A viral chocolate sensation is taking Ireland by storm, driving unprecedented demand at Mullingar-based chocolatier Sugar Plum Sweetery. The now-famous “Dubai chocolate bar” has sparked a nationwide frenzy, with eager customers travelling from across the country to get their hands on the trending treat. What Is Dubai Chocolate? The buzz surrounding this unique chocolate bar began when Dubai-based entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda created a pistachio- and tahini-infused chocolate inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert, knafeh. Dubbed Can’t Get Knafeh Of It, the confection quickly gained viral status on social media, leading to soaring global demand. Irish confectioners David Quirke and Denise…
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The Department of Health is urging members of the public to take part in ongoing consultations on the hospital reconfiguration framework, which aims to reshape healthcare services across Northern Ireland. The consultation, “Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes,” was launched on 2 October 2024 and explores key aspects of hospital service reorganisation. Its goal is to ensure sustainable healthcare services by improving hospital networks, optimising resources, and enhancing patient access to essential treatments. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has emphasised the importance of public involvement in shaping the future of healthcare. Speaking about the consultation, he stated: “The pressures…
St. Patrick’s Day event in Ireland is vastly different from the celebrations in the United States. While parades, green beer, and dyed rivers have become staples of the holiday overseas, the Irish observe it with more traditional customs. One of the most notable differences is the absence of corned beef and cabbage on dinner tables across Ireland. The Origins of the Corned Beef Tradition Despite its strong association with Irish culture in the U.S., corned beef and cabbage is not a dish commonly eaten in Ireland. Instead, bacon and cabbage, its predecessor, is considered a national dish. The reason for…
Smithwick’s, Ireland’s oldest beer brand, has launched its new brand platform, ‘Originals Find Originals’, celebrating individuals who are redefining Irish drinks traditions in modern ways. Smithwick’s: A Legacy of 315 Years Brewed since 1710, Smithwick’s has long been a staple of Irish culture, standing alongside traditional music, storytelling, art, and sport. As part of its commitment to keeping Irish traditions alive, Smithwick’s is connecting with communities who are reinventing classic Irish customs for a contemporary audience. Kozo Toyota: A Japanese Musician Embracing Irish Traditions The first story to emerge from this campaign features Kozo Toyota, a Tokyo-based Irish trad musician.…
Extreme weather, intensified by climate change, is disrupting the drinks industry, i.e., alcohol production across Europe and Ireland. From the vineyards of Italy to the breweries of Dublin, traditional tipples face uncertain futures due to droughts, heavy rainfall, and temperature shifts. Producers are exploring new solutions, from altering recipes to developing climate-resistant crops, but some beloved beverages may never taste the same again. Prosecco: Reduced Harvests and Soil Erosion The world-famous prosecco from northeastern Italy is under threat, with grape yields declining due to extreme weather. A study published in iScience warns that prosecco harvests are “fragile and under threat”,…
The Irish potato market is experiencing a steady rise in demand, a seasonal trend observed annually, according to the latest weekly potato report from the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). While overall market conditions remain stable, the restaurant sector has significantly contributed to the increased demand for peeling-quality potatoes following a sluggish January. This demand surge has stabilised the market, offering relief to growers who faced slow sales earlier in the winter months. Stable Prices and Balanced Supply in Ireland Potato prices across Ireland remain steady, with no major fluctuations reported. This price stability is a welcome development following months of…
BT Ireland has reached an agreement to sell its wholesale and enterprise business in Ireland to Speed Fibre Group in a deal worth €22 million. This move marks a significant shift in Ireland’s telecoms industry, reinforcing Speed Fibre Group’s market presence while allowing BT to refine its focus on multinational enterprises. Details of the BT Ireland Sale The acquisition includes BT Communications Ireland Ltd (BTCIL), which operates domestic network infrastructure, a customer base of over 400 businesses, and supporting teams. However, some key elements—such as services for multinationals, large Irish corporations, and the Emergency Call Answering Service—are not part of…
Lidl Ireland recalls specific batches of its Alpenfest Style Salted Mini Pretzels, both milk chocolate and dark chocolate varieties, due to concerns that they may cause a burning sensation in the mouth. The affected products, sold in 140g bags, carry the batch code 8509 and a best-before date of 28/02/2025. These pretzels, manufactured in Hungary, have been removed from store shelves as a precautionary measure. FSAI Issues Consumer Warning The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an official warning advising customers not to consume the affected products. In a statement, the FSAI explained: “Lidl is recalling the above…
Health officials have confirmed the first case of the Clade 1 mpox variant in Ireland. The individual, an Irish resident recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is receiving specialist treatment in a Dublin hospital. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reassured the public that the risk remains low, as those vaccinated with two doses of the mpox vaccine or who have previously had the virus are considered protected against severe illness. What is Mpox? Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus related to smallpox but is generally less severe. It spreads through: Symptoms include: The…