, baby potatoes, lemon, capers, and butter were also on the plate, and the combination was quite a dish.

On the other side of the table, the free-range Chicken Supreme with mushroom and tarragon sauce, spinach, and baby potatoes received the highest compliments!

The Dessert List included Hot chocolate fondant (Baileys and chocolate fudge sauce, served with vanilla ice cream) and an equally tempting Raspberry and Limoncello tiramisu (Limoncello pearls, mascarpone, and lemon curd). There was also the option of a Cheeseboard (Gubbeen, Waterford, Knockanore smoked cheddar, Gorgonzola, Grapes, Chutney, Crackers).

Crème Brûlée

We opted to share the Vanilla Crème Brûlée (with homemade biscotti, raspberry compote, and fresh raspberries), and that interesting combination sent us off happy into the night. Well, just across the road, really, is Revolution Bar, where from a pick of about eight craft taps, I ordered the Sullivans Red Ale and enjoyed it at a leisurely pace to bring our outing to a very satisfactory conclusion. They have an amazing whiskey selection with a bottle share service that will enable you to try a whiskey without having to commit to a full bottle. In addition, they are also listed as a gin palace.

You'll find the Bodega (and Revolution) in the heart of Waterford City, in the Apple Market, the “Entertainment Quarter” - with a unique mirrored roof (go on, give yourself a wave). 

To underscore the Bodéga’s commitment to local producers, the current website and menus include Gubbeen, Bluebell Falls, Knockanore, Grantstown, Crowe Farm, O’Flynn’s Butcher, Muldoons, Legacy Cider, Tom Kearney, Waterford Distillery, Blackwater Distillery, and O’Hara’s Ales by Carlow Brewing.

Also on this trip:

Waterford's Granville Hotel

Visiting Waterford Viking Triangle

Introducing Cork in Bloom at The River Club in partnership with The Boatyard Distillery

press release 

Introducing Cork in Bloom at The River Club in partnership with The Boatyard Distillery

The terrace at The River Club has undergone a stunning transformation just in time for summer in the city. Continuing in its series of visually beautiful seasonal installations, Cork in Bloom in partnership with The Boatyard Distillery at  The River Club is the latest  riverside experience on the popular terrace at The River Lee.

Created with Cork’s most innovative florist and long-time collaborator, Fox Flowers, the new décor is an ode to the quintessential florals found growing wild in the spectacular West Cork countryside. A beautiful lush, green escape, the Cork in Bloom Terrace is adorned with apple blossom, hydrangea, primrose and foxglove, rambling fuchsia and crocosmia, turning this riverside spot in the heart of Cork into an idyllic Irish country garden. And of course in preparation for every version of an Irish summer, the terrace can also be transformed into an open air oasis or fully heated and covered summer hideaway at a moment’s notice. 

A rising tide lifts all boats so along with its fresh new look, The River Club has teamed up with the multi-award winning Boatyard Distillery to create a brand-new drinks menu exclusive to the Cork in Bloom Terrace. Earlier this year, Boatyard’s Double Gin was crowned the number two trending gin brand in the world in the Drinks International Brands Report, while Boatyard’s Vodka was named as a newcomer on the bestselling vodka brands list for 2025. A Certified B Corp company, Boatyard Distillery have a keen eye on sustainability in everything they do, using only organic botanicals in their gin, they take an eco-friendly approach to packaging and recently launched a 2.8L refill pouch. The Distillery also offers a refill service to reduce glass waste. 

