Hop, hop, hurray! At last, a superb non-alcoholic ale! On the craft trail with Wicklow Wolf, West Kerry and Whiplash.

On the craft trail with a super non-alcoholic IPA from Wicklow Wolf, a dark West Kerry Ale and a lighter one from Whiplash. 

Wicklow Wolf 0.5 ABV Non-Alcoholic IPA, 330 ml can

Hop, hop, hurray! At last, a superb non-alcoholic ale!

Light gold and hazy in the glass, this new non-alcoholic IPA from Wicklow Wolf has a soft white head that doesn’t hang about. Aromas are citrusy, but the hoppy palate gives us hope that we have found the long-awaited good Irish-made non-alcoholic beer. So, I have a warm welcome for this one and am happy to give a big thumbs up. Serve at eight degrees and enjoy!

They say:  “Our brewers have been working on this recipe for over a year, trialling and perfecting it. The result? An unbelievably flavourful non-alcoholic beer that’s brewed without compromise, using speciality malts and juicy hops. Say hello..”

So, if my wish for a decent Irish non-alcoholic beer has been granted, what do I want next? Just put it in a bigger can, lads!

Geek Bits

Hops: Bravo, Citra, Idaho 7.

Malts: Pale, Cara Blond, Carapils

West Kerry Cúl Dorcha Dark Ale, 5.0% ABV, 500 ml bottle, Bradleys

a delicious and well-made beer.

The colour of this West Kerry Ale, a traditional dark ale from the Dingle Penisula, is a deep ruby red with an off-white head that stays around. There are roasted malts on the nose and hints of smoke. The malt runs deep in the complex palate, caramel and, towards the end, chocolate. English hops are used “for an easy drinking beer with a slightly spiced hop note to finish”.

It is indeed a distinctive beer, as we’ve come to expect from West Kerry, where sculptor Adrienne is also the owner and brewer at Tig Bhric, the public house where the West Kerry brewery is based. Very Highly Recommended

Tour the brewhouse and enjoy a tasting in the pub afterwards, or take a technical tour where you get to pick the brains of one of the brewers. Check details on the website here. 

Whiplash Body Riddle Pale Ale 4.5% ABV, 330 ml can 

“light on malts… plenty of hops”

The Whiplash Body Riddle Pale Ale is a vibrant gold beer, hazy with a foamy white head. By the way, keep a small bit in the can. When the head slips down, pour in the balance at a good rate, and that will revive the white crown. The aroma is a mix of citrus fruits, with lemon, grapefruit, and orange leading the way. There are also hints of pine and herbs, which add a touch of complexity.

The flavour is even more citrus-forward than the aroma, with lemon and grapefruit dominating. There is also a touch of sweetness, from the malt, which helps balance the bitterness from the hops. The finish is dry and refreshing, with a lingering citrusy flavour.

The Body Riddle Pale Ale is brewed with a blend of Lemondrop, Galaxy, Simcoe, and Ekuanot hops. These hops all contribute to the beer's citrusy flavour profile. But don't worry. There’s more than citrus here, with the other hops all getting into the action and the malts doing their bit.

This beer is perfect for a session with friends. It's also a great beer to pair with food, as the citrus flavours can complement a variety of dishes. Good for a session too!

Very Highly Recommended. 

Dreaming of a Silver Christmas with Newbridge Silverware

PRESS RELEASE

Dreaming of a Silver Christmas 

with Newbridge Silverware

Looking for the perfect last-minute gifts this Christmas? Newbridge Silverware has you

covered with a stunning selection of gifts to share with your loved ones and make Christmas

truly magical. From unique homeware to handcrafted jewellery, you’ll find something for

everyone on your list.

Hip flask

Gifts for Him:

Impress the entertainer in your life with the Duck Decanter (€75). This exquisitely designed

piece combines functionality with elegance, making it the ideal gift for anyone who loves to

host in style.

A timeless two-tone Pocket Watch (€150) is a standout piece and effortlessly smart. The

Men’s Watch with Leather Strap is one of the most popular time pieces in the collection,

and at just €80 this is a great value gift for someone who appreciates clean design.

If he likes his drinks served with optimum style, then the traditional Whiskey Decanter with

6 Whiskey Glasses (€50) brings a touch of glamour to any sideboard. A great gift idea for

any whiskey connoisseur in your life and ideal for someone who simply just loves to

entertain.

