Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and there is no denying that silky, fragrant wines such as Pinot Noir, Grenache and Viognier can play their part in the noble art of seduction.

All this week's food news from Joe McNamee.

What's big for food in the week ahead?

John and Francis Brennan are “thrilled” at taking the title of Ireland’s best hotel restaurant.

I’m back writing about Spanish wine again this week (after a short break!) but I have a good excuse as Spanish Wine Week runs from April 23 to April 29. I’ve spoken a lot about the value to be had from Spain but less about cava. Much of the cava we drank in the 1990s was rather simple

ONE of Cork city’s finest period homes, time-wrapped and time warped Lotabeg House, on 36 acres in Tivoli, has finally come to market two years after a hugely publicised auction of its contents that attracted 7,000 viewers to the property, over three days.

In honour of Patrick’s Day, Ciara McDonnell showcases Ireland’s finest, once in a lifetime, five-star hotel experiences

Originally built as a private residence in 1870, the newly renovated Cahernane House revels in its Victorian grandeur.

A Victorian mansion on the Ring of Kerry, which was seized and sold in 2000 by the Criminal Assets Bureau, has just sold once more, for less than what it made in a raw, abandoned state 17 years ago.

Des O’Sullivan previews what could be a sellout auction of items from one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels

Graeme McDowell produced a grandstand finish to finish in one under par 71 and an impressive opening to The Players Championship at Ponte Vedra last night.

Love was clearly in the air at Ashford Castle in Mayo last weekend as Rory McIlroy wed his American fiancée Erica Stoll.

Erica Stoll may have got golf star Rory McIlroy to the tee on time but now she must rely on someone else to make sure he gets to his wedding on time.

Excitement is building in the Mayo village of Cong as it braces for the wedding of the year when Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll tie the knot at Ashford Castle next weekend.

From zip-lining to horse riding, the scene is set for family fun, Esther N McCarthy lived it up like a movie star at Ashford Castle.

Want to stay closer to home for Valentines? There are plenty of options, writes Ciara McDonnell. 

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Ballyfin Demesne, in County Laois has been named the world's No.1 hotel according to the influential US travel magazine, Conde Nast.

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The otherworldly magic of Ashford Castle in Co Mayo has seemingly spellbound its guests as the five-star resort continues its fairytale award-winning streak.

Definitely a unique way to see the country — from a vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghost with the roof rolled back and the wind in your hair.

New research shows that coach tourist numbers reached their highest level in recent years in 2014, when 369,000 overseas visitors opted to use this mode of transport to see Ireland — an annual increase of 26%.

Is there an architect in any period of Irish history with as many hotels and suites to his credit, as Kerry’s James Francis Fuller? 

Just one more day till Dervla Burke, one third of popular Cork group Crystal Swing, gets married — and her mother has gone on air to reveal what she really thinks of her future son-in-law.

The luxurious Ashford Castle in Co Mayo has been named the world’s best hotel at an international travel show in the US.

An estimated €100,000 spent by the Irish Greyhound Board on a bad bend on a greyhound race-track has significantly reduced race collisions at the location.

It’s the little things about Ashford Castle that makes a stay there so enjoyable, writes Conall Ó Fátharta.    

Here’s a run down of today’s business headlines.

Des O’Sullivan reports on the auction of Ashford Castle contents.

Last of trio of thatched houses in Sheen Falls, Kenmare, has five-star hotel accommodation says Tommy Barker.

ANTIQUES FAIRS

Tony Clayton Lea reveal his travel tips for new year adventurers.

From cosy comfy country hotels to über-cool cities and snowdust covered cottages Tony Clayton-Lea has got every yuletide base covered

Dan Buckley enjoys the royal sport of falconry and takes in the sights of the majestic Corrib at the Lodge at Ashford Castle.

From Guinness chocolate cheesecake to shamrock place settings.

Irish hotel resorts have taken the top two places and feature in nine of Europe’s 20 best in the latest survey by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.