Championing the best of Irish culture ...
Host and Only Peroni ambassador Cassie Stokes – whose hit Best Of series and new book celebrate Ireland’s hidden gems – shares her favourite food, drinks, beaches and walks, plus some of her favourite tales from her travels.
Why Peroni? It’s fresh, crisp and reminds me of holidays. I love all their options – I drink the gluten-free and 0.0 regularly. There’s nothing like a cold pint of Peroni on a Saturday afternoon in the sun.
What’s “The Peroni Window”? It’s called La Finestra Peroni and it’s inspired by the traditional wine windows of southern Italy. Hold your glass in the window, say magic words and your drink is poured. Very instagrammable!
What are your top 10 restaurants in Ireland?
1. Reggie’s, Dublin @reggies.dublin
2. Farmgate, Waterford @farmgatelismore
3. Saint Francis Provisions, Kinsale @stfranciskinsale
4. The Black Pig, Kinsale @theblackpigwinebar
5. 505, Kerry @inside_505
6. Linnanes Lobster Bar, Clare @linnanesbar
7. Homestead Cottage, Clare @homesteadcottage_doolin
8. Savoir Fare, Mayo @savoir_fare
9. Goldie, Cork @goldierestaurant
10. Noble, Down @blone_noble
*Special commendation to Misunderstood Heron food truck, Mayo @misunderstood_heron
What are your favourite pubs and bars?
Grogan’s, Dublin @groganscastlelounge
McNeill’s, Dublin @mcneills_irishpub
Lily Finnegans, Louth @lilyfinnegans
MJ Ward, Sligo @mj.ward_coneyislandpub
The Old Grainstore, Mayo @theoldgrainstorewestport
Toby’s, Mayo
McGrath’s, Cork @seanmcgrathsbar
Cronin’s, Cork @croninspub
Harbour Bar, Donegal @theharbourrestaurantandbar
And a special shout-out for bakeries?
Plur, Carlow @plurbakery
Hugo’s, Clare @hugos_lahinch
Cornrue, Mayo @cornrue_bakery
Ursa Minor, Antrim @ursaminorbakehouse
Where are some of the best beaches and walks you’ve found?
There are so many great ones around the country. I’m less of a hiker, more of a hill walker! I always enjoy a walk up Djouce in Wicklow. Recently, I really enjoyed a walk around Erris Head in Mayo, just outside Belmullet. I also love a good walk around Phoenix Park in Dublin. I spend hours there as there’s something special about being in fields of green so close to a city.
The beaches in Ireland are extra special because you get to experience them in the pouring rain usually, then sometimes in the sun. I think they’re fantastic no matter what the weather. Keem Bay in Achill was just named in the top 50 best beaches in the world, it’s one of my favourites. Another one I love is Brittas Bay in Wicklow because I have so many memories there throughout my life. Beaches in Connemara can look like a postcard from the Caribbean at times. And I love the wildness of beaches in Donegal like Five Fingers Strand.
Tell us about your book, Best of Ireland?
It’s a mix between lists, information and personal opinions all about the best of Ireland – from old pubs, snugs and restaurants to where to stay and things to do. It’s all about places I love and I’ve worked so hard putting it together, so I’m hoping people will enjoy visiting. It’s really made me realise how lucky we are as everything is so special here. We have such great people, landscape, and places to eat and drink. Of course, I couldn’t include everywhere, but I hope to do a second book. It would be nothing without my amazing followers and I’m also so grateful to all the people who let me visit them. It wouldn’t be possible without them! There are beautiful pictures throughout too, so you get a real feel for it.
What does it mean to you to champion the best of Irish culture?
Well, that’s a huge compliment. I’m just one of many championing Ireland and Irish culture. Even people who aren’t from Ireland are now creating content about how wonderful it is, which I love. I’m lucky to be able to tell stories about Ireland, the people and all the beauty here to the world. I just film videos, Ireland does all the showing off. My favourite thing about my series is meeting people who are so warm and welcoming. I’ve met some special ones throughout the last few years.
Where are some hidden gems that may not be on our radar?
There are so many around Ireland. The first that pops to mind is Murphy’s in Brandon, a short drive from Dingle. Another is The Beach – Days Bar on Inishboffin. There are also some gems in more popular areas. I love an old school sandwich in The Bunch of Grapes in Galway and The Long Valley Bar in Cork. McNeill’s on Capel Street in Dublin is a real hidden spot – a tiny pub with a cosy feel, friendly locals and live music.
What are some of your favourite tales from your travels?
One that springs to mind is Johnnie Fox’s pub in Dublin and the story of the man’s ashes. There was an American man who wanted to visit, but passed away before he made it over, so his friends brought his ashes and left them in the pub. There’s now a small shrine in the wall. Ask to see it when you visit!
What makes Ireland so unique?
The size and impression Irish people have made around the world, such as most of the world celebrating our little country on St Patrick’s Day. I also know from travelling around Ireland that Irish hospitality is a thing as I’ve been welcomed into people’s businesses around the country.
How have you seen multiculturalism evolve in Ireland over the years?
It’s opened up our world and our tastes. Look at the different cuisines on our doorstep. In Dublin alone, you can get some of the best Indian cuisine in the award-winning Pickle on Camden Street and fantastic ramen at Nomo Ramen, excellent Japanese dishes in Daruma on Parliament Street and Korean BBQ from Arisu on Capel Street. We have two Michelin star restaurants, including Dede at the Customs House Baltimore in Cork, creating world-class dishes with Irish ingredients mixed with Turkish influence from his heritage. I think it’s amazing because our produce is some of the best in the world, so mixed with new styles of cooking and flavours, it’s exciting!
