Cork-born LYRA is the cover star of Best of Ireland 2022 – the definitive guide to our beautiful country. which is published by Hot Press. Among the other leading Irish cultural lights to feature in what is a bumper edition of the annual guide are irrepressible folk stars Ye Vagabonds; Batman actor Barry Keoghan; and best-selling authors Claire Keegan and John Connolly.

Best of Ireland 2022 also features a brilliant guide to the 250 Best Restaurants in Ireland, plus a great list of Ireland's finest ethnic and world food hang-outs.

As well as naming the 250 restaurants you simply have to try, we also speak to some of Ireland’s best-loved chefs (and foodies!).

The Tannery Restaurant chef and broadcaster Paul Flynn talks to Kate Brayden about the making of his RTE One show Food Truck Favourites. The interview celebrates the chef's journey around Ireland and he lists his top truck tips. We add our tasting suggestions to Paul's picks – and clock up some food truck mileage of our own, with additional recommendations!

Meanwhile, in an interview with Niamh Browne, the great Takashi Miyazaki of Ichigo Ichie restaurant discusses how he made Cork a pilgrimage destination for Japanese food fans.

For our Best of Ireland 2022 cover story, Hot Press staff writer Lucy O'Toole sat down with LYRA for an exclusive interview, as her status as one of the most prominent pop powerhouses in the country rises to fresh heights. She talks collaborating with music icons, growing up as a burgeoning star in Cork – and she joins in the Best of Ireland fun by naming her favourite Irish spots.

As they release their third album Nine Waves, Ye Vagabonds tell us about some of their favourite traditional sessions and reflect on the "inherently non-hierarchical" nature of folk music.

Other stars featured in Best of Ireland 2022 include the hugely successful, multi-million selling Ronan Keating, R&B rising artist EFÉ, Dublin neo-soul singer-songwriter Zeinab, Monaghan musician Rachel Mae Hannon, Cork indie outfit Rowan, Clare folk sensation Susan O'Neill and Galway rockers The Clockworks, in the shape of main-man Sean Connelly.

In a wider look at the creative arena, Roe McDermott hails her New Green Army of 22 creative stars to watch out for, as 2022 hits its second half in earnest!

FOOD & DRINK

As always, we take an extensive look at the fantastic food and drink that Ireland has to offer. In addition to our listing of Ireland's greatest restaurants, Aoife Stuart Madge takes an in-depth look at Ireland's Whiskey Trail. Traversing some of the best distilleries in the country, you can read all about the visitor experiences at Slane Irish Whiskey, Dingle Whiskey Distillery, Roe & Co Distillery, Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery, Tullamore Dew Distillery, Old Bushmills Distillery and more.

There's also a brilliant listing of our favourite pubs and bars.

LIFESTYLE GUIDE

Meanwhile, we provide the inside tips for the best clubs, music venues, hotels, alternative stays, attractions, sporting events and festivals. Plus, there’s a wealth of information, as we list the best shops and boutiques, throughout Ireland.

For those of an outdoor persuasion, Ireland's reputation as a surfing nation continues to grow, with world-famous waves and stunning locations attracting visitors from near and far. 28-year-old professional surfer and Sligo native Gearóid McDaid reveals some of his favourite spots around the country.

In a fascinating interview, we chat to Charlie Parker scribe John Connolly as he guides us through the fantastical world of the Irish horror and fantasy novel.

We also discuss Mayo's coastline, literary inspirations, studying Stateside and her favourite places in Ireland to visit with Foster and Small Things Like These author Claire Keegan.

Powerhouse 2FM DJ Jenny Greene talks us through life in the new, LGBTQI-friendly Ireland, with a special shout-out to Mother Dublin for putting on colourful, fun-fuelled shows over the last two years.

Elsewhere, leading Irish cultural figures like Siomha, Blaithnaid Treacy, Hilary Fannin, Junior Brother, Naoise Dolan, Yewande Biala, and more, reveal their top spots from their homeland.

Best of Ireland 2022 really is an unparalleled celebration of the finest that Ireland has to offer. It is your essential guide to this country – an, seriously, not to be missed...

Best Of Ireland 2022, published by Hot Press, is available now at all good newsagents or online. Click below to have a copy delivered to your door!