Loosely stretching from Dungarvan in Co Waterford along the Cork coastline to Kenmare in Co Kerry , there runs a stretch of Ireland that is not as widely known as other parts of our fair country, that is becoming increasingly known as Ireland’s Gourmet Riviera. History that runs back through millennia sits hand in glove with the breathtaking scenery of a dozen mountain ranges, 1,500 KM’s (1,000 miles)of coastline and rivers that run full with salmon, trout and more. It is a land of rich soils and soft weather that forms the breadbasket of Ireland.
Once a land only known for its potato’s, Ireland’s reputation as a foodie heaven has slowly but steadily grown over the past 20 years. Cork is now popularly known as Ireland’s Gourmet Capital with Kinsale being the jewel in the crown. Whether its fish straight off the boat, world class steaks, award winning cheeses, salami’s or sausage, Cork has it all in a tantalising concoction of all that is good, healthy and wholesome.
Cork’s connection with food goes back through the centuries. It was once, the last provisioning port for Britain’s Royal Navy before ships set sail for America and The West Indies. A legacy of this trade is ‘The English Market‘ located in the heart of Cork City which is a traders market catering to visitor and local alike. Founded in 1788 it is one of the oldest markets of its kind in Europe and is a ‘must’ see for anyone coming to Cork. In fact coffee and freshly baked scones with whipped cream and strawberry jam tastes better here than anywhere else in the world (well we think so anyway)while absorbing all the sights and sounds.
Just a half hour’s drive from the city lies Ballymaloe House & Cookery School which has an enviable international reputation. The Allen family have been cooking here for generations and were a founding catalyst in Ireland’s slow food movement. As you move around the region foodie nirvana’s abound from the Michellin Star restaurant at the ‘The House’ located in The Cliff House Hotel, to The Tannery in Dungarvan, to the splendour of dining in the Orangerie at Longueville House or the tongue tingling pleasures of The Good Food Cafe in the wild’s of West Cork.
So much to experience, so much to savour…. and there’s no better time to visit, than now.
Check out our Gourmet Riviera Packages or if you have something specific in mind you can just us drop us a line.
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