World Bee Day: What's the buzz about Irish honey liqueurs?
Those fuzzy little pollinators are, in many ways, the unsung heroes of global agriculture, helping crops to thrive and making sticky, sweet honey at the same time. No wonder they've become a symbol for busyness.
World Bee Day takes place on May 20, so what better time to take a look at some of the delicious drinks infused with the fruits of their labours?
Irish whiskey is an incredibly versatile spirit and makes an ideal base for liqueurs, so here are a few tasty options you'll find in your local off licence...
Irish Mist
The original Irish honey liqueur, Irish Mist has been around since 1947, when it was first produced in Tullamore by the Williams family - who were also the originators of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey. It's been around so long, in fact, that it's in danger of being overlooked in favour of newer, trendier drinks, but maybe it's time for a resurgence in popularity...
Made with aged Irish whiskey, clover and heather honey, as well as a blend of herbs, Irish Mist has a distinctive flavour and can be enjoyed neat, over ice or in any number of mixed drinks.
The Whistler Irish Whiskey & Honey Liqueur
Produced by the Cooneys, of Cooney's Cider fame, in their Drogheda-based Boann Distillery, this relative newcomer to the scene is very much a family affair. The Whistler Irish Whiskey & Honey Liqueur is a natural collaboration between the Cooney family beekeepers and the family's love for Irish whiskey.
This delicious liquid has been crafted by infusing Irish whiskey matured in bourbon and sherry casks with honey harvested from the Cooney's family orchards.
Nose: The nose is bursting with delicious creamy honeycomb, caramel, candied almonds and unmistakable undertones of smooth Irish whiskey
Palate: Opens with a healthy whiskey influence, immediately followed by incredibly creamy vanilla and caramel
Finish: Honey and candied almonds
Tullamore D.E.W. Honey Liqueur
Tullamore D.E.W.'s latest offering adds a little sweetness to the classic, flavourful whiskey they're known for. With Tullamore D.E.W. Honey, they've taken the classic triple-blend Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey and added 100% natural Bohemian honey to create a liqueur that's warm, sweet, smooth and filled with Irish character.
The taste is silky textured honey with vanilla undertones, while natural sweet notes interlace with gentle spices on the nose. These combine to give a finish of sweet warmth, with smooth vanilla and honey flavours buzzing together in the glass.
Dubliner Whiskey & Honeycomb Liqueur
If you take a tour of the Dublin Liberties Distillery, the first thing they do is hand you a dram of this smooth, sweet and incredibly moreish liqueur. It's a great introduction to a brand that maybe doesn't get talked about as much as it should.
A rich blend of honeycomb, caramel, and Irish whiskey, this liqueur brings Dubliner whiskey together with sweet honeycomb and creamy caramel for a deliciously sippable treat. Perfect for sweet-toothed whiskey fans and amazing over ice-cream.
