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Large Number Of Husker Fans Expected In Ireland

Ireland’s consistently mild, moist climate results in grass that grows 11 months out of the year. Some call it Forty Shades Of Green. In fact, that’s what Johnny Cash named one of his songs after visiting the country.

“Green, we’ve got a lot of it,” Padriac O’Kane said, “even though you guys will try to turn it red when you get over there.

“But we can cope with that.”

O’Kane, representing Irish American Events, was referencing Nebraska fans who will likely cross the ocean in droves for the 2021 Aer Lingus Football Classic between Nebraska and Illinois.

O’Kane and John Anthony, CEO of Anthony Travel, attended a Tuesday news conference at Memorial Stadium to officially announce the game, the second in a five-game series featuring American colleges playing in Ireland. Navy and Notre Dame, who have already played two such games, begin the renewed series next season.

Anthony said the 2012 game drew 35,000 Americans, with 28,000 supporting Notre Dame.

“It’s fair to issue a challenge today to Husker Nation,” Anthony said, “to get to 29,000.”

Of course, we all know how Nebraska fans respond to such challenges.

That’s why Anthony locked in on Nebraska during a meeting two years ago with Big Ten Conference athletic directors and administrators. League commissioner Jim Delany had invited Anthony, who expressed interesting in having the Big Ten play in the Aer Lingus Football Classic, to the meeting, where he would spend about 5 minutes selling the Ireland experience.

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Irish citizen McCourt: ‘Pretty surreal’ UI playing in Ireland

CHAMPAIGN — James McCourt doesn’t sound like an Irish citizen. He gradually lost his Irish accent after he moved to Florida when he was eight years old.

So some on the Illinois football team — head coach Lovie Smith on Monday admitted he was one of them — may not have known that the Illinois junior kicker was born and partially raised in Ireland or that he is not yet a U.S. citizen.

But when Illinois coaches and players learned on Monday morning during a team meeting that the Illini would play Nebraska in Dublin to kick off the 2021 season, it hit home for McCourt.

“Ireland means so much to me,” McCourt said. “It’s near and dear to my heart. Dublin is where I grew up. I have a lot of friends still there. I’m very close with my family back there. I pride myself in my Irish heritage and my Irish culture. It means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my family in general.”

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University of Illinois (Fighting Illini) and University of Nebraska (Cornhuskers) Confirmed for 2021 Aer Lingus College Football Classic

  • Illinois and Nebraska will feature in the second of the five-game Aer Lingus College Football Series on Saturday, August 28th, 2021 at the Aviva Stadium Dublin
  • The fixture is scheduled for week zero and will open the 2021 College Football Season. Both teams are part of the famed Big Ten Conference
  • 25,000 fans expected to travel to Ireland for game week Dublin 2021
  • The five-year series kicks off with the return of Navy vs Notre Dame on Saturday 29th August 2020

Monday, 14th of October 2019: Today at a press conference in the City of Champaign, Illinois it has been revealed that the University of Illinois will take on the University of Nebraska in the Aviva Stadium for the 2021 Aer Lingus College Football Classic on the 28th of August 2021. This will be the first time that either team has travelled to Ireland as Illinois and Nebraska both welcomed the invitation to move this game to Dublin. The game is sure to be a huge draw to sports fans both in the US and Europe as Nebraska is one of the most successful American College Football teams in history and Illinois has significant links with Ireland.

The University of Illinois Marching Band was the first American marching band to perform in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and have made trips to Dublin seven times, including their most recent visit in 2018. The Marching Illini are scheduled to return in 2022.

A core objective of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic Series is to foster academic collaboration and relationships as well as business and sporting links, so Illinois was a natural fit. The university already has strong institutional agreements in Ireland with universities and institutions across the country including Cork Institute of Technology, UCD, NUI Galway, UCC and DCU.

The University of Nebraska fans are renowned for taking over stadiums, home and away, with their famous “Sea of Red”, perhaps most notably turning Notre Dame Stadium red in their last encounter with the “Fighting Irish”.  With this trip to Ireland, natives can expect to see more red at one time in their country than ever before.

