With St Patricks in full swing and parties being planned, enjoyed or just started depending on your time zone - we though we'd make our own salute to Irish culture by taking a look back at some of the great Irish features we've had on FDL.
Ireland's lush green landscape and rich heritage, tradition and history make it a great place for a holiday. Known for the welcoming, friendly and jovial character it makes a great retreat and one with lots of interesting food to try.
Ulster is one of four provinces of Ireland and a great culinary stop to consider when planning a trip to Ireland. If so make sure to take a look at the Taste of Ulster guide before you do, a comprehensive plan of all the best places to eat throughout the area.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and a must when visiting the country. Our tip if you decide to visit the city is Belfast Bred a sort of food / ingredient hunt around the city that teaches tourists about local food and Belfast's history in building the Titanic.
Galway, on the West Coast of Ireland, is a beautiful location and each year at the end of September plays host to the Galway Oyster festival. A celebration of the local oyster tradition and a festival that's been going since 1954. Named as one of the Sunday Times ‘12 greatest shows on earth’ this is a must for anyone planning a real taste of Irish culture and food. There's also the bonus of the World Oyster Opening Championships, a chance to watch oyster shuckers from all over the globe compete against each other to be crowed the fastest and most efficient oyster opener in the world.
And for reading on this trip to Ireland ? We recommend tucking into the Mobile Library by Irish author Ian Sansom. Sanson's best selling book is a portrayal of a lead character who dreams big but finds himself living in the rural country - a funny tale from a great author who is a very passionate food lover.
And how could we forget the annual festival in the capital of Ireland, Taste of Dublin, now in its seventh year it takes place around the 9th to the 12th June in Iveagh Gardens, With restaurants and chefs from around the city coming together to showcases the best flavours of Ireland.
We can't recommend enough making the visit to taste and feel Ireland in the flesh and hope you get the chance - Happy St Patrick's day everyone.