Best of Ireland – It’s A Real Insiders’ Guide!





The Irish Food Revolution Is In Full Swing!

That's the message from Best of Ireland 2018, which highlights everything that is vibrant and interesting to see and do around the island of Ireland...

From Thalia Heffernan through Ryan Tubridy, James Kavanagh and Muireann O'Connell to Neven Maguire, a host of stars feature in our brilliant, definitive guide to the island of Ireland, out now.

Top model Thalia Heffernan stars on the cover of Hot Press Best Of Ireland – which is the ultimate guide to the faces, places, events, music, film and literature that make this island so special!

Inside, Thalia and her boyfriend Ryan McShane talk about falling for each other whilst working on Dancing With The Stars, the long distance love affair that’s ensued, and list their favourite spots to eat, play and stay around the country.

In another highly revealing interview, RTÉ’s biggest star, Ryan Tubridy, opens up about family, friends, books, rural getaways and gives an extraordinary insight into life in the broadcasting fast lane and what presenting The Late Late Show means to him.

The superb quality of Irish food (and drink) is an increasingly important part of the country’s appeal as a place to holiday, and as part of our Irish Food Revolution special, we get tasty tips from leading chefs Andy McFadden, Rachel Allen, Jess Murphy and Neven Maguire; name Ireland’s Best 200 Restaurants; and dish up 15 Great Irish Things To Eat.

“It really is a revolution,” reflects Best Of Ireland Editor Niall Stokes. “All over the country, farmers and food producers are doing amazing things – in many cases organic – with yoghurt, cheeses, butters, smoked fish, patés, breads, fruit, chocolate, meat, vegetables and herbs.”

Reflecting on the broader Irish cultural explosion, Niall Stokes adds: “There’s so much out there to see, experience and enjoy – and only one lifetime to do it in! Irish people want to immerse themselves in what is local and unique – to be wooed and surprised, all the better to get to know the intimate beauty of the wonderful island we have been lucky enough to find ourselves on.”

Best Of Ireland is also a comprehensive lifestyle guide.

Along with Best Of Ireland’s insider tips there are comprehensive lists of recommended bars, clubs, music venues, hotels, alternative stays, shops, attractions, sporting events and festivals.

Celebrities, TV stars, writers and musicians like Muireann O’Connell, James Kavanagh, Eleanor McEvoy, Olivia Duff, John Connolly, Olwyn Carey and Soulé are among those selecting their personal faves – and sharing their recommendations.

In addition to our fascinating list of Ireland’s 200 Best Restaurants, we highlight the explosion of Irish Craft Beer & Whiskey.

Plus, there’s also a wealth of information as we list Ireland’s best shops and boutiques – all over the island.

Add an in-depth looks at the LGBTQ scene; a wonderful trip through musical Ireland with Luka Bloom; Roe McDermott’s 18 Faces To Watch Out For In 2018; insider’s guides to Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork, Belfast and Kilkenny; and a look at the numerous famous islands off our coastlines by Natasha Murtagh – and you really can’t afford to be without the Best of Ireland!



The Hot Press Best Of Ireland is available now at all good newsagents for €3.95 or online. Click below to have a copy delivered to your door!


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Top Restaurants

Our resident foodies have selflessly scoffed their way from Mizen Head to Malin Head, to compile our list of the very best places to eat in Ireland. You’ll also find the top ethnic treats, local goodies, profiles of our hottest new chefs – and the definitive guide to 200 spots that you simply can’t afford to miss...

The Best Hotels

Whether you’re after relaxation or invigoration, Ireland boasts plenty of top class spots for you to rest your head. The country's hotels combine world-class service with an unmatched welcome; here, we select our pick of the bunch

Pictured above: Park Hotel Kenmare, Co. Kerry

Attractions

From cliffs and castles to monuments and museums, Ireland truly has it all. Which is why Ireland is such a bewitching place to visit – and to live. Whether you’re planning a solitary excursion, or a family day out, the island boasts a cornucopia of things to do. Our team of sleuths has compiled the ultimate list of the very best...

Pictured above: Cave Hill Country Park

Faces to Watch

With exciting young talent coming through in music, movies, comedy, sports and lots more besides, Ireland is positively brimming with newcomers worth watching out for in the year ahead. Check out the individuals who are poised to make a big impact over the next twelve months...

Pictured above: Thalia Heffernan

The Best Pubs

As a sociable, fun-loving people, the Irish take great pride in the fact that our pubs are the very best in the world. And you know what? They are! The sheer abundance of top watering holes can make choosing a spot difficult – which is why we’ve cherry-picked the best pubs and bars Ireland has to offer just for you to enjoy.

Pictured above: P. Mac's in Dublin