The specially commissioned Waterford trophy is the perpetual prize for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The Keough-Naughton trophy bears the names of two powerhouses of Irish America, Don Keough and Martin Naughton. Business leader and philanthropist Don Keough attended college and began his career in Nebraska. Don was highly regarded by his friend and Nebraska alum, Warren Buffett.

The five-game series, sponsored by Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only 4 Star airline, kicks off with the return of the Navy vs Notre Dame which will take place on Saturday 29th August 2020 and is expected to generate €250 million direct economic windfall for the country over the coming years. Fans are expected to travel in droves to the game similarly to in 2012 when over 35,000 fans travelled from the US to the Aviva Stadium for the Navy V Notre Dame fixture. Limited Hospitality and travel packages are currently available for the Navy vs Notre Dame game, and general tickets will go on sale to the public this coming spring.

Speaking about the announcement, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. said: “It’s great to see new teams getting involved in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Ten of thousands of fans are expected to make the journey for each game in the series over the next five years, bringing with them a huge boost for the economy. Illinois and Nebraska players and fans can look forward to the best of Irish hospitality. The series will showcase Ireland as a location for international events and tournaments and put our world-leading tourism sector front and centre. The 2020 game between Notre Dame and Navy is fast approaching and now sports fans have another great occasion to plan for in 2021.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul Mc Auliffe who travelled to Illinois as part of the official Irish party said: “It is a privilege to be here at the University of Illinois for the announcement of the teams for the 2021 Aer Lingus College Football Classic.  I welcome the news that both the University of Illinois and University of Nebraska teams and fans will travel to Dublin in 2021 and I look forward to seeing the colour and energy that they will bring to the city of Dublin.  Dublin and Ireland are ready to welcome you!  This fixture is an important date in our calendar and showcases Dublin as a destination for hosting major international sporting events.”

Speaking at the announcement, Padraic O’Kane from Irish American Events Ltd. said: “This is a milestone moment for the combined Irish American Events team, we set ourselves the ambitious goal back in 2015 when we formed the joint venture company, to establish Ireland as the European headquarters of College Football. Today we announce our first back to back fixture with the news that the Fighting Illini and the Huskers from the Big Ten conference will play Dublin in 2021.

“On or around St. Patrick’s Day 2020 we plan to announce the 2022 fixture which will make it three games of the five-game series confirmed in a row, not to mention the amazing and exciting recent news that ESPN College GameDay is coming to Dublin next summer as part of the 2020 Classic, our ambitious goal is now a reality!

“We are honoured to promote and operate such profile annual events under the umbrella of Much More than a Game, as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Series. It’s a real team Ireland Inc. public / private partnership win – a special note of thanks’ much go to Aer Lingus, Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Dublin City Council for believing in our vision”

Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman commented: “The University of Illinois, our football program, our alumni and fans, and the entire Fighting Illini family are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Emerald Isle. When first approached about this game, almost two years ago, we had an immediate interest. This game will provide an incredible educational opportunity for our football student-athletes who, because of their schedule, generally do not receive the same international experiences as many of our other student-athletes. For our fans, I hope they will journey with us across the Atlantic for a wonderful trip and a major football game, all set against the beauty of Ireland.”

Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos commented: “Playing a game in Ireland provides another way to spread the Nebraska brand, and in this case on an international stage,” Moos said. “We are always looking for new scheduling opportunities, and when this was presented, Coach Frost and I decided this would be an experience of a lifetime for the student-athletes in our program.  This will also be a great trip for our fans, and knowing how Husker fans travel, it will be great to see Dublin, Ireland turned Red.”

Commenting on the announcement, Aer Lingus CEO Seán Doyle said: “With the excitement building ahead of the return of Navy and Notre Dame next August for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2020, it is great to see such enthusiasm from other teams to cross the North Atlantic to play in Ireland in 2021.  As title sponsor of the five-game series, we have no doubt that this exciting event will strengthen the important ties, both in sports and in tourism, between Ireland and the US.

“Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only 4-star airline, is undergoing its largest-ever transatlantic expansion, building towards our aim of becoming the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic. We now fly to 14 North American destinations direct from Ireland. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic provides us with a unique opportunity to promote ourselves to this key strategic US audience.”

