Best bread: Jack Cuthbert, whose bakery is based in Midleton, Co Cork, is a sixth-generation craft baker
Having always favoured real, artisan bread over the fluffy stuff that comes with all manner of additives and "improvers", he saw a gap in the market when the Polish population started to increase here. Cuthbert's Polske Chleb is traditional bulk-fermented or sourdough, Polish-style white bread. Ready-sliced, it sells for €1.98 in selected SuperValus in the Munster area and it seems that people, both Irish and Polish, are crying out for it all over the country. You can certainly taste the difference made by the seven-hour fermentation makes. I can confirm that it tastes great straight from the pack and it makes the most sensational toast. Tom Doorley
Have one yourself: Jasmine Bar, the sleek venue for cocktails at Brooks Hotel in Drury Street, Dublin 2 is the first Irish premises to be recognised as one of the great whiskey bars of the world by Whiskey magazine. The bar's collection of more than 80 whiskeys and bourbons was put together over an 18-month period by senior barman, Michael Foggarty and features drinks from India, Japan, the US and New Zealand, as well many from nearer home. And when you've finished sampling some of Foggarty's special drams, check out the luxurious private screening room downstairs, which can be hired for parties. Going to the cinema will never be the same again. Marie-Claire Digby