It is part of a cocktail named after royalty and a favourite tipple of Graham Norton but Dingle Gin has also become a phenomenon in Irish bars, with a quarter of a million bottles sold in the country in the last year.

The Menu is, naturally, swathed in green this weekend, raising a glass to the Oul’ Sod and all who eat in her, recalling another splendid celebration of fine Irish produce and producers last week in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud for the Irish Food Writers’ Guild’s annual awards beano. 

In the 1980s there were just two distilleries in Ireland. Today there are at least a dozen. Peter Mulryan explores this boom in his new book, The Whiskeys of Ireland, writes Leslie Williams.

A renowned travel and adventure show which broadcasts to millions of people across the US has been touring Ireland this week.

Latest reports suggest 25 migrants have died and 400 rescued after a fishing boat carrying over 600 people capsized off the coast of Libya; An evangelical Belfast preacher who branded Islam “satanic” has said his prosecution is a “waste” of public money and Zimbabwe postpones the trial of the guide who oversaw the shooting of Cecil the Lion. Catch up with these and more of the latest and most read news stories on irishexaminer.com.

Two hospitality establishments given a makeover by John and Francis Brennan of RTÉ’s At Your Service programme open their doors this weekend with high hopes for the future.

Superstars Rihanna and Niall Horan from One Direction have added to the Lillie’s Bordello coffers as the firm operating the venue recorded an increase in profits of €283,000 last year.

THE lights are on, the music is on the radio and the trees are up — there is no getting away from it: Christmas is imminent.

Summer schools around the country have a reputation for hot air, which may well be generated by copious amounts of alcohol consumed by some speakers and attendees.