Beer, crisps, sandwiches and a bit of racing; JOE is a simple man with simple pleasures.
The Blackstairs Brewing Company
As the craft beer revolution gathers pace in Ireland, it can be hard to keep up with the plethora of new names and drinks available to the discerning tippler. The latest we’ve come across is a Ruby Red IPA from Wexford’s newest craft beer company, The Blackstairs Brewing Company.
Taking their name from the mountain range that sits between Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny, it was set up by Joe Carroll in Enniscorthy and it has already started to get a name for itself in the industry.
Packed with citrus notes, it is a really meaty IPA that is surprisingly only 5% ABV, a pleasant change from so many of the newer craft beers which can be simply too strong to have more than one.
Production at this stage is still small scale but it has started to get a foothold in some big name pubs, both in its native Wexford and in Dublin, where it is now stocked in the likes of The Temple Bar, L Mulligan Grocer and The Headline Bar as well as select off licences and supermarkets.
The company hopes to increase production to meet demand so if you spot it, make sure you try it, you won’t be disappointed.
Keogh’s Gluten-Free Crisps
Ah, crisps, the king of all snacks. While we will happily munch on nuts, popcorn, deep fried reindeer balls and chocolate covered ants, crisps always were, and will remain, our favourite nibble.
But if you are coeliac or have a gluten intolerance, crisps are a no no. That’s why Keogh’s are the business. Not only are they Irish, but they are the only Irish crisps that are gluten free, leaving everyone free to munch away to their hearts content.
We have dedicated the last few weeks to testing every flavour and we can promise you they are all delicious.
Johnston, Mooney and O’Brien Sandwich Thins
We had the chance to meet David Gillick this week and he was only too happy to tell us all about a new product called sandwich thins. Instead of bread, these little babies are ideal to replace the old slice of white and are low in fat, sugar and carbs, as well as providing fibre. Oh yeah, and they taste pretty good too.
David has created six sandwiches for the range, check them out here, and as a former Masterchef Ireland winner, we trust these are as delicious as they look.
Galway Races at Radisson Blu Hotel
If you wanted any proof that the year is just flying by, the Galway Races start in less than four weeks. The annual event is one of the best ways to spend a week. Not only are you in Galway, hands down the best city in the country to go out in, but you also have a week of racing to enjoy and a party atmosphere unlike any other festival in Ireland.
To really enjoy it to the max, you need to stay right in the heart of it, and the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa is just the spot. From a buffet breakfast in the morning to entertainment after the final race is run, it is a great place to base yourself for the week. Check out their Race Week packages here and even if you aren’t staying there, make sure to pop in for the craic and ceoil during the week.
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