 

The Aer Lingus College Football Series will have a very strong Irish-American influence. Not only will there be the usual college football fanfare with lots of fun events including marching bands, cheerleaders and tailgating parties, but there will also be a great celebration of the close Irish-American links that are so highly valued. The teams will compete each year for the Keough-Naughton College Football perpetual Trophy, acknowledging the contribution to Irish-American society of Don Keough and Martin Naughton.

 

ESPN College GameDay Built by The Home Depot is bringing its iconic pregame show to Dublin on Saturday, 29th August 2020, kicking off a new college football season and marking the first time in history the travelling road-show will originate from outside the United States. The 11-time Emmy Award-winning pregame show, in cooperation with Aer Lingus and Tourism Ireland, will set the scene for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Notre Dame and Navy at the Aviva Stadium.

 

Ticketing / Hospitality & Travel Packages

Hospitality packages for both the 2020 and 2021 games are on sale now through the official corporate hospitality game partner Corporate.ie.

Travel packages are on sale through official travel partner Anthony Travel in partnership with Abbey Group Ireland.

General ticketing information to be released in due course, with a pre-sale sign-up option available on the official site.

For exclusive information see www.collegefootballireland.com and follow College Football Ireland on

 

The University of Nebraska football program began play in 1890 and is one of the winningest teams in college football history. Nebraska is one of seven schools to have won 900 or more games, reaching the milestone during the 2019 season. The Cornhuskers are the winningest team in college football over the past 50 years and have captured five national championships—1970, 1971, 1994, 1995 and 1997. The school has produced three Heisman Trophy winners, more than 100 All-Americans and leads the nation in CoSIDA Academic All-Americans for both football and across all sports.

 

The University of Illinois program’s inaugural football season was in 1890, prior to the University becoming a charter member of the Big Ten Conference in 1896. The Fighting Illini were named National Champions five times in 1914, 1919, 1923, 1927 and 1951, while also winning 15 Big Ten Conference championships. Illinois boasts two of the most iconic names in the history of football with Red Grange and Dick Butkus among the all-time great players of the game. The College Football Hall of Fame lists 17 former Fighting Illini as members, while six Illinois alumni are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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ESPN College GameDay is coming to Ireland!

College GameDay Built by The Home Depot to Originate from Dublin, Ireland, Ahead of 2020 Aer Lingus College Football Classic:

Notre Dame vs. Navy

First-Ever College GameDay Outside the United States

Fighting Irish-Midshipmen Matchup will be First Football Game Under ESPN’s Rights Extension with the American Athletic Conference

College GameDay Built by The Home Depot is bringing its iconic pregame show to Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, kicking off a new college football season and marking the first time in history the travelling roadshow will originate from outside the United States. The 11-time Emmy Award-winning pregame show, in cooperation with Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, and Tourism Ireland, will set the scene for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Notre Dame and Navy at Aviva Stadium. College GameDay is expected to begin at 11 a.m. ET/4 p.m. GMT and the game will kick off at 2 p.m. ET/7 p.m. GMT. Both will air on ESPN.

“College GameDay has built its legacy travelling from city to city, campus to campus showcasing the unmatched passion of college football fans and the pageantry surrounding the game,” said ESPN Senior Vice President of Production Lee Fitting. “The Notre Dame-Navy rivalry serves as the perfect backdrop for College GameDay’s inaugural international appearance. We look forward to giving the great fans of Ireland and the thousands of Americans traveling to Dublin an unforgettable experience.”

Aer Lingus CEO Sean Doyle says:

“We are delighted to welcome ESPN’s College GameDay to Dublin in 2020. With firm Irish roots, we are proud to connect Ireland to North America, flying direct to 14 North American destinations. We are gearing up for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2020 which will see Notre Dame vs. Navy on Irish soil and are pleased that, thanks to ESPN, fans everywhere can get a slice of the action live from Dublin. Aer Lingus’ ambition is cantered on becoming the leading value carrier across the Atlantic and this cooperation with ESPN will provide us with an exciting platform to communicate our message and bring Aer Lingus into millions of homes right across the U.S.”