From their lakeside location in County Fermanagh, The Boatyard Distillery are taking their worldwide appeal to the banks of the River Lee with a menu of Boatyard centric drinks. Boatyard Double Gin was made with Martinis in mind! Crafted for classic serves, built on timeless quality and meant to elevate every pour, the classic Boatyard Martini with Boatyard double gin, dry vermouth and orange bitters, is ice cold and the perfectly crisp grown up cocktail to order this summer. Opt for something refreshing with the Fuchsia Fizz made with Boatyard Double Gin, raspberry Italicus, Liqueur Poire William, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic and the Crocosmo, mixing Boatyard Vodka, Chambord, raspberry purée, lemon juice, vanilla syrup and prosecco. With summer tipples sorted, the team at The River Club will be serving a selection of Mediterranean inspired small plates like the ever-popular Italian burrata with pea and mint chicory salad and Sicilian flatbread, a classic Caesar salad and a local English Market tasting board.

The stylish Cork in Bloom Terrace in partnership with The Boatyard Distillery at The River Club will launch on the 1st of May and run all summer long, summer in the city has never looked (or tasted) so good!

 

Open 7 days from 11 until late, for enquiries please call 021 493 7772 or visit theriverclubcork.ie 

 

The Ever-Reliable Jim Edwards Restaurant in Kinsale

 The Ever-Reliable Jim Edwards Restaurant in Kinsale

Duck

Since 1971, the Edwards family have provided excellent food in a warm, friendly atmosphere to its many Irish and international visitors. Situated in the heart of Kinsale (Co. Cork), the Jim Edwards restaurant is a reliable stop when you are looking for food here.

For fifty years now, Jim Edwards has been a key player in Kinsale’s culinary scene and is, of course, a member of the Kinsale Good Food Circle that organises the hugely successful Gourmet Festival each autumn.

We were in the seaside town earlier in the week and when we found our chosen cafe, a relatively new one, closed even though their Facebook page said they were open 8-4 every day bar Sunday, we had to go walkabout and find an alternative.  It wasn’t the only one closed on the day, the walk got longer, and we came to another café, but all they had to offer was an all-day brunch menu (more breakfast than lunch), and we moved on.

Mussels

We hit the jackpot around the corner when we saw that Jim Edwards was open, offering a choice of attractive dishes (based on local produce) and all well-priced.

Soon we were seated and, without asking, were informed of the specials. Service was friendly (nothing intrusive) and on the ball throughout, while seats and banquettes were all comfortable.

There is no liquid nitrogen or culinary foams here, nothing pretentious, but you do get high-quality food (and generous portions). Watch out for some superb meat dishes, like Baked Homemade Lasagna with salad and chips or Grilled 6-oz Sirloin Steak Sandwich with caramelised Red Onion, Salad, and fries. 

On the fish side, check the Traditional Fish and chips or the much sought-after (if more expensive) Grilled Black Sole on the Bone with Lemon and Parsley Butter. Oysters and mussels also feature here, and we began by sharing a starter portion of Kinsale Steamed Mussels in a garlic cream (€13.50).

Chicken

When you see the word Skeaghanore on a menu, you know you are on a winner unless, like our honest server, you “hate duck.” I had no hesitation whatsoever in going for Pan-Roasted Skeaghanore Duck Breast with Spring Onion Mash, Red Cabbage, Orange Glaze (24.00). And, though it wasn't listed, a side dish of fries also appeared.

CL loves her Chasseur Sauce, so when she saw it listed with the Golden Fried Chicken Breast, Vegetables and Potatoes (€18), she picked that and was soon giving it the big thumbs up.

Indeed, as on previous visits, it was thumbs up all round for Jim Edwards, their staff and their food.

Jim Edwards https://www.jimedwardskinsale.com/  is rightly proud of its local suppliers, including those listed here:

Matt O’Connell
Haddock, Monkfish, Prawns

Jimbo’s Fish
Hake, Sole, Cod

De Brun Iasc Tro
Crab

Haven Shellfish
Mussels, Oysters, Scallops

O’ Connell Meats
Steaks & Poultry

Dawn Meats
Pork, Beef & Lamb

Skeaghanore Farm
Duck

All Fresh
Fruit & Vegetables

Clona Foods
Dairy Products

Rosscarbery Farms
Irish Strawberries