BBQ Salmon, Elderberry Relish, Warm Grain Salad

Our local fish shop in Portlaoise make this really more-ish BBQ salmon, which is hot smoked with whiskey & sugar and sold in sides or portions over the counter. I have been hooked on this a long time and love it with just some avocado for a snack/light lunch.  The elderberries have started to appear and I was eager to do something with them. I love the colour they add to plates and I thought (more…)

Aran Feta & Blackberry Salad

On a recent visit to the Aran Islands, I happened to meet a local man who loves cheese so much he decided to make some! Hearing that he is now making feta-style cheese, Gabriel kindly offered me a taste & though not a fan of goats cheese, I was instantly smitten with this version! Clean, tangy and without a hint of “goat”, I was wondering on the boat home what would be nice with this (more…)

Inishmore, Aran Islands

In the summer, there are hundreds if not thousands of visitors to the Aran Islands and its largest island, Inishmore each day. Many Irish people have yet to make it over and when I did finally visit, it got under my skin and I was very happy that a return trip came up not too long after! If going for a day trip then I strongly suggest that you either rent a bike at the (more…)

Slieve Aughty Centre, Loughrea

If you are into horses or if you like the peace and quiet of the outdoors then you might like the Slieve Aughty Centre, near Loughrea in Galway. Hidden away from country roads at the end of a laneway, what stands out for me about my latest visit here is the absolute stillness and quiet, where literally the only sounds you hear are birds chirruping out their favourite songs and the clippty-clop of the happy (more…)