Irishblogs.ie
Observing the Irish blogosphere since 2005
Observing the Irish blogosphere since 2005
Ireland’s dating scene in 2025 is a study in contrasts: a country with a proud, analogue tradition of matchmaking and music-filled socials that also happens to be one of Europe’s most app-savvy markets.
Ireland is a country where food and hospitality are not just services, but stories. Behind every plate of seafood chowder, every slice of brown soda bread, every pint of Guinness poured in a creaking pub lies history, pride, and a sense of welcome.
On 30 September 2025, Dublin’s InterContinental Hotel hosted the Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards, Ireland’s longest-running independent hospitality awards. Winners are chosen after year-round anonymous visits, making them not just polished showpieces, but places that deliver genuine excellence every day.
For tourists, these awards are the perfect map of where to eat and stay in Ireland in 2025. For locals, they shine a light on gems worth celebrating — from five-star castles to neighbourhood cafés, from fine dining experiments in Dublin to farmhouses in Connemara.
Here is your full guide to Ireland’s best restaurants, hotels, pubs, and producers for 2025 — and why you should visit them.
Ireland has introduced a striking new weapon in the fight against gambling harm: a voluntary card-blocking tool that allows customers to disable all gambling payments from their debit cards. Under the scheme, “customers will be able to instantly disable gambling payments with a simple ‘switch’ function,” a move launched by the Irish Banking Culture Board in concert with AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB.
Searching for an online casino that delivers more than flashy promises? FoxyGold combines 4,000+ games, live dealer tables, and a full sportsbook under one roof. Add in lightning-fast crypto withdrawals, a 150% welcome bonus up to €1,200 + 120 Free Spins, and seamless play across desktop and mobile, and you’ve got one of the boldest new entries for Irish players this year.
The Irish online casino scene has no shortage of names, but ShakeBet stands out as a fresh, fully licensed platform designed with modern players in mind. With a vibrant interface, smooth navigation, and a mix of slots, sports betting, and live casino tables, ShakeBet feels like it’s here to challenge the old guard. I spent some time testing the platform, and here’s what I found.
I’ve been checking out a lot of casinos lately, but GoKong Casino caught my eye because of two things Irish players will love: instant withdrawals and a massive selection of payment options. After a few weeks of testing it properly - bonuses, deposits, withdrawals, and support - here’s my honest breakdown.
Irish players looking for a fresh yet rewarding casino experience offshore might want to give Cipher Wins Casino a second glance. Operated by Green Champions Leader S.R.L and backed by the reputable Famagousta B.V., this newcomer entered the scene in June 2025, boasting massive bonuses, crypto support, and a hefty games library.
Reviewed by a seasoned online casino expert
🇮🇪 Pistolo Casino welcomes Irish players with open arms — registration is straightforward, and deposits/withdrawals in euros are fully supported. Since it's licensed offshore (Anjouan, Comoros), it’s not GRAI‑regulated, so you'll want to be aware of that — but from my tests, Irish players face no geo-blocks or issues signing up.
Ireland’s gambling industry is undergoing a major transformation — and the latest consultation from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) offers the clearest picture yet of what’s to come. With feedback now analysed from operators, public bodies, and advocacy groups, this article explores how the upcoming regulatory framework will reshape casino licensing, player protections, and the commercial landscape for gambling in Ireland. Whether you're a casino operator, policymaker, or player, understanding these changes is critical.
Irish players continue to look beyond domestic brands in search of fresh gaming experiences. One of the newest names to appear on comparison charts is Frenzino, a colourful crypto‑friendly casino–sportsbook hybrid that first went live in late‑2024. This article explores what Frenzino offers and, crucially, places it in the wider context of Ireland’s rapidly changing gambling regime.
Commercialisation and Most Controversial Mistakes
A Journey into the Existence and Culture of Irish Graffiti Art
In the Irish News, there’s a detailed look at the Dark Hedges avenue in County Antrim, giving us a real insight into the troubles facing some of these famous beech trees in the area.
Tracing the Irish passion for gambling from ancient times to the modern day.
Check out a list of fast payout casino in Ireland →
A Comprehensive Guide to an Irish waste
A list of things and activities to do in Ireland
Irish Republic historical overview by @zoy
Echoes of Joy
The Story of Garda Síochána or The Irish Police Through Times