There’s also plenty for the adventurous type with the handy Stainless Steel Hip Flask with

Leather Sleeve (€60) which can also be personalised.

Floral ice-bucket

Timeless Jewellery:

Celebrate the beauty of the season with a Lir Pendant (€50) and Bangle (€55). These

delicately crafted pieces reflect elegance and charm, making them the ideal gift for someone

special.

The Molten Knot Collection which includes a stunning necklace (€75), earrings (€40) and

an eye-catching bracelet (€40), is inspired by the interconnecting lines of Celtic knot carvings

and has the fluid shapes of molten metal which emulates a contemporary, sculptural feel.

Molton Knot Necklace

Brooches are still one of the ‘must have’ accessories of the season, select one of the beautiful

brooches from the extensive brooch collection such as the Floral Brooch with Green Stones

from the Classic Collection (€45). The emerald green stone at the centre of the brooch is

surrounded by peridot crystal settings and will add a splash of colour to a dark winter coat or

scarf. You could also check out The Star Brooch with Clear Stones which was inspired by

the beauty of the star of the sea (€55).

The Willow Pattern Watch (€55), with its delicate blue and white motifs takes its inspiration

from the iconic blue willow china pattern design and looks great when worn with warm

winter white or soft camel tones.

Lockets are known as sentimental and romantic pieces of jewellery and the Ornate Locket

with Coloured Stones (€70) has taken its design from the Victorian era. Why not personalise

a locket for someone special with an inscription and make your gift even more unique for that

special someone?

Homeware and Collectibles:

Capture the magic of Christmas with Newbridge Silverware’s elegant homeware and

collectible items. From sparkling Christmas tree decorations to iconic silver-plated pieces that

add a touch of festive luxury, these carefully curated items are perfect for spreading holiday

cheer. Ideal as host gifts, they will help create a warm and welcoming ambiance in any home.

The elegant silver-plated Salt and Pepper Set (€55) from Newbridge Silverware comes

complete with an accompanying small tray. Whether it's a leisurely lunch or a delightful

dinner with friends, this set will effortlessly transform any table into a stylish showcase.

Everyone loves a dessert! Finish every meal in style with Newbridge Silverware’s Large

Cake Dome with Server (€100). It’s very impressive and is the perfect way to showcase

your delectable creations.

Want to create the perfect ambience? Newbridge Silverware’s USB rechargeable LED

Lamp with Silver Plated Base (€60) is a modern and practical addition to any room. Easy to

use and great for creating a cosy atmosphere this rechargeable lamp can be used anywhere in

the home without the need for a wall socket.

We all love to dine in style so enhance your table with this stylish Flower Glass Champagne

Bucket (€70). Its beautiful design of delicate floral motifs adds a touch of elegance to any

table setting making this the ideal gift for those who enjoy entertaining.

Create a cozy ambiance with scented candles (€10) from the Newbridge Fragrance

Collection. Featuring luxurious scents, these candles are perfect for enhancing any room with

a touch of sophistication and warmth.

Enchanting Christmas Tree Decorations:

Bring a festive sparkle to your home with enchanting Christmas Tree decorations from

Newbridge Silverware. These timeless ornaments add a magical touch to your Christmas

decor and are perfect as thoughtful keepsakes or stocking fillers. Choose from the limited-

edition Christmas 2024 Ornament Santa's Workshop (€40) as well as new designs such as

Santa’s Gift Bag (€25), The Snowflake (€22), The Christmas Stocking (€25), The Gonk

with Green Hat (€17) and many more.

Duck Decanter

Shop Now

Don’t let the clock run out on finding the perfect gifts. Visit Newbridge Silverware in-store at

their County Kildare showrooms or online to explore the full range of products that promise

to make this Christmas unforgettable.

Celebrate the season in style with Newbridge Silverware—where timeless design meets

holiday magic.

www.newbridgesilverware.com

Quinlan’s Fish Always Impresses. Fresh fish delivered directly to their restaurants. It shows on your plate. And palate!

Quinlan’s Fish Always Impresses.

Fresh fish delivered directly to the restaurants.  It shows your plate. And palate!

On the spur of the moment, I decided to have lunch at Quinlan’s Restaurant in the heart of Cork City, and I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent meal. The restaurant invites you in with the promise that “The Freshest Seafood in Cork City is calling your name.” On a cold and dreary day, I heeded that call and went to Princes Street, where this family-run business first established itself in Cork in 2016.

We enjoyed a delightful meal in the beautifully renovated and expanded location, which now boasts an additional entrance on Oliver Plunkett Street, as well as the original one on Princes Street. It was a busy time and the hard-working staff maintained a high standard of service with time for a little chat and a big smile.

I chose the Pan Fried Fillets of Hake, served with forestière potatoes, mushrooms, smokey bacon, and caramelised onions in a lightly creamed apple and cider sauce (€18). It was quite a dish, and the sauce truly enhanced the flavours. On a previous visit, the hake was served with tomato chorizo, spinach, and bean cassoulet alongside herb potatoes, which was also very good.

CL ordered the Pan-Fried Fillet of Salmon, which came with Lyonnaise potatoes, a Greek-style tomato, feta, and olive salad, as well as Fred’s Mediterranean vegetable salsa (€19.00). The salsa was delicious and would complement several other dishes nicely. The salmon was a generous portion, perfectly cooked, and the dish was neatly presented, as was also the case with the hake.

She had been hoping that her salmon would be served with Lyonnaise potatoes, asparagus, carrot purée, and basil pesto, as it had been during her previous visit. However, we were both quite pleased with our meal this time. We started with a shared bowl of Cromane mussels served in a delicious white and garlic cream sauce (€14.95). We appreciated that they provided two spoons, which made it easy to savour the sauce after we had "demolished" the mussels!

This was one of their specials on the day. Also included was a Triple AAA Grade Tuna dish that we enjoyed here on an earlier visit and found it amazing! They also offered Vanessa's Warm Cookie Skillet as dessert and other options. Regular highlights on the menu include squid, crab, and sizzling prawns, which are often served as appetizers or main courses. The menu is offered throughout the day and the daily specials are based on the selection of fresh fish that has been landed  the night before. If you happen to see them available, I highly recommend trying the Sizzling Portmagee Crab Claws and, a personal favourite, the Portmagee Crab Bake!

It wouldn’t be a fish bar if you couldn’t get Fish and Chips. Here, you can choose from whiting, plaice, haddock, cod, hake, or fish goujons. The Fish and Chips are served with a specially developed batter that complements the super fresh fish. These Fish and Chips are in high demand, whether it's lunchtime or dinnertime.

The Quinlan family seafood business is located in Caherciveen, County Kerry. Kerryfish was founded by Michael Quinlan and has now been passed down to the second generation: Liam, Ronan, and Fintan. The Quinlans always have expansion on their agenda, and they operate shops and restaurants all over Kerry and beyond!

Most of the fish are sourced from the nearby Atlantic coast, with much of them caught by Quinlan’s own boats. Quinlan has been in operation since 1963 and exports fish worldwide. In 2011, they were recognized as National Seafood Specialist of the Year. The fish is fresh and delivered directly to the restaurants by experienced professionals who know what they are doing. And it showed on our plates!

Fish for Thought: Sustainable Seafood for a Festive Feast

Fish for Thought: Sustainable Seafood for a Festive Feast 

Elevate Your Holiday Table with Sustainable Seafood

Mussels

As the festive season approaches, consider adding a splash of seafood to your Christmas menu. Cork's talented fishmongers offer a wide array of fresh, sustainable seafood that's perfect for holiday gatherings. Not only does seafood add a touch of elegance to your table, but it also provides a wealth of health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, seafood is a delicious and nutritious way to nourish your body and soul during the holiday season.

Sardines

Donagh Good, Managing Director of The Good Fish Company, located in Carrigaline, Douglas and Kinsale, said: “Where else would you get the freshest range of fish than your friendly local fishmonger? With their expert knowledge, they can guide you in choosing the perfect option and then prepare the fish to your liking and offer you tips for cooking. Whether for Christmas dinner or a New Year’s celebration, seafood is the perfect choice to create memorable meals that also support local businesses.”

Red Gurnard

Speaking about the nutritional benefits of including fish in festive menus, Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietician and Founder of eatwell.ie said: “Seafood is high in lean protein and packed with nutrients. Oil-rich fish like salmon is great for getting Vitamin D into your diet- a vitamin that Irish people tend to lack despite it being a key nutrient for maintaining healthy bones, muscles and teeth. Mussels are an excellent source of Omega 3 and could be a nice addition to the festive menu. Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that keeps you healthy from your head to your toes and helps keep your heart healthy. Vitamin B-12 contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue while also helping support the normal function of the immune system. It can be found in crab, sea bass, rainbow trout, and scallops.”

For fish and seafood recipe inspiration and tips on preparing your festive fish, follow Cork’s local fishmongers:

Good Fish: Instagram - @goodfishshops, Facebook - Goodfishshops

Ballycotton Seafood: Instagram - @ballycottonseafood_, Facebook - Ballycotton Seafood Ltd

Keohane’s Seafood: Instagram - @keohaneseafoods, Facebook - Keohane’s Seafood Shop Cork

K O’Connells: Instagram - @ko_connells_fishmonger, Facebook - K O’Connell Fish Merchants

Pollock    

About BIM

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland's Seafood Development Agency, is delighted to support a community of independent seafood retailers and food service operators by sharing knowledge and capability to help drive business growth. 

At BIM, our aim has always been to help this community and our seafood producers and processors to achieve more and to be rewarded for their efforts. We seek ways for the Irish seafood sector to defend what is unique and yet still look for growth and improvement. 

Looking for recipes? Check Whole Catch by
Goldies' chef Aishling Moore

As consumers become more discerning about the food they consume, quality seafood has emerged as a favoured choice, showcasing its versatility, flavour, and health benefits. The health benefits associated with seafood have contributed to its success in both food service and retail. Seafood is rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and cognitive function. 

Fish for breakfast in Wexford

In seafood retail, the demand for quality seafood is evident in independent seafood retailers and speciality seafood markets. Consumers increasingly prefer seafood that is responsibly sourced, in convenient formats and accompanied by trending tastes and flavours. Independent seafood retailers have a lot of knowledge and expertise that they share with their customers on a daily basis. They are responding by investing in quality seafood displays, offering ready-to-cook options, and providing information on the health benefits of seafood.

Mackerel

Nutritional benefits of fish and seafood

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Fish such as herring, mackerel, crab and rainbow trout are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.

• High in Protein

• Fish is a lean source of protein, helping to build and repair tissues while supporting a healthy immune system. Cod, crab, hake and plaice are all rich in protein.

  

  Oysters Thermidor

  
  

• Low in Saturated Fat

• Many fish species are naturally low in saturated fats, making them a heart-healthy choice for holiday meals. Haddock, monkfish, cod and Atlantic Salmon are rich in potassium, which contributes to maintaining normal blood pressure.

• Packed with Essential Vitamins and Minerals 

• Fish provides essential nutrients such as vitamin D, selenium, and iodine, which support bone health, immune function, and thyroid health. Mussels, haddock and crab are good sources of iodine in particular and Atlantic salmon, swordfish and sea bass are all good sources of Vitamin B12.

  

  Cod

  
  

Beer of the Week. Wicklow Wolf Apex Oatmeal Stout

 Wicklow Wolf Apex Oatmeal Stout, 6.5% ABV, 440 ml can

“A full-flavoured stout that will leave you wanting more.”

“A full-flavoured stout that will leave you wanting more.” That’s the message from Wicklow Wolf.

The stout is black with a coffee-coloured head (short-lived). Coffee is also in the aromatics. On the palate, intense stuff (coffee and chocolate) with a semi-sweet creamy smoothness. It is creamy and full-flavoured from start to finish. And yes, more is the request! No surprise that there have been a few "spin-offs" from this superb stout, including a Black Cherry Oatmeal Stout, Apex Tiramisu Oatmeal Stout, and Chocolate Oat Milk Coconut Stout.

Very Highly Recommended and Beer of the Week.

It is a member of the Alpha Pack, their core range. They say: Apex champions a heavy malt bill, brewed with only the best flaked Irish Oats, specialty chocolate and coffee malts.” Expect an intense burst of fresh roast coffee, milk chocolate & a delicious creamy smoothness. A full flavoured stout that will leave you wanting more.

Bravo hops hit the scene around 2006 and quickly became a preferred bittering hop. Yakima Hops says it also contributes fruity and floral tones that work well in IPAs, Pale Ales, and Red Ales. It's not the first hops you’d think of when it comes to stout, but the folks at Wicklow Wolf know a thing or two, and it certainly works very well here.

Geek Bits

Hops: Bravo 

Malts: Pale, Chocolate, Roast Crystal, Brown, Carafa, Oat, Cara

* What are your favourites from our 2024 Beer of the Week list? Check it out here.

John Hartnett, Digital Marketing Manager at Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley, wins top award at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

press release

John Hartnett, Digital Marketing Manager both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley, wins top award at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

Congrats to John Hartnett

(The Kingsley's Fergal Harte was also awarded - story below)

Cork hotels Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley are proud to announce that John Hartnett, Digital Marketing Manager for both properties has been awarded the worthy accolade of Sales and Marketing Manager of the Year at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Awards.

 

The award ceremony, which took place on 28^th November 2024 in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, celebrated excellence across the hospitality sector in Ireland, with John’s contributions to both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley in Cork city, ensuring a win in the highly competitive category.

 

As Digital Marketing Manager, John Hartnett who joined the team in 2020 has worked hard to develop the digital marketing strategy for the well-known and loved properties in East Cork and Cork city, with clever digital initiatives elevating both Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley.

 

"I am incredibly honoured to receive this award," shared John Hartnett. " I work alongside a brilliant team in Cork and I’m very lucky to work with two fantastic properties, Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley. Creating digital marketing strategies for two exciting and innovative luxury properties and watching them grow within our industry has been hugely rewarding.’

 

The IHI Awards, are a highlight in the hospitality industry’s calendar, attended by prominent hoteliers and industry colleagues, the awards recognise individuals and teams who have made a significant impact on the sector, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Nominated by colleagues or managers, winners are recognised for their commitment to their roles and receive well-deserved industry recognition in a room filled with their peers. 

 

Find out more about Fota Island Resort and The Kingsley by visiting fotaisland.ie and thekingsley.ie.

 

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

The Kingsley’s Fergal Harte Wins 'General Manager of the Year'

at 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute Awards

Congratulations to Fergal Harte on winning General Manager of the Year at recent @ihi_ireland Awards

Fergal Harte, General Manager of The Kingsley in Cork city has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘General Manager of the Year’ at the 2024 Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Awards, held in Dublin on 28^th November 2024 in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.

 

The IHI Awards, are a highlight in the hospitality industry’s calendar, attended by prominent hoteliers and industry colleagues, the awards recognise individuals and teams who have made a significant impact on the sector, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Nominated by colleagues or managers, winners are recognised for their commitment to their roles and receive well-deserved industry recognition in a room filled with their peers. 

 

The ‘General Manager of the Year’ award celebrates Fergal’s outstanding leadership, dedication to excellence, and his pivotal role in driving the success of The Kingsley in Cork city since he became General Manager of the hotel in 2014 – Celebrating 10 years in the role this year.

 

Fergal Harte, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry has innovated the offering at The Kingsley since he took on the role of General Manager, elevating its reputation for outstanding service, unique guest experiences, from their pet-friendly rooms, an award-winning urban spa and innovative dining options from Perch – coffee and wine to The Springboard overlooking the River Lee, as well as contributing to the local community through his role as Chair of the IHF Cork Branch from 2020-2022.

 

Fergal Harte commented on the award: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the General Manager of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the incredible team here at The Kingsley, who continue to make this hotel a special place for our guests. I am proud to lead such a talented group of professionals, and this award reflects the collective efforts of everyone involved in making The Kingsley a standout destination in Cork.” 

 

Fergal’s hands-on approach and dedication to staff development have created a thriving work environment, enabling the hotel to exceed guest expectations with loyal and repeat customers returning to the riverside hotel. Under his leadership, The Kingsley has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the well-being of its employees by fostering an inclusive culture and continuously enhancing the work environment. This work was officially recognised earlier this year when the hotel received a prestigious well-being award from the internationally renowned Great Place to Work Institute. Everyone associated with The Kingsley was also incredibly proud to be ranked 16th among medium-sized businesses in Ireland on the institute's Great Places to Work 2024 list.

 

With beautiful bedrooms, a bistro-style restaurant, a new coffee and wine bar – Perch, a luxury award-winning spa and pet-friendly rooms, The Kingsley has everything you need for an urban retreat in Cork City.

 

Set in a stylish and distinctive riverside location on the banks of the River Lee within walking distance from the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Cork, shopping, socialising and cultural attractions are all just a few steps away. 

 

Find out more by visiting  www.thekingsley.ie