Beyond the Humble Spud

Day 1

Arrive into Cork airport where you will be met by a Trip Feast representative and transferred to the Castlewood House in Dingle. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight in Castlewood House. Meal plan: n/a.

Day 2

After breakfast visit Dingle’s Farmer’s Market for a real flavour of Dingle’s culinary scene. Visit Reel Dingle Fish to order a traditional fish lunch. Eat lunch in Flaherty’s Pub on the same street. After lunch stop off at Dingle Brewery Company (a.k.a. Tom Crean’s) and distillery. Take a tour of the museum, meet “the cook” who will explain the process of brewing beer, how their brew has progressed and so on. Have a pint of Crean’s at the source. Sample some of the new brew ideas. Evening free (we will recommend some places for dinner and for live music). Overnight in Castlewood House. Meal plan: B, L

Day 3

Breakfast followed by a short visit to the aquarium featuring sharks, giant turtles and penguins. Take the boat out for a two hour fishing trip. On returning to dry land drop into a local pub where they will cook your catch for lunch. After lunch take a walking tour of the town including both food and cultural treats – visit Jerry Flaherty’s butchers, the cheese shop, and various sites of historic interest. Take a short drive to meet a couple of local food producers in the area. Have an early dinner in Global Village. Global Village has risen to become one of Ireland’s best restaurants, under the watchful eye of famous head chef Martin Bealin. Your guide will pick up a menu from Global Village and while you enjoy a drink in Curran’s you can place your order. Evening free. Overnight in Castlewood House. Meal plan: B, L, D

Day 4

After breakfast, we will drive to Kilkenny, stopping at the famous Dunmore Country School for an organic and delicious lunch and a short visit of the great work they are doing in their gardens. On arrival in Kilkenny some free time before a short walking tour of the city and its main highlights. Evening free (restaurants and entertainment venues will be recommended). Overnight in Butler’s House in Kilkenny. Meal plan: B, L

Day 5

After breakfast stop at Ryeland Cookery School for a bread-making class. Have lunch on site with fresh bread, paté from Goatsbridge Trout Farm, Knockdrinna Cheese etc. Afternoon walking tour of Kilkenny including food and craft producers. Evening free. Overnight in Butlers House. Meal plan: B, L

Day 6

After breakfast visit Knockdrinna, sample cheese served to Queen Elizabeth II on her recent visit to Ireland. Take a short visit of the grounds and workshops. Continue to Goatsbridge Trout farm for a short visit led by Margaret or Ger. Continue to Thomastown for a chocolate-making demonstration by Mary Teehan and a short demonstration by Brid from Clay Creations of her subtle craft. Meet Jackie from the Blackberry Café and order a picnic lunch to be eaten in the grounds of Jerpoint House. Take a short visit of Jerpoint House and its historical sites as well as a “goose dog” demonstration. Continue to Dublin after lunch. Check in and refresh/relax. Evening free. Overnight in the Schoolhouse, Dublin. Meal plan: B, L

Day 7

Breakfast. Morning walking food trail of Dublin. Afternoon visit to Guinness and Trinity College. Overnight in the Schoolhouse. Meal plan: B, L (Note: the walking food trail will include enough food tastings that it will substitute for lunch).

Day 8

Breakfast. Walking food trail of Howth. Afternoon visit to Jameson. Overnight in the Schoolhouse. Meal plan: B, L (Note: the walking food trail will include enough food tastings that it will substitute for lunch).

Day 9

After breakfast check out. Transfer to the airport for your return journey. Additional days in Dublin can easily be added, please contact us for details. Meal plan: B