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FOODIE PARADISE:TEN YEARS AGO ago, Greystones was a very pleasant but slightly sleepy town, still far removed from the bustle of Dublin. Times have certainly changed. There is still a very attractive village atmosphere, but the population of greater Greystones has soared, with several large developments on the outskirts, and the arrival of the Dart. Not everyone is pleased with all the changes, but on the food front, few can complain.

A decade ago, options to eat out in Greystones were fairly limited. There were a couple of decent Italian trattorias, Bistro Vinoby the station, or Cooper’sdown by the harbour. The greatest treat was a visit to The Hungry Monk, a legendary establishment that still thrives. Last week, I counted no less than 20 businesses all serving food of some sort, all on Church Road, the main street, or a very short walk away from it. Eating at home has got a lot better too, with a clutch of fine-food shops to please the most fastidious of foodies.