Latest Blog Posts from Allster

Are ye ready for the latest from Ireland’s contemporary scene? From Grammy nominations and the country’s latest heartthrob to the Emerald Isle’s changing drinking culture, there’s a jam-packed roster for this wee write-up. 

Ready? Let’s get started.

We're back with the best of contemporary Ireland, from Samhain-themed celebrations to Ireland’s entry in the Miss International competition, here’s a look at some of the weird and wonderful things happening this month in contemporary Irish culture.

Ready? Let’s get started.

We're back with the best range of contemporary stories from Ireland, including the launch of a lively event in the US, a Belfast filmmaker’s journey in Hollywood, Dublin Zoo’s sad farewell to a randy iguana, and the best restaurants and chefs in Ireland for 2024.

Ready? Let’s get started.

We’re back with a hoot of a newsletter for ye this week. We’ve got a stack of cool stories from Ireland’s sons and daughters —both at home and abroad—to share with you and yours.

Ready? Let’s tuck into the good stuff.

The last couple of weeks have seen all kinds of madness taking over the island of Ireland, from sunken smuggler’s ships to ginormous ploughing competitions. You’d never hear the likes of it anywhere else!

August closed out with some of Ireland’s biggest music festivals throwing a last hoorah for craic and culture lovers before the summer ends. But the changing seasons bring fresh newsworthy ideas from Ireland’s creative scene—and we’ve got some real belters for you in this newsletter.

This month marks the kick-off of our new fortnightly newsletter where we share some of the coolest people, places and things to do with contemporary Ireland - both at home and abroad. 

Discover the authentic Ulster Fry with our comprehensive guide. Learn its rich history, explore traditional recipes, and find the best places to enjoy this iconic Northern Irish breakfast in Belfast, London, and New York.

Explore the rich history and modern controversy surrounding Irish turf and peat and how incense burners are an innovative development. Explore peat’s traditional uses, cultural significance, and the environmental debates that make it a hot topic today.

See the overwhelming support behind the Save Allster Petition! With over 350 heartfelt responses, find out why people are speaking out to preserve Allster at the International Airport.

Nestled in the tranquil beauty of the Mourne Mountains in Ireland, Freedom Cosmetics is a brand that has made it their mission to redefine skincare. As stockists of this innovative and responsible range, we are thrilled to introduce their natural, organic, cruelty-free products that harmonise beauty and sustainability in the most admirable way.

Ever wondered what 'Buck Eejit' really means in Northern Irish slang? Explore the humorous and often affectionate use of this unique phrase, a true gem in the local vernacular!

This week we're thrilled to bring you a seller's story that radiates passion, purpose, and creativity: Copper Rainbow, a sea glass jewellery business founded by the extraordinary Ria.

Shhh! This phrase is more than just a call for quiet. Discover the cultural significance and the humorous contexts where 'Houl Yer Wheesht' is perfectly uttered. Delve into the charm of this Northern Irish expression!

Welcome to the world of Simply Mourne, a creative space cultivated by the renowned County Down artist, Catherine Bradford. This studio, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains, serves as a testament to Catherine's passion for nature and her remarkable talent for capturing its beauty in her artworks.

Meet Pete and Maggie, the creative minds behind 'Art By Pete'. Born under the warm African sun of Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, their story unfolds across continents to the windswept beaches of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Dive into the world of Northern Irish expressions and unravel the amusing and often surprising meanings behind 'minging'. Learn more about this unique term and its place in Northern Ireland's rich linguistic tapestry!

Delve into the playful and often sarcastic world of Northern Irish slang. Learn about the phrase 'Wind Yer Neck In', its origins, and how it's used to add a touch of humor to everyday conversations!

Greetings, candle lovers and wellness enthusiasts alike! Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to the foundation and growth story of Aureal Candles, a haven for eco-friendly, essential oil-infused candles, melts, and diffusers.

Greetings, everyone! Today, we'd like you to meet Julie Harron, the founder and creative force behind Julie Harron Illustrations. Born and raised in the quaint village of Dromara, Northern Ireland

Learn how this endearing phrase captures the warmth and affection of Northern Irish culture. Discover the sweet and tender meanings behind 'Wee Dote' and its usage in everyday life!

It's been an incredible journey for Allster since our inception just one year ago. Today, we are excited to share with you some fantastic news from a recent media feature....

Exploring Northern Ireland's unique slang for talkative people. Dive into the playful world of Northern Irish expressions with 'Ganch', a term that perfectly describes someone who just can't stop talking. Uncover the humorous contexts and cultural nuances of 'Ganch' in everyday life!

We're absolutely thrilled that Tenfire products are available at Allster! This exciting news marks a significant milestone in our journey of supporting local artisans and bringing their exceptional work to a wider audience.

Since launching Allster, we’ve introduced over 100 crafters, makers and artists to our retail store in Belfast International Airport. For many of those suppliers, Allster was their first retail outlet.

As we’re nudging towards the third Sunday in June, it’s high time we turned the spotlight on a group of folk who often become our first superheroes, our top-tier advisors, and our solid-as-a-rock supporters - our Da’s.

Northern Ireland is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but did you know that it is also home to some of the finest handmade skincare brands in the world?

The expressive Northern Irish slang word you need to know - ever heard someone referred to as a 'Gowl' and wondered what it meant? Delve into the fascinating world of Northern Irish slang, where 'Gowl' adds color and humor to daily language, encapsulating feelings of annoyance or foolishness in a uniquely local way!

Allster was delighted to support Gillian from the Irish Seaweed Company in her very exciting showcase of gathering and cooking dulse for BBC One’s The One Show.