 

Dublin, Ireland, Adds to Rich History of College GameDay Sites; Marks Show’s Latest Milestone
To date, College GameDay has staged 372 roadshows from 86 cities within the United States. Notre Dame was the first institution to host the live event on November 13, 1993, and their fans welcomed it with such fervor, a college football tradition was born. Now, College GameDay has travelled to 72 different colleges and universities, with its undetermined weekly destination becoming one of the sport’s key storylines each week.

Overall, Notre Dame has hosted the spectacle nine times, most recently during Kick-off Weekend of the 2018 season (September 1, 2018), and College GameDay has originated for a total of 30 Irish game sites. For Navy, College GameDay now traditionally concludes its regular-season tour by televising from the annual Army-Navy game.

For roadshow number 385, ESPN will utilize Aer Lingus to travel from the United States to Dublin, Ireland. The show will mark its latest milestone.

 

Pregame Show Honored Multiple Times; Recognized as the Best in the Business
College GameDay’s rich history is also critically acclaimed, as the show has won 11 Sports Emmy Awards in the previous 11 years. Its Emmy awards have been multi-layered, including its recognition for overall show content, storytelling and remote/technical expertise. For five consecutive years, the show was honoured in Outstanding Studio Show Weekly category and has won that category a total of 11 times (2008, ‘10, ‘11, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18).

 

Commentators Shape the Show, Recognized as the Sport’s Key Voices
The show’s accolades extend to its commentators. Analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who began on the show in 1996, was honoured with the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst across all sports this past year – the former Ohio State quarterback’s third such award for his work on the show (2010, 2011). Rece Davis, who is in his fifth season hosting the show, was nominated in the Outstanding Studio Host category. Lee Corso, who coached at Navy from 1966-68, has been part of the program since it began in 1987. His legendary headgear selection concluding the show each week has become part of college football history.

Analyst Desmond Howard is in his 15th season on the program, while this is David Pollack’s ninth season. Howard’s pedigree is among the best of any analyst, having captured a Heisman Trophy and named a Super Bowl MVP in his playing days and later was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2010). Pollack is looking to join Howard in the Hall of Fame this season, as the former three-time first-team All-American is nominated for the honour.

College GameDay’s interviews and storytelling, which is a backbone of the show, is fronted by Maria Taylor, Tom Rinaldi, Gene Wojciechowski and Jen Lada.  Chris “The Bear” Fallica is in his 24th year on the show, having started the same year as Herbstreit. Fallica continues in his research role, providing key pieces of information throughout the show.

 

Nearly Two Million Viewers Tune-In in Each Week
This season, through the first five full regular season Saturdays, College GameDay is averaging 1,931,000 viewers, up 7% year-over-year. The premier pre-game show has averaged more than 1.8 million viewers per season for more than a decade.

 

ESPN Ushers in New Era with the American Athletic Conference
For ESPN, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Notre Dame and Navy will be the first football game under the new long-term media rights extension with the American Athletic Conference which was announced in March of this year. The network’s lead commentating team of Chris Fowler, Herbstreit and Taylor are expected to call the game.

For ESPN, next year’s season opener will mark the first time a Notre Dame-Navy game has been televised on an ESPN network since 1993, when ABC aired the game from Philadelphia, Pa.

For more information on the 2020 College Football Classic visit: www.CollegeFootballIreland.com 

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2019 World’s Best Steak

 

Eddie Quilty of ABP Cahir Ireland, World Steak Challenge 2019 Champion John Sashi-Nielsen, director of JN Meat International (Finland) and Aaron Hofman of Jack’s Creek Australia pictured at the awards ceremony in Dublin, Ireland

Irish producers secure a record 75 medals this year at The World Steak Challenge 

An Irish bred Fillet steak, produced by ABP Cahir, was ) crowned the World’s Best Fillet Steak at the World Steak Challenge 2019.

The winning Fillet, which was produced and entered by ABP Cahir Ireland, is a grass-fed Angus cross reared in Limerick.

The steak beat international competition to secure Ireland’s first ever category title in the annual competition.

The award was presented by Chair of the Judges Richie Wilson to ABP Cahir Ireland before an audience of 250 guests in the historic Round Room, Mansion House, Dublin.

It is the first time the World Steak Challenge has been held in Ireland, supported this year by Official Host Partner Bord Bia and venue FIRE Steakhouse & Bar.

