From Jessie Buckley to Pat Kenny, Siobhan McSweeney (that’s Sister Michael to Derry Girls fans!) to Lisa McInerney, Best of Ireland features a host of stars who give us the definitive guide to every part of this country.

In our exclusive cover story, Kerry-born actress Jessie Buckley talks us through what she loves about her home country. With her stunningly powerful performance as an aspiring country singer in new film Wild Rose, Jessie is set to join Ireland’s ever-growing ranks of major screen stars. Roe McDermott has an in-depth chat with the young Irish actress on the cusp of greatness.

In another revealing interview, we sits down with Newstalk’s legendary presenter Pat Kenny. Favoured Dublin haunts, Kerry getaways, successful Irish writers, Trump, Theresa and four legged friends are all up for discussion as Pat has the mic turned on him by Stuart Clark!

Elsewhere, we hear the ‘confessions’ of Cork-born actress Siobhan McSweeney. As the eye-rolling, smoking jacket-wearing Sister Michael on Derry Girls, Siobhan plays perhaps the funniest role on Channel 4’s hugely successful comedy. In this unique interview, she takes Best of Ireland on a walk through her career highlights – as well as her favourite places in her home county.

We also talk to famed author Lisa McInerney about the Golden age that Irish writing is currently going through; Lankum’s Radie Peat walks us through the best folk/trad venues she’s encountered throughout Dublin and beyond; and Cormac Cashman, head honcho at Mother club nights, tells us about the LGBT scene in the capital and throughout the country.

On top of all that, we select a few of Ireland’s finest emerging musicians to tell us about the music scene in their home cities. Rebekah Fitch talks to us about the wonders of Belfast; Jafaris fills us in on his favoured spots in Dublin; Laoise represents her home city of Galway; Post Punk Podge & The Technohippies take a trip through Limerick’s top spots; and Clare Sands tells us about the music scene in Cork. Elsewhere, we have an exclusive interview with the indomitable rock band The Receipts, who share stories about their debut album – which was 30 years in the making! – and their love for The Blue Light Pub in the Dublin Mountains.

FOOD & DRINK

As always, we take an extensive look at the fantastic food and drink that Ireland has to offer. As well as naming the 200 restaurants you have to try in Ireland, we also speak to some of Ireland’s noted chefs (and foodies!), including award-winning chef Jonathan Keane, Saint Sister’s Morgan McIntryre, and George Beeby, who founded the revolutionary food & beverages delivery service, Delivery Tab.

In our drinks feature this year, we take an in-depth look at the spirits revolution currently underway in Ireland. As well as naming some of the best distilleries in the country, we hear from Lord Henry Mountcharles about how he founded the Slane Castle gigs nearly 40 years ago, and about the launch of the family’s delectable new tipple, Slane Irish Whiskey.

Elsewhere, celebrities, TV stars and musicians like Jennifer Zamparelli, Cathy Jordan, Paul Ronan and Bressie are among those selecting their favourite attractions, sites, restaurants and pubs from throughout the country.

LIFESTYLE GUIDE

Best Of Ireland 2019 is also a comprehensive lifestyle guide. We provide the inside tips for the best bars, clubs, music venues, hotels, alternative stays, shops, attractions, sporting events and festivals. Plus, there’s also a wealth of information, as we list Ireland’s best shops and boutiques, throughout Ireland.

An all-encompassing look at everything great that Ireland has to over – Best of Ireland is your essential guide to this country…
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