Bridget Bray

I recently returned from Ireland, where much of the focus was to explore and experience unique food experiences on offer. Fortunately, I met with great weather throughout much of my stay, which really helped showcase the experiences even more. So, if you are planning an upcoming trip to Ireland or thinking of doing so, here are the highlights of my food experiences that you may wish to include:

Chef Led Workshop

I participated in the “The Perfect Loaf” workshop at the Aniar Restaurant cookery school in Galway, where the learning centered on baking breads and, where we made and tasted many of them as well. By the end of the day it was as though we had opened a bakery, having prepared and baked soda breads, focaccias, baguettes and more. This workshop, as well as many others, are offered throughout the year at the Aniar Boutique Cookery School and are run by Chef/Proprietor JP McMahon.

A one-day workshop is a great way to gain an insight into the Irish food scene and moreover, you often have the opportunity to learn directly from the chef / proprietor themselves, such as in my experience. There are numerous cookery school workshops offered across the island.

Aniar Boutique Cookery School, Co. Galway https://www.aniarrestaurant.ie/pages/courses.html

Tasting the Best Oysters Ever

Think you’ve tasted great oysters? Well you may wish to think again. I thought I had until I visited Flaggy Shore Oysters in County Clare. So, if you are an oyster fan or are tempted to know what you have been missing up until this point, do plan a stop into Flaggy Shore Oysters, in County Clare. You can book ahead for a tour and tasting but take note: you’ll be forever spoiled for oysters following. These oysters in ‘grade A waters’ were so incredible and so good, you’re best to try them just on their own. Delicious.

Flaggy Shore Oysters, Co. Clare http://redbankfoodco.com/aboutour-oysters/

Seaweed Foraging

What a fantastic way to spend a few hours outdoors with a

walk along the shores of Kerry and learn about seaweed and sea greens. I participated in a two-hour seashore foraging walk led by Atlantic Seaweed Walks in Caherdaniel, County Kerry. This experience highlighted the area’s history of the monks on the Skellig Islands, who had long consumed seaweed in their daily diet; the various seaweed and sea greens (with tastings along the way). There was even an archaeological find from centuries back that was pointed out.

Atlantic Seaweed Walks, Co. Kerry https://www.atlanticirishseaweed.com/

Return of the Native Boar

Did you know that the wild boar was native to Ireland for centuries? It went into extinction in the 17th century but in recent years has been re-introduced back into Ireland. Ballinwillin House, an 18th century country house in Mitchelstown, county Cork is a guest house that offers an immersion into farm life and the opportunity to taste wild boar - as well as venison, an out of this world black pudding and all round wholesome country cooking.

Ballinwillin House, co. Cork https://ballinwillinhouse.com/

About Me / About Bridget Bray

Bridget Bray, Toronto born and raised and now New York City based, is the founder of food, heritage and history events and experiences. These include FarePlate (www.fareplate.com), an Irish food and drink festival, The Genealogy Event (www.thegenealogyevent.com) and the Festive Re (Treat), a December small group tour experience to Ireland.

Contact: bridget@bbnygroup.com