Hot tip

An appetite for life in Kenmare - From November 5, for three nights, the heritage town of Kenmare in Co Kerry hosts a celebration of fine food, aptly called An Appetite for Life.

The town has over 44 restaurants of which 12 are mentioned in the prestigious Michelin guide - during this weekend the restaurants will be showcasing their signature dishes. Entertainment, street theatre and a specialist food market will add to the enjoyment. Details from Margaret Ryan at 01 4962932 or 087 2367413

Irish farmhouse cheesemakers again feature strongly in the British Cheese Awards for 2004. The best Irish cheese, which won the Eugene Burns trophy: Mature Cratloe Hills Gold sheep cheese. Best organic cheese: Croghan goat cheese. Other Irish prizewinners: Carribyrne, Durrus, Dingle Peninsula, Mount Callan, Gubbeen, Corleggy, Carrigaline, Ryefield, Cashel Blue, Bellingham Blue, Crozier Blue, Burren Gold and Ardrahan.!