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Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday in Tipperary: Your guide to the best events for the long weekend
Whether it's a Hoolie in the Hills above Upperchurch enjoying a music festival in the foothills of the Slieve Felim mountains, a pageant of song and dance for the Queen of the Castle in scenic Cahir, or classic and vintage cars and an agricultural show for all the family up in Nenagh, Tipperary has it all this August long weekend. Hoolie in the Hills August 2-3 This bank holiday weekend, August 2 - 3, get ready for an outdoor music festival like no other with the Hoolie in the Hills at Kinnane's Field, Upperchurch. The line up for Saturday includes Riff Shop, Electrad, The Bogus Pogues and The Dorans, while on Sunday, acts include The High Kings, More Power to Your Elbow, The Fogues, Rebel Hearts and Streams of Whiskey. 'Get your dancing boots ready, gather the gang, and prepare for a weekend of unforgettable tunes, scenic views, and memories to last a lifetime,' said organiser Fergal Butler, of Kinane's Pub. 'We're really looking forward to it. The first day, we have local bands, The Dorans, and the Bogus Pogues. Then we have, coming from Dublin, Riff Shop, who are back again for their second year. 'Then we're very excited about Electrad, who are four ladies from Dublin, Wexford, and Kildare, bringing a new 90s scene – dance music with trad music. They're playing uileann pipes, accordion, fiddle, and they have a singer singing all the 90s dance tunes.' Sunday returns with a local band, Streams of Whiskey, and trad band, The Fogues, from Mitchelstown. More Power to Your Elbow are coming all the way from Armagh and Tyrone, along with The High Kings and Rebel Hearts. Tickets are still on sale with an Irish company called based in Arklow. Fans can also purchase at the gates. The venue is nestled in the atmospheric foothills of the Slieve Felim mountains, surrounded by beautiful scenery. The stage where the music takes place is 'breathtaking,' said Mr Butler. 'The sun goes down at the back of the stage on the eve of both days.' Camping is not available, but campervans are welcome in nearby public parking areas. This year's festival builds on the success of last year, and the year previous, making the Hoolie an annual musical fixture on the Irish festival scene. 'This is our third year now so it's growing and growing every year. We're getting excited now. It's a green site at the moment, but come Monday it will be kicking off,' added Mr Butler. Learn more Tickets prices are: Saturday - €40, and Sunday - €49. A weekend ticket is €70. A non-refundable booking fee applies to all online bookings, and there are no refunds or ticket exchanges. Queen of the Castle August 1-4 Queen Of The Castle Festival was established in 2024 by Rathkeevin Macra na Feirme. It runs in the beautiful picturesque town of Cahir, on the August Bank Holiday weekend each year, from Friday to Monday, August 1- 4. Following the huge success of last year's inaugural event, this bank holiday weekend promises to be even bigger and better - filled with live music, vibrant entertainment, family-friendly events, food stalls, and plenty of surprises for all ages. 'The centrepiece of the weekend is, of course, the Queen of the Castle competition, where Macra members representing some of the 31 Macra Regions across the country and international representatives from around the world will take part in a unique and entertaining celebration of community, confidence, and craic,' said an organiser. 'Expect glamour, talent, and lots of fun as we crown this year's Queen.' Immerse yourself in a weekend of captivating entertainment, live music, dancing, comedy, wellness, and the excitement of a group of fantastic young ladies vying to be crowned the next Queen of the Castle. Events kick off on Friday with the County Colours Disco with DJ Aidan Mac from 11.30pm in the ballroom of Cahir House Hotel. The Live Queens Interviews on Saturday night, with music by The Fogues followed by DJ Steve till late in the ballroom of Cahir House Hotel. Doors open at 6.30pm. Interviews start at 7pm. On the Sunday night, get your seat at the Four Course Coronation Banquet with music by The Bentley Boys from 10pm and be present for crowning of the 2025 Queen of the Castle at midnight followed by DJ Steve till late in the ballroom of Cahir House Hotel. Doors open at 6.30pm. Banquet starts at 7pm. Tickets available at Nenagh Classic Car Club Show - August 4 This year the Nenagh Classic Car Club welcomes the return of the Nenagh Classic Car Club Show over the August long weekend, in association with the North Tipperary Agricultural Show. 'We welcome all types of vintage and classic vehicles,' said a spokesperson. The show takes place in the Nenagh Showgrounds, on Monday, August 4, from 9am. 