It was an incredible night for ABP Cahir Ireland which secured 18 medals in total including six golds, four silver and eight bronze medals.

Aidan Fortune, the editor of Global Meat News which organised the event, said:

“This is Ireland’s first category win in the competition with a real quality steak. This was an extraordinarily close competition and ABP Cahir came very close to the overall winner.”

Chair of the judges Richie Wilson, executive head chef of FIRE Steakhouse restaurant, said:

“It was a remarkably pretty steak. It had a perfect strip of fat running along the edge and was delicately marbled. This was a picture perfect Fillet with all the flavour to back it up.”

Eoin Ryan of ABP Ireland said:

“ABP Ireland is delighted to have achieved this great success for our certified Irish Angus Fillet especially given the huge number of entries. We supply this premium steak to  retail and food service customers in Ireland and Europe. The win is even more special given this is the first time the competition has been held in Ireland.”

 

It was Finland who secured the overall championship title of ‘World’s Best Steak’ for a second year running with a grass fed Rib Eye produced by JN Meat International of Denmark.

Richie Wilson chair of judges with World Steak Challenge 2019 Champion John Sashi-Nielsen, director of JN Meat International (Finland) pictured Dublin championships with prize-winning Rib Eye

But Ireland delivered yet another strong performance, with 15 other producers winning a record total of 75 medals.

Silver and bronze medals went to the Redmond Family Farm, which took silver for a grass fed Rib Eye Angus cross raised in Craanford, Wexford. The farm also won bronze for a grass fed Sirloin. Both steaks are served at the Ashdown Park Hotel, Wexford. This is the first year the farm has entered the competition.

The other winning Irish producers are:

  • Liffey Meats – three golds for Fillet and Rib Eye steaks, all grass-fed and raised in Ireland; three silvers; one bronze.
  • Musgrave – three golds for grass-fed Fillet, Sirloin and Rib Eye raised in Co Cork; one silver;
  • ABP Ireland – two golds for grass-fed Fillet steaks raised in Co Lough; five silvers; one bronze;
  • Ashbourne Meats – gold for a grass-fed Fillet; and one silver;
  • Dawn Meats – two silver; one bronze;
  • Dunbia UK – gold for a grass-fed Aberdeen Angus Fillet raised in Scotland; two silvers;
  • Higgins Butchers – two silver.
  • James Whelan butchers – gold for grass fed Sirloin Angus raised in Co Tipperary; one silver;
  • Kepak – gold for a grain fed Sirloin SMX raised in Scotland; one silver; three bronze.
  • Kerrigan’s – silver for a grass fed Sirloin Waygu/Holstein.
  • Martin Jennings Wholesale – gold for grass-fed Aberdeen Angus cross Fillet; two silver.
  • Martin O’Dwyer Butcher – one bronze for a grass fed Rib Eye raised in Co Tipperary.
  • Ralvale Ltd T/A F X Buckley Steakhouses – gold for grass-fed Aberdeen Angus fillet, raised in Ireland and sold at their Dublin restaurant; two bronze.
  • Tendermeats Limited – gold for a grass fed Rib Eye Aberdeen Angus cross raised in Co Galway and available through Dunnes stores; one silver.

The World Steak Challenge took place at FIRE Steakhouse Restaurant, Dawson Street, on 9th and 10th July 2019.

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FIRE Steakhouse & Bar hosts World Steak Challenge 2019

Now in its fifth year, the World Steak Challenge 2019 is designed to benchmark the quality of beef production against other international competitors and establish a quality mark that everyone can trust. This year the competition hosted a record of 24 countries, with the Czech Republic among the new entrants to the event.

More than 40 expert judges convened in Dublin to decide who will become the 2019 World Steak Champion.

A record 25 countries are competing for the World Steak Challenge title which is being defended by the 2018 winner JN Meat International. The producer was crowned 2018 world champion with a grass-fed Ayrshire reared in Finland.

Judging took place at FIRE Steakhouse restaurant and lounge in Dawson Street with the awards being announced on 10th July at the Round Room at The Mansion House next door before an audience of around 250 guests.

