Postcard from Ireland

The food! The views! And, mercifully, the weather

It’s not often you go on holiday and pray for rain. And temperatures that don’t exceed 20°C but I’ve never been more grateful for Ireland’s famously inclement summer weather.

When we left Bristol on Wednesday it was forecast to hit 34°C. This morning, in Kenmare it’s 14°C and ‘feels like 8°’ although I haven’t verified that yet due to the extreme comfort of our room from which the view (above) is so great we don’t really need to venture out (though we obviously will).

In between we’ve been to Rosslare, Dungarvan and Ballymaloe, taking in some epic coastal scenery along the way.

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit I consulted AI (Claude) about the route however it resulted in our discovering the glorious Copper Coast.

If I needed any reminder that the Irish food scene is one of the best in Europe it’s been underlined by visits to The Tannery in Dungarvan, Ballymaloe House and Park Hotel in Kenmare to which I should ‘fess up and admit I was invited as a guest.

Does that affect my take on them? Clearly yes but hopefully not to the extent of being unable to give you an honest view on their strengths and drawbacks were you to contemplate a similar visit. Everyone’s tastes are different.

More to follow in due course but here are some highlights to keep you going…

The lobster and chips (above) and mixed seafood grill (below) at The Tannery. Paul Flynn is closing the restaurant at the back end of the year so get in soon if you want to eat there though he will still be running his cookery school. He’s one of my favourite chefs.

The desserts at Ballymaloe, masterminded by their pastry chef J R Ryall who is a bit of a celebrity with a book to his name. Served off a dessert trolley which is heaven.

Also *this* omelette Arnold Bennett for breakfast (which beats the one at the Grand Divan in Simpsons. Remember the debate about omelette AB a few weeks back? This nails it!)

The art at The Park which has such a huge collection they even devote a book to it. (This is a limited edition Andy Warhol print.)

Today is downtime, tomorrow we drive the Ring of Kerry, ending up in Dingle for a couple of nights to sample the local music scene.

If you enjoyed this post and it’s made you want to head for Ireland - not such a bad idea given that temperatures in the UK look like staying on the high side - maybe you’d give it a 💚.

And do share your favourite places on the west coast to eat, drink and stay. (Especially the pubs!).