Why Ireland is for Foodies

Learn about oysters and how they grow before doing a tasting yourself.

The west coast of Ireland is well known for its oysters and other shellfish. In fact, that plate of oysters or mussels you’re eating in a Parisian cafe? There’s a good chance those shellfish came from Ireland. In fact, the name of Co Sligo (or Sligeach) means “Shelly Place” – so named for the massive numbers of shellfish that sustained local populations for thousands of years. For an intriguing local foodie experience, visit an oyster farm to try oyster shucking and enjoy an oyster-and-Guinness tasting against the magical backdrop of Connemara. A fun aside is that oysters are aphrodisiacs…The best time to experience their aphrodisiac quality is spring – which coincides well, as spring is also the best time for a seashore walk to see their different stages of growth.

Gourmet seafood picnic made from your own fresh catch! Photo credit: KerryAnn Fitzgerald

Explore the wild coastlines of Kerry by boat, sailed by a local skipper. Not only will you have the chance to explore the hidden coves, inlets and islands of the region as well as spot sea life, you’ll also be able to catch and eat your own sashimi and ceviche in a wilderness picnic on a deserted island, whipped up by your trusty captain. 

Traditional Irish bread baking

For those who want to learn Irish tradition baking, join Marjorie in her traditional Irish kitchen for a baking lesson where she’ll teach you how to make Irish soda bread as well as an Irish cake of your choice. Not only is the rural location in the woods of Co Mayo stunning, but you’ll also get a backstage pass to experience a bit of daily local life.

Find your favourite during a private whiskey tasting led by a local connoisseur

Whiskey has been an important part of Irish culture for centuries. In fact, the Gaelic word for whiskey (‘uisce beatha‘) roughly translates to ‘water of life.’ Therefore, finding whiskey in Ireland isn’t difficult! But the best way to experience Ireland’s ‘water of life’ is through a whiskey tasting lead by a local whiskey connoisseur in a traditional snug pub with an open fire roaring in the chimney. 

Freshly foraged and baked fennel and kelp cookies

The western reaches of Kerry are rugged, wild and windswept. Kerry’s coastlines are an intricate ecosystem prime for exploring. Combine foodie and nature experiences with a coastal foraging expedition to forage for seaweed and other edible ingredients while listening to stories of local stories legends. Afterwards, enjoy a seaweed-inspired feast. 

Another option is inland foraging – on a gentle hike, learn about the local plants underfoot that most people consider weeds but some consider lunch! Forage and collect various plants before returning to your host’s kitchen to turn these plants into delicious salads, pestos and other yummy, all-organic dishes.

Go back to school to learn how to make and distil your own gin

Though whiskey is perhaps the most famous Irish liqueur, gin is a solid second. Think alcohol and wild landscapes don’t go together? Think again! Head to Ireland’s Ancient East to learn how gin is made. For those that want to start at the beginning, hike through the hills with an expert guide to forage for local gin ingredients such as the all-important juniper. Then it’s back to school – attend an exclusive gin school to learn how to use your newly foraged ingredients to distill your very own bottle of gin that to bring back home with you.

Finding that perfect bowl of Ireland’s famed seafood chowder

It’s no secret that half the restaurants and pubs in Ireland claim to have Ireland’s best bowl of seafood chowder. So, the only way to test if that’s true is to try as many bowls as we can! Then, we head to a hole-in-the-wall converted stone barn at the ends of Earth in Donegal (preferably travelling there by bike!) for Wilderness Ireland’s pick for best seafood chowder.

Learn how to cook in one of Ireland’s top culinary schools

If you want a hands-on foodie experience, take private cooking lessons to learn how to make traditional Irish dishes of your choice. Get ready for a cookery lesson with experts in slow food, organic farming and sustainable and traditional cooking in a stunning location in Ireland’s southwest, known as an up-and-coming foodie destination. After cooking a full 3 course meal, it’s time to tuck in.

Autumn inspired picnic during a foodie tour of the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland

Tickle your taste buds along the Causeway Coast on a walking tour led by passionate local foodies. Indulge all five senses as you drink in the dramatic landscapes, listen to the sound of crashing waves, feel the soft grass underfoot and smell the seaweed in the air. Then, rub elbows with the producers, artisans, bakers and chefs leading the way for Northern Ireland’s up-and-coming foodie culture as you taste their wares.

Surroundings for some of the most decadent afternoon tea you’ll have

For a more high-brow foodie experience, enjoy a celebratory high tea with all the trimmings (three-tiered silver platter laden with delicious sandwiches and handmade desserts paired with unlimited tea…) in the decadent marbled surroundings of what was once the magnificent headquarters of the Ulster Bank. Sip your tea under the largest chandelier in Ireland surrounded by 19th-century elegance to feel like royalty.