 

This year, more than 300 steaks are being blind tested and tasted. The challenge, which is presented by Global Meat News, requires the services of eight butchers, nine chefs drawn from both FIRE and SOLE restaurants and a team of nine waiting staff. The judging process is supported by an official adjudicator and three official scorers.

The chair of the judges this year is Richie Wilson, executive chef of FIRE, supported by this year’s deputy chair, the celebrated chef and meatologist Ioannis Grammenos.

Executive Head Chef at FIRE, Richie Wilson will be present at the announcement of the winner and is looking forward to seeing who will go home with the title of “World’s Best Steak”. Speaking about the event, Wilson says;

“There is a great atmosphere here at FIRE today, as tastings have taken place and we have gotten to know a lot about the background of each entrant’s beef, its origins and how they raise the herd to give each cut a unique taste. As a chef, hosting an event like this is really exciting as you learn more about the meat and variations in taste and cuts.”

The other judges include the Argentine master griller Fernando Laroude, the Dutch butcherGertjan Kiers, the Swiss chef Thierry Fischer and the Welsh butcher Catherine Butler.

The full line up of judges is here.

 

 

 

 

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SOLE SEAFOOD & GRILL WINS ‘BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN EUROPE’

 

The team at  SOLE Seafood & Grill are celebrating winning a top award at the prestigious World Luxury Restaurant Awards which took place in St Petersburg, Russia. The seafood restaurant, which opened in 2o18, is delighted to be recognised as the best in the “Luxury Seafood Restaurant” category in Europe.

Established in 2015, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards are considered the most prestigious in the luxury restaurant industry, offering international recognition to winners. There were 850 entries to the 2019 awards and the restaurants are shortlisted on a voting basis with guests, travellers and industry players casting over 100,000 votes over a four week period to select the winners. Speaking about the win, Executive Head Chef at SOLE Richie Wilson said;

“The team at SOLE are absolutely blown away. Since opening in 2018, the whole team have worked so hard to raise the standard of seafood in Dublin and offer patrons a top quality dining experience with Irish produce on the top of our agenda. To win such a prestigious award is such a testament to the whole teams passion and dedication.”

SOLE recently launched its new “Afternoon Seafood Towers” lunchtime offering which offers guests a selection of the best Irish seafood on a tiered platter for 29.50 pp.

SOLE is open from 5pm Monday – Thursday and 12pm Friday and Saturday.

SOLE Seafood & Grill opens for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon and the “Afternoon Seafood Towers” are available until 4.30pm.

SOLE also offers both an A La Carte menu and an Early Bird menu which starts at €32.50 for two courses.

SOLE Seafood & Grill 18-19 South William Street Dublin 2

www.SOLE.ie

E: Reservatios@SOLE.ie

T: +353 (0) 1 544 2300

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SOLE Seafood & Grill launches new ‘Afternoon Towers’

Ireland is fast becoming known as one of the World’s top seafood destinations, which is no surprise when you consider the unspoiled coastline and abundance of shellfish, native oysters and fish that comes from our shores. At SOLE Seafood & Grill, on Dublin’s busy South William Street, Executive Head Chef, Richie Wilsons, focus is on provenance and utilising the best of Irish produce to create a menu full of show-stopping dishes which connects their customers with the wealth of amazing ingredients on offer from our sea and our land.

SOLE, which opened in 2018, is about the full customer experience whether you are indulging on oysters and champagne or enjoying a classic Irish Fish ‘n’ Chips you can expect high-quality seafood for great value every time you dine.

The newest addition to SOLE’s menu this summer is the “Afternoon Seafood Tower”, created for lovers of seafood to come and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the warm chic surroundings of SOLE, which has quickly become Dublin’s number 1 seafood restaurant.  The towers offer a selection of the most popular Irish dishes in one spectacular serving including; Howth smoked Irish organic salmon, Dublin bay prawns, Irish rock oysters, Irish brown-crab claws and steamed west Cork mussels.  Priced at €29.50pp the “Afternoon Seafood Towers” offer the best of SOLE without breaking the bank!