'This year the show theme is to be confirmed, but we will have a designated area for these vehicles. Entry for vehicle exhibitors is free but please aim to be at the show before 12pm.' All vintage and classic vehicles are welcome. Exhibit cars must be in before 12pm, and there is no registration fee. Free entry for driver and one passenger. All 4x4 vehicles are welcome, including world rally championship (WRC), jeeps and any 4x4 production car. Prize categories include: Eric Campbell Cup - Car of the Show, judges choice first, second and third. Gerry Sonny Ryan Cup - favourite Japanese car in show - judges choice. Favourite 4x4 in show - judges choice 1, 2, 3. Favourite modified car - judges choice. Favourite tractor in show - judges choice. Who will take home the Eric Campbell Cup for Car of the Show at this year's event? 'This cup is named in memory of an amazing young man who is sadly no longer with us. Eric was a great car enthusiast and friend and he loved life. It is an absolute honour to name our car of the show trophy in memory of our dear friend Eric,' added a spokesperson. Nenagh Classic Car Club was founded in March 2013 and since then has had great success with a fast growing member base of 140 members. 'You do not need to be a car owner to join the club. The Nenagh Classic Car Club is a club for like-minded classic and vintage vehicle owners and enthusiasts who share and appreciate classic and vintage vehicles.' North Tipperary Agricultural Show - August 4 The countdown is on for the North Tipperary Show 2025, taking place at the Nenagh Showgrounds, located 2k from Nenagh town on the N52 heading north. Thousands are expected to visit, to see the wide variety of stalls, stands, shows, and events featured - cattle, baking, goats, sheep, crafts, flowers, photography – all of life is here to enjoy. 'Don't miss your chance to be part of one of the county's most exciting days out. Great prizes, great fun, and great community spirit,' said an organiser. This year, Misneach Choir will be taking to the stage at this year's North Tipperary Show, and they can't wait to share their love of music with the local community. Formed just under a year ago, Misneach - which means 'courage' in Irish – is a community choir made up of passionate singers from the area. In that short time, they've already made a name for themselves at local events, including a moving performance with The Reset at this year's Darkness Into Light walk. 'We're really looking forward to performing at the North Tipp Show,' said a spokesperson for the choir. 'It's a great chance to reach out to the community, spread the word about what we do, and hopefully encourage a few new members to join us. But mostly, we're just excited to sing and bring some joy to the day.' Expect uplifting songs, a feel-good atmosphere, and a warm welcome from a choir that's all about heart, harmony, and community spirit. Free entry for children under 12 years, AOPs and students €10, under 16s €5, and adults €15.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Next thing a cop car comes' – Red-faced Irish music icon reveals mortifying brush with law on way to history-making gig
SUPERSTAR singer Mary Black feared that she would be arrested when stopped by gardai for leaving a petrol station without paying for fuel. The No Frontiers icon had been keeping her head down to hide from crowds in 6 Mary Black revealed an embarrassing brush with the law Credit: Paul Bergen/Redferns 6 The singer feared she'd be arrested for leaving a petrol station without paying for fuel Credit: Independent NewsBut instead of avoiding recognition, red-faced Black ended up with a police escort to Semple Stadium after paying the bill. She told The Irish Sun's 'You know the people were all over the streets, and I had to keep my head down because everyone was looking at me, and he was in an old banjaxed car. 'He filled up with petrol while he was there, and I got whatever I needed. Read more in Showbiz Listen to Fields Of Dreams on 'He got his cigarettes and got back in the car, and we're driving back up and going slow because people were everywhere. The next thing, a cop car comes. 'What the hell's going on? He stops us. In our haste to get back into the car and back to the gig, we forgot to pay for the petrol. Holy God!' Black was convinced she would be arrested and miss the gig, which also featured Van Morrison, in the first of five events in the Co Tipperary town which would go down in Irish Did the Most read in the Irish Sun She told our podcast, right: 'He knew me the minute they looked into the car. He knew who I was, and I said: 'Oh, my God, I can't believe it'. 'He said, 'Come on, Mary, I'll drive you up to the stadium'. GARDA ESCORT 'Pat paid for the petrol, and he brought us right in, so we didn't have to go through all the crowds. There was a kind of escort, and everyone had to move over.' Black was never one who seemed to enjoy the major star treatment, unlike Van — whose unwillingness to share his space with fellow artists opened him up to criticism. Tom Dunne was there with his band Something Happens, who weren't allowed near the Days Like This crooner at breakfast time. 