Eating through the year

Autumn eating in Ireland: what to look for on a menu

An autumn menu shows when a kitchen is paying attention. Here is what to look for, what to ask and which dishes suit the cooler months.

Bank holiday weekend eating out: how to avoid disappointment

Bank holiday weekends are busy and hours change. Here is how to book, check opening times and find a table when you are caught out.

Barmbrack and Halloween food in Ireland

Barmbrack is a fruit loaf often eaten around Halloween. Here is what is in it, how to judge a loaf and what else turns up on the table.

Easter weekend eating out: planning tips

Easter weekend means changed hours and busy rooms. Here is how to check, book and keep a backup for a family meal.

Eating out at Christmas in Ireland: how to plan

Christmas tables go early. Here is how to plan eating out in December, from booking and deposits to dietary needs and a backup plan.

Eating outdoors in Ireland in summer: how to choose

Outdoor tables are popular when the sun comes out. Here is how to choose a good one, check the cover and plan for a change in the weather.

How to organise a work Christmas meal for a group

A work Christmas meal goes smoothly when you collect numbers and dietary needs early and agree how the bill works. Here is the process.

Mother's Day lunch: how to book and what to ask

Mother's Day lunch tables fill early. Here is how to book, what to ask the place and how to make the meal easy for everyone.

Pancake Tuesday: what to expect when eating out

Pancake Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. Here is when it falls, what cafes serve and how to judge a good pancake.

Spring eating: lighter menus and how to find them

As days lengthen, menus lighten. Here is how to spot a kitchen changing with the season and how to plan around changeable spring weather.

St Patrick's Day: eating out and what to expect

St Patrick's Day is busy everywhere. Here is how to plan eating out, check hours and find a table that suits you.

Valentine's Day dinner: how to book well

Valentine's Day tables go early and often come with a set menu. Here is how to book well and what to do if you leave it late.

Winter warmers: how to eat well when it is cold

Cold days call for soup, stew and a warm room. Here is how to find them, what to ask and how to plan around shorter winter hours.