An Epicurean Adventure in Ireland
9-day Culinary and Cultural Tour of Southwest Ireland

Day 1 - 2
Our epicurean adventures begin in picturesque KENMARE, Ireland’s “new Gourmet Capital of Ireland.” We’ll jump-start our delicious journey with a ‘hands-on’ workshop by Benoit Lorge, Master Chocolatier. That evening we dine with one of Co. Kerry’s elite chefs, award-winning Chef Bruce Mulcahy at his restaurant, Mulcahy’s. • We head for County Cork, the gastronomic epicenter of Ireland. Enjoy a cookery course and lunch with Carmel Somers at the Good Things Café. Then on to SCHULL for a scenic walk or to explore the gourmet delights of this beautiful seaside town. Tonight we’ll travel by boat to our dinner at Island Cottage on Heir Island!

Days 3 - 4
Meet Ireland’s artisan food pioneers Tom & Giana Ferguson and see how they produce award-winning cheeses and smoked meats at Gubbeen Farmhouse Products. Then visit the Drombeg Stone Circle enroute to CORK CITY. Our two-night stay at the historic Imperial Hotel is the ideal location for exploring the city’s cultural district. • For the quintessential “farm to fork” experience, get up close and personal with Ultan Walsh & Lucy Stewart on their organic farm, Gort-Na-Nain. Tonight you’ll appreciate the use of their wonderful vegetables in the hands of a master like Chef Denis Cotter at Café Paradiso, Ireland’s premier vegetarian restaurant.

Day 5 - 6
Enjoy a brief historical tour and a trip to Cork’s Mecca for gourmands, the English Market, one of the finest food markets in Europe. After sampling these savory charms, we drive to SHANAGARRY and check into the magnificent country estate, Ballymaloe House, for two nights. Relax and enjoy the house and grounds – some 400 acres. Dinner at Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland’s best. • Next comes a private tour, lunch and instruction at Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s most renowned cookery school. Afterwards, relax at Ballymaloe House or stroll the beach at Ballycotton Bay. Dine tonight at the award winning Farmgate Restaurant in nearby Midleton.

Days 7 - 9
Today we stop at the famous Midleton Farmers Market, meeting esteemed producers that give Co. Cork it’s gilded gourmet reputation. Then we venture northward through historic Lismore and the scenic Knockmealdown Mountains to discover hidden gems in Co. Tipperary’s “Golden Vale.” Sojourns at the award winning Apple Farm and Cashel Blue/Crozier Blue cheese punctuate the afternoon. For your final, magical two-night stay we’ll whisk you off to The Old Convent in CLOGHEEN for the ultimate Irish country house experience. Dinner tonight at Chez Hans in Cashel, one of Ireland’s most venerated restaurants. • Relax in your luxurious surroundings and join Sister Aine for an extraordinary cooking lesson at The Old Convent. Explore nearby National Heritage sites Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage. Our final banquet together is the spectacular Old Convent eight-course ‘Tasting Menu’ expertly prepared by Chef Dermot Gannon and served in the elegant convent refectory. • Our adventure draws to a close as we see you safely to Shannon, where you’ll receive our heart-felt “Slan Abhaile” for your journey onward.
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