Duckett's Grove: A Journey Through Time. A World of History and Enchantment

Duckett's Grove: A Journey Through Time

Step into a World of History and Enchantment

Cornfield and tree, from the stableyard

Duckett's Grove, a captivating blend of history and ruined beauty, awaits your exploration. Once a grand mansion, it now stands as a magnificent silhouette, a testament to a bygone era.

Duckett's Grove was the heart and soul of the Duckett family for centuries. Explore the stunning Gothic exterior, a silent witness to their lives. Though a fire ravaged the interior in 1933, the spirit of the estate lives on in the meticulously restored walled gardens.

We visited last week, and it was easy to imagine it in its heyday
when it would have matched its counterparts in the Loire Valley.

A Storied Past And A Paradise For Garden Enthusiasts

Delve into the vibrant world of the interconnecting walled gardens. The Upper Walled Garden boasts a collection of historical shrub roses and a mesmerising showcase of Chinese and Japanese peonies. In contrast, the Lower Walled Garden, once a family orchard, now flourishes with a variety of fruits and traditional Irish apple trees. Borders brimming with colourful shrubs and perennials complete the enchanting scene.

Lