Seaview House Hotel

Cask, Cork for expertly crafted cocktails

Mead is the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man. Archaeologists believe it originated somewhere along the Silk Road in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). It was brought to Ireland by the Romans. In fact, there are many kinds of meads around the world, including Honey Wine, Apple Wine, Spiced Wine, Barley Wine and Cider. Mead is produced by fermenting honey with water and yeast. Kinsale Mead Company makes mead from local honey. They call it "the original fermented honey drink." The Kinsale Mead Company offers tours where you can sample different types of mead. You can try the traditional style, flavored varieties, or even a special blend called "Taste of History." The tour guides explain how the process works and what each flavor tastes like. Then, you take home some samples to enjoy later. Sage, Midleton The owner of this Irish restaurant says he wants his customers to feel like part of the family. He serves traditional dishes such as shepherd’s pie, steak and kidney pudding and chicken pot pie. But he also offers something different — a menu full of vegetarian options. And it works. Customers say they love the food and the atmosphere. They even come back again and again. This is an allvegetarain restaurant in Cork city centre that offers three courses for €25. The menu includes dishes such as lentil soup, mushroom risotto, vegetable lasagne, sweet potato gnocchi and beetroot salad. Bookings are recommended.

Cafe Paradiso, Cork for legendary vegetarian food

Cork has long been known as one of Ireland’s most beautiful cities. But did you know that there are over 50 Michelin star rated restaurants in Cork alone? And that Cork has some of the best food in Ireland? We asked our resident expert, chef John Mullins, to tell us about five reasons why Cork tastes amazing. 1. Cork City is home to the second largest urban park in Europe – Phoenix Park. This green space covers 730 acres and includes the city’s zoo, botanic gardens, museums and art galleries. 2. In recent years, Cork has become renowned for its innovative chefs. Some of the world’s most famous names hail from Cork including Seamus Heaney, Paul Hollywood, Anthony Bourdain and Nuala O'Connor. 3. Cork is home to the oldest working brewery in Ireland - Jameson Distillery. Established in 1780, Jameson is still family owned today. 4. If you love seafood, you’ll love the variety of fish found off the coast of Cork. From cod to salmon, mackerel to mussels, there’s something for everyone. 5. Cork is just 30 minutes away from Dublin Airport, making it easy to access. So whether youre planning a weekend break or heading out for a week, Cork is the perfect base.

The English Market, Cork for exploring Ireland's larder

Cork has some great places to dine out. Here are five spots that we think deserve a special mention. 1. Farmgate Café The menu here changes every day depending on what's in season. But it always includes dishes like grilled halloumi with roasted capsicum and red onion salsa, and roast chicken breast with garlic and thyme butter. 2. Ballymaloe House Restaurant This Michelin star restaurant serves up traditional Irish food such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash and fish stew. 3. The Old Rectory A popular place for Sunday lunches, the Old Rectory offers delicious homemade breads and cakes. Try the chocolate brownie cake with ice cream. It's got the English market The English Market in Cork City is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Ireland. In fact, it’s so popular that there are over 400 stalls selling everything from food to clothing to crafts. And while you might think that the market is just another tourist trap, there’s actually some serious history behind it. Cork's English Market opened in 1788 and quickly became a place where people could buy goods directly from local vendors. Over the years, the market expanded into what we see today, becoming home to hundreds of small businesses. Today, the English Market is still owned by the city government, although many of the stalls now belong to independent traders.

Toons Bridge Dairy, Macroom for Italian cheeses, olives and pizza

Toons Bridge Dairy, Macroom for Italian cheeses, olives and pizza

Cork is known for its beautiful beaches, lush countryside, and picturesque towns. But it’s also home to one of the world’s greatest food cultures. From traditional Irish dishes like bangers and mash to classic American comfort food such as macaroni and cheese, there’s something for everyone. And you don’t even have to go out of town to enjoy it. You can find everything from artisanal cheeses to award-winning wines right here in Cork City. It's got great food experiences on its doorstep Ireland is experiencing a boom in food tourism, with many people travelling overseas to sample local specialities. "There are some amazing restaurants here," says chef David O'Connell. "I think it's probably one of the best cuisines in the world." He adds: "You've got a lot of spices, you've got a lot of herbs, you've got a very interesting history behind Irish cooking. I think there's something really exciting about eating in Ireland." The country's traditional recipes include lamb stew, fish pie, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash and black pudding. But today, chefs are experimenting with modern influences too. For example, in Dublin, there's a restaurant called L'Gueuleton, where diners can tuck into French-inspired dishes such as steak tartare, cassoulet and coq au vin. In Cork, visitors can enjoy a tasting menu at Ballymaloe Cookery School. And in Galway, there's a Michelin-starred restaurant called Daelaíocht, which serves up inventive dishes including lobster ravioli and sea bass with fennel and wild garlic. But while the UK tends to focus on London and the south east, Ireland offers a much wider range of culinary delights. "We're fortunate because we have a wide variety of landscapes and climates," explains O'Connell. "So you've got mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, forests, islands - so you've got a huge variety of things to do." He adds: "If you want to go somewhere warm, you can go to Spain; if you want to go somewhere cold, you can go to Iceland. If you want to go somewhere wet, you can go to Scotland. So there's loads of different options." And the weather is always perfect. "When I'm working outside, I just love being able to sit down and relax," he says. "Because it's nice and sunny every day."

Ballymaloe Country Hotel House and Restaurant, Ballycotton 

Guinness is the world’s best selling beer. But it isn't the most popular one in Ireland. That honor goes to Murphy’s Irish Stout. And there are plenty of great craft beers being brewed locally. So what makes Guinness so special? Well, it’s been around since 1759. It’s been owned by Diageo since 2008. And it’s still brewed in Dublin. So why aren’t people drinking it more often? The answer lies in the fact that Guinness doesn’t really taste like anything else. It tastes like Guinness. People might drink it because it’s familiar, but they don’t actually enjoy it. They just know it’s there. So how do we make sure that Guinness becomes more popular? We start with the basics. First, we find out what people want. Then we try to give it to them.

Ballymaloe Country Hotel House and Restaurant, Ballycotton 
Fishy Fishy, Kinsale best for fresh seafood
Fishy Fishy, Kinsale best for fresh seafood

Cork City is home to some of the best craft breweries in the world. From small local microbreweries to large international brands, there are plenty of options for anyone looking to sample the finest cask ales in Ireland. This video explores the history of cask ale in Cork city and how it came to be such a popular drink. Are you a halal restaurant? The question of whether a restaurant serves halal food has been asked many times over the years. But what does it mean exactly? And how do restaurants decide whether they are serving halal food? In this video we explain what halal food is and why it matters. We also look into some of the misconceptions about halal food. We start our journey by looking at the meaning of the word Halal. Then we take a trip to the Middle East and explore the history of the term Halal. From there we move on to the different types of meat found in most Islamic countries including beef. 

Kinsale Mead Company, Kinsale for a taste of ancient history

When it comes to eating out, there are few things better than sitting outside with friends and family. But what about those times when you want to enjoy some great food without having to worry about where you're going to sit down? For many people, that means heading outdoors — whether it's to a restaurant patio, park bench, or even just the grassy knoll behind your house. If you've been looking for a way to make sure you never run out of options again, we've got three ideas for you. 1. Find the best restaurants near you If you live in a city, chances are you already know where to go. But what about smaller towns and rural areas? Many cities have Yelp reviews for local eateries, but how do you find restaurants in less populated parts of town? A simple web browser extension called Yext lets you search for businesses nearby. Simply type "restaurants" into the URL bar, followed by the name of the location you'd like to check out. You'll see a list of local businesses, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc., along with ratings and reviews. Clicking on each listing takes you directly to the site of the business itself. 2. Use OpenTable OpenTable is another option for finding restaurants close to home. Just type in the address of the establishment you'd like to try into the search box. Not only does it provide information about the menu, hours of operation, and contact info, but it also gives you access to reservations. You can book tables online or via mobile app. 3. Go old school You don't always have to rely on technology to find a great meal. Sometimes, all you need is a map and a little common sense. When you're planning a trip somewhere unfamiliar, look up the area on a map. Then, start asking around. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools in the world. Ask locals where they recommend eating, and let them guide you.

Kinsale Mead Company, Kinsale for a taste of ancient history

You should always check the menu before ordering. If the menu does not have any information regarding the cleanliness of the establishment, then ask the waiter/waitress how often they clean the tables. Also, look at the floor around the table area. Is it dirty? Are there stains on the carpet? Do the chairs appear to be well-kept?

Most places offer free refills on soft drinks and water. If they don't, ask for them.