Author: Awais Rasheed

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) UK & Ireland hosted its highly anticipated annual Christmas Charity Lunch last week, raising an impressive €33,700 for its charity partners. Held at the elegant Royal Horseguards Hotel in London, the event brought together 216 members and guests from the travel industry to celebrate the festive season with carols, auctions, and a spirit of generosity. A Cornerstone Event for the Travel Industry The PATA Christmas Charity Lunch has become a hallmark occasion for the travel sector, providing a joyful end to the year while supporting meaningful causes. This year’s sold-out event, organised in collaboration…

If you’re tired of the traditional turkey this Christmas, why not try spiced beef? A favourite in Cork and a delicious alternative for the festive table, spiced beef pairs beautifully with crunchy roast potatoes, sweet red cabbage, and tangy horseradish sauce. This food recipe, courtesy of Rachel Allen, is rich in flavour and even better when served as leftovers in sandwiches or salads. The Legacy of Spiced Beef Spiced beef has deep roots in Irish culinary history, particularly in Cork. Once a staple for sailors, who relied on its long shelf life thanks to its salt and spice preservation, it…

Celebrity chef Anna Haugh is set to take viewers on a captivating Irish food tour, celebrating the culinary diversity and cultural richness of her homeland. Starting Monday, 6 January, this exciting new series, Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour, will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland at 8pm, with the entire series also available to stream on BBC iPlayer. This 15-part journey, commissioned by BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, highlights the best of Irish produce, traditions, and flavours. Anna begins her adventure in Ballycastle, County Antrim, and ends in County…

The first national pelvic health clinic in Ireland, aimed at treating a range of conditions including bladder and bowel incontinence, was officially inaugurated today in Dublin by Taoiseach Simon Harris. The National Pelvic Floor Health Centre, located at St Michael’s Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, promises to deliver a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patients experiencing complex pelvic floor dysfunction. This innovative clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, allowing for rapid diagnosis within a dedicated clinical environment. This setup is expected to significantly enhance the patient experience and improve health outcomes for those affected by pelvic health issues. Pelvic floor dysfunction…

A recent report from researchers at University College Cork (UCC) reveals that the Ireland food industry is struggling to meet essential health and sustainability targets, placing it behind international counterparts. The findings, released on 13 December 2024, highlight significant shortcomings in public commitments made by Irish food companies regarding nutrition and sustainability. The study evaluated the public statements of 35 companies, focusing on areas such as product formulation, nutrition labelling, and marketing for the nutrition assessment. For sustainability, the researchers examined commitments related to emissions, packaging, food waste, water usage, and product portfolios. The results are detailed in Ireland’s inaugural…

Choosing the right wine drink for your Christmas dinner can elevate the occasion, creating a perfect harmony between your festive dishes and the beverages served. For those who prefer traditional favourites, these wine suggestions cater to both conservative and adventurous palates while ensuring a memorable dining experience. Start with Bubbles Nothing sets the tone for Christmas festivities like a glass of Champagne. The effervescence adds a celebratory touch and pairs beautifully with starters like smoked salmon, prawns, or oysters. If you’re feeling indulgent, continue serving Champagne with the first course—it’s a versatile option that works well with many appetisers. Exceptional…

The recent Annual EU Fisheries Council in Brussels has delivered a blend of good and bad news for the Irish fishing industry, according to the Seafood Ireland Alliance, which comprises five prominent fishing organisations. While the negotiations resulted in an approximate 4% increase in Irish fish quotas for 2025, industry leaders warn that this does not accurately reflect the overall situation, predicting a significant loss in the value of fish landed, estimated at around €7 million. Key species for Ireland, such as mackerel and prawns, are set to face quota reductions of 16% and 13%, respectively, translating to a combined…

Christmas is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food, but hosting doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. These easy festive recipes – sausage rolls, a baked Camembert platter, and honey mustard beetroot gravadlax – are designed to impress while keeping stress to a minimum. Sausage Rolls: A Classic Crowd-Pleaser Nothing says festive like the warm aroma of freshly baked sausage rolls. This recipe elevates the classic with a flavour-packed filling of seasoned sausage meat, herbs, and smoky bacon, all wrapped in buttery, golden pastry. A touch of honey mustard glaze adds a delightful…