As we ready our kitchens for mince pies, chocolates, pastries, puddings, and any other number of festive treats, we're sharing some of the gorgeous food and drink producers that this country has to offer.
Sheridan's Cheese
If you hope to create a cheese board of dreams for guests this Christmas, look no further than Sheridans Cheesemongers. Run by Kevin Sheridan and Seamus Sheridan, this family-run company was founded in 1995, when the brothers started selling Irish farmhouse cheeses at the Galway market. Before long, they opened a shop in Galway, and the Dublin markets and the South Anne Street shop in the city centre soon followed.
Blas Box from Blas na hÉireann
The highly-anticipated fourth edition of the Blas Box from Blas na hÉireann has launched. With a selection of some of the best Blas award winners, this jam-packed delivery is the ultimate gift for the food enthusiast in your life. It costs €155 per box (including delivery to anywhere in Ireland), and features 13 items from brands across the country, including Basalt Gin, Hassetts Linseed & Black Pepper Crackers, Moran's Spicy Tom & Red Onion Chutney, and much more.
Ten Watch Chocolates
Taking home the 'Best in Antrim', 'Best in Ulster' and 'Ireland's Best Artisan Product' at the 2022 Blas na hÉireann awards, Ten Watch Chocolates is fast becoming a brand to watch. Created by Lawri Dowie, these heavenly treats will be a perfect post-dinner bite or thoughtful stocking-stuffer.
Hapi Bakery
Cake lovers in Galway will be thrilled to know that the Hapi Bakery - an off-shoot of Jess Murphy's popular restaurant, Kai - has plenty of delectable cakes and baked goods available to take home this Christmas. To find out what's on offer, simply e-mail kaigalway@gmail.com.
Mahers Coffee
Mahers Coffee is a name synonymous with coffee in Cork for many generations. Acquired by John and Mary Mackey in 1991, the family-run business supplies restaurants and cafes all over Munster, as well as selling their coffee beans, teas and accessories in their brick-and-mortar home on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. This year, they have a special Christmas blend with notes of caramel and chocolate.
Two Boys Brew
Founded by Kevin and Taurean in 2015, Two Boys Brew has fast become a must-visit for brunch lovers and coffee enthusiasts. This Christmas, the Dublin hotspot is baking up a storm, with freshly-made mince pies that are sure to put you in the festive spirit. Each box contains six pies and can be collected from their Dublin 7 location or from Milo's in Dublin 9.
Roe & Co.*
If you're planning on making an alcoholic hot toddy this festive season, Roe & Co is a new premium Blended Irish Whiskey, made with the help of Master Blender Lora Hemy. The brand is named in honour of George Roe, who helped build the golden era of Irish whiskey in the 19th century.
Fire&5th
If you would like a non-alcoholic option this Christmas, Fire&5th was created to bring stimulation into an alcohol free night. Using a unique blend of natural extracts and flavourings, the signature taste notes of Chilli and Blood Orange come together with key ingredients including Ginger, Green Tea and Ginseng to give the taste buds an instant hit of fire and spice and an experience to remember.
Lismore
Beth Ann Smith and her business partners, Owen and Ken Madden, have almost 200 years of baking and craft in their shared family history. They started The Lismore Food Company together in order to create handmade biscuits made from Ireland's finest ingredients. Based in Lismore, Co. Waterford, the business is known for their luxury shortbread biscuits, chocolate crisp thins, and 'jewel-like' jams.
Nollaig Nog
Set up during the restrictions of Christmas 2020, Daniel McKittrick created Nollaig Nog - a handmade Irish Egg Nog. A Christmas staple in his household, the Mayo man's recipe has been passed down through his family for generations. As well as buying the drink, you can pick up five boxes of the home experience kit online.
