PART I: I once gave my heart to a woman from Waterford but all that remains of that love, decades later, is a lingering grá for her homeplace, writes Joe McNamee.

Drinks enthusiast Bill Linnane shares his top tipples for the festive season, from craft beer to hard coffee

Gin has been becoming the tipple of choice for many Irish people in recent years, and one niche range is proving its popularity.

The famous Cork tea has teamed up with Blackwater Distillery to introduce a limited edition batch in time for Christmas.

A top Irish bartender is honing his shaking and stirring skills ahead of the industry’s world cup next week.

Peter Mulryan will give a day long Gin Distilling Workshop at the West Waterford Festival of Food which takes place next weekend (April 21-23).

Want a little Christmas spirit? From sparkling wines to cider, beer to gin, our wine columnist, Leslie Williams, has the perfect list to choose from.

Blackwater Wexford Strawberry Gin, 40% abv, 50cl — €32.00 Stockists: Bradleys Cork, O’Briens Off-Licences nationwide, Celtic Whiskey Shop

Nobody knows Irish food better than Joe McNamee. From chutney to cheese, craft beer to chocolate, he’s put together The Menu’s Annual Christmas Hamper – full of the local products that really stood out this year. Plus, he’s got the top gifts for foodies.

The menu consents to being showered by Father’s Day gifts from his progeny; less grudgingly, if those gifts are designed to appeal to his innate gluttony.

I am writing this week’s column outside in the garden such is the weather at the moment. It is not just the Irish that are obsessed with the weather, however — talk to any grape grower or winemaker.