'STAR QUALITY' Tom said: 'I think he got the backstage closed down when he went into it. We all had to stay in our dressing rooms. We were all staying in the same hotel. We saw him coming down for breakfast. 'I felt he wanted to emanate that star quality. He wanted everyone to know there's a star in the building.' But the Saw Doctors were having none of it. The Galway band became legends at the Tipperary event, and found time for some fun off-stage. 'COULDN'T HELP THEMSELVES' Tom said: 'Van Morrison was a guy you didn't walk up to. 'We had the backstage area, and then we had a tunnel going out to the pitch, and he insisted every time that the tunnel would be cleared, and that absolutely no one would be in the tunnel, and of course, the Saw Doctors couldn't help themselves. 'They decided to disturb it, so they jumped out in front of them, and that didn't go down too well.' 'What the hell's going on? He stops us. In our haste to get back into the car and back to the gig, we forgot to pay for the petrol. Holy God!' Mary Black Episode Six of Fields of Dreams tells the inside story of the Trip to Tipp, the event which made a summer festival a must-have event and changed the rules forever. MADE IT HAPPEN Local TD Michael Lowry was the man who made the event happen, in order to pay off stadium debt racked up for the 1984 centenary All-Ireland final. It was a chance for up to 90,000 mainly young people to get away and let loose for a weekend before it moved to Cork's Pairc Ui Chaoimh in 1995 and then eventually wound up. By 1993, though, it was being billed as bigger than Glastonbury — attracting the same headliners as the English event. Among them were Rage Against the Machine, and The Stunning's Steve Wall — who ended up headlining in 1992 when Bryan Adams asked to leave early — was blown away, especially by frontman Zack de la Rocha. 'KIDS WERE IN A FRENZY' He explained: 'I watched from the side of the stage and I never saw anything like Zack. 'He could have told the audience at any point, 'Tear up the place!' because these kids were in a frenzy. 'The energy was unbelievable. It was amazing, and it was so energetic that there was a cloud over the crowd, a cloud of condensation. 'You know at the end of the Grand National, and you see the steam rising off the horses? 'I don't know how many tens of thousands going crazy and moshing and jumping up and down. I'll never forget it. The sight of it. It was fantastic.' 'We had the backstage area, and then we had a tunnel going out to the pitch, and he insisted every time that the tunnel would be cleared, and that absolutely no one would be in the tunnel, and of course, the Saw Doctors couldn't help themselves." Tom Dunne Dunne insists the Feile gigs were the benchmark. He said: 'That whole idea was forming around Thurles and you can see the kind of development after that, from Witness to Oxygen to Electric Picnic. And you know this idea that that's the norm. You see the best bands of the day and food is great, and you can camp, and it's all safe and good. 'Well, you really say it all starts with Macroom. I think Macroom is the first modern festival in Ireland. 'But it really starts to get a form about it around Feile.' The first six episodes of Fields Of Dreams are available on 6 The Saw Doctors became legends at the Tipperary event Credit: Steve Gullick 6 Steve Wall ended up headlining in 1992 when Bryan Adams asked to leave early Credit: Dave Mitchell/Avalon/Getty Images 6 Tom Dunne said Van Morrison was a guy you didn't walk up to Credit:6 By 1993, Feile was attracting the likes of Rage Against The Machine Credit:
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
The Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie and Poker Face: Why millions of us are turning to cosy crime for comfort
As fans await the arrival of the screen adaptation of Richard Osman's first novel starring Pierce Brosnan, Henrietta McKervey looks at the genre's enduring popularity A century ago, the crime fiction industry was flourishing. In 1925, Agatha Christie published her fifth book, The Secret of Chimneys, while her third Poirot novel, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – voted the best crime novel ever by British Crime Writers' Association in 2013 – was serialised in the London Evening News. The House without a Key, by Earl Derr Biggers, launched the Charlie Chan mysteries. Whose Body?, Dorothy L Sayers' first novel to feature Lord Peter Wimsey (which, thrillingly for the time, opens with the discovery of the naked body in a bathtub) had been flying off the shelves since 1923. In 1926, Freeman Wills Crofts, the Irish railway engineer and writer later described by Raymond Chandler as, 'the soundest builder of them all when he doesn't get too fancy,' published his second Inspector French novel, The Cheyne Mystery.
