Good food, fabulous flavours and passionate producers are waiting to wow you on your next visit to County Cork. Bookmark the 10 epicurean experiences below for the future, but don’t keep your taste buds on tenterhooks – while you’re waiting why not order delicious Irish artisan food from Ireland’s Artisan Pantry.
1. The English Market
One of the oldest municipal markets in the world and regarded as one of the finest in Europe, Cork City’s English Market is a treasure trove of fine food offering everything from meats and fish to herbs, spices, sauces, oils, chocolates, cakes and cheeses – with a bit of banter thrown in.
2. Secrets of Seaweed Kayaking Tour
Forage for sea vegetables along Ireland’s spectacular Wild Atlantic Way on this unique kayaking tour that teaches you how to identify and pick them sustainably, and about their culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses.
3. Longueville House
Book a stay in luxurious Longueville House, a stunning Georgian mansion, where exquisite food is crafted from fresh produce grown on the estate. Longueville also makes its own cider and offers tours of the orchards, crush house, fermentation plant and distillery.
4. Skibbereen Farmers Market
This vibrant farmers market in the historic West Cork town of Skibbereen takes place every Saturday and is a great place to sample some of the region’s delicacies including award-winning cheeses and traditional Irish breads.
5. Cork’s Butter Museum
Once the largest butter export market in the world, Cork’s unique Butter Museum is a celebration of Ireland’s butter trade. Explore its history from the traditional craft of home butter making to the modern success of the Kerrygold brand.
6. Ummera Irish Smokehouse
Visit Ummera Irish Smokehouse, famed for its award-winning smoked, wild Atlantic, organically reared salmon and treat yourself to gold star products that also include organic gravadlax and smoked chicken, duck, bacon and beef.
7. Ballymaloe House
Regarded as the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine, Ballymaloe House offers a top class Irish Country House experience with the chance to join the baker in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread.
8. Pilgrim’s Rosscarbery
Indulge in a meal at Pilgrim’s, a cosy restaurant in the village of Rosscarbery, which features in the Michelin Guide for its good cooking and delightful ambiance. It serves the best of local, seasonal and foraged ingredients sourced from the wilds and waters of West Cork.
9. Cork City Food History Tour
Enjoy a blend of history, food and culture on this walking tour that reveals the city’s Viking past, delves into its art collection and stops off with local artisan producers to hear their stories and sample some of their excellent food and drink.
10. Kinsale Meadery Tour and Tasting
Sip the nectar of the gods on a tour of Kinsale Meadery, where you will hear the history of the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, see the process of production and sample the award-winning meads and a seasonal cocktail.
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