Chef Richie Wilson says;

“With SOLE, we want to show our guests that Ireland really does offer mouth-watering seafood and with the new Afternoon Seafood Towers, you can taste the best of everything. It’s a wonderful way of sampling all of SOLE’s greatest hits- perfect for a casual lunchtime bite. We also have dishes on the menu like fish and chips (€19.50), chowder (€13.50) and SOLE’s famous fish pie (€22.50)- all the classics for a reasonable price, and why our clients always come back again once they experience the quality and taste here at SOLE.”

 

SOLE Seafood & Grill opens for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon and our “Afternoon Seafood Towers” are available until 4.30pm. SOLE also offers both an A La Carte menu and an Early Bird menu which starts at €32.50 for two courses.

SOLE is open from 5pm Monday – Thursday and 12pm Friday and Saturday.

 

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A host of well-known Dublin faces turned out for the launch of “Summer at FIRE”

FIRE Restaurant and Lounge, Dawson Street, unveiled its new vibrant, botanical summer look to a host of well-known faces. Bloggers and socialites such as Natasha Rocca Devine, Roz Lipsett, Clementine MacNeice, Chloe Townsend and Justine King enjoyed a live DJ overlooking the lawn whilst sipping cocktails from the new summer cocktail list and tasting new dishes on the FIRE menu. FIRE’s terrace is the ideal summer go-to destination for those looking for a perfect day out in the Dublin city. With fabulous new summer menus and delicious new dishes to choose from, FIRE Restaurant and Restaurant will no doubt be hopping all summer long.

See more at www.firerestaurant.ie

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Summer 2019 at FIRE Restaurant and Lounge

FIRE Steakhouse & Bar at the Mansion House gets a fresh look for summer with its new floral and foliage themed garden terrace, seasonal summer menu and summer cocktail list.

One of Dublin’s most loved and renowned restaurants is getting ready for summer with the launch of its new green-themed outdoor sun terrace. Dawson Street’s FIRE Steakhouse Restaurant & Bar has always been known for its fabulous food offerings, a beautiful outdoor terrace area and an extensive drinks list and now it is getting ready for the sizzling summer season with its new décor, bursting with greenery, hanging florals and foliage.

The restaurant, on trendy Dawson Street, has been one of Dublin’s favourite hotspots for the last fourteen years for those who appreciate good food and a well-made cocktail.  Now they can enjoy both in the soothing surrounds of the new green-themed outdoor terrace.

As well as unveiling a new botanical themed look, the restaurant has just launched a new summer Early Bird menu. Executive Head Chef, Richie Wilson, has enhanced the menu at FIRE to include seasonal dishes such as Salmon Nicoise; roast salmon, quail egg, sautéed baby potatoes, fine beans, black olives, red onion with tomato pesto and wilted rocket and a  vegan Fennel and Citrus Salad bursting with flavour; fennel, blood orange, radish, chard, rainbow carrot ribbons, Finca olive oil, red pepper and ruby grapefruit dressing.  The FIRE Early Bird also includes an award-winning 8oz Irish Hereford Prime Aged Sirloin Steak with tobacco onions, Pont Neuf chips, micro cress salad, brandy pepper and cream sauce.

Speaking about what has inspired the new menu, he says: “At FIRE we prioritise the quality of the ingredients, what is in season, what is popular, and we also offer a wide variety of choice on the menu. FIRE is known for great food in a fantastic setting and we are looking forward to welcoming in both new and regular customers this summer to experience the new interiors and menus.”

FIRE’s mixologists have also been busy working on a new cocktail list for the summer. New additions include the “Pistachio and Lime” cocktail, a treat for the pallet which features Dingle gin, pistachio Orgeat, lime juice and green chartreuse. Another decadent number bound to attract caffeine addicts is the “Limoncello Kick”, an interesting take on the classic espresso martini, it features Absolut Citron, Limoncello, and has flavours of hazelnut, lemon curd and espresso mixed throughout- simply divine!

 

FIRE will no doubt be the place to eat, drink, celebrate and relax on Dawson Street this summer.

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FIRE is open late 7 days a week:

Monday – Friday from 5pm

Saturday 3pm

Sunday 1 pm

FIRE’s Early Bird menu is available daily and is €32.50 for two courses.

For bookings contact: FIRE@mansionhouse.ie

www.FIRErestaurant.ie

01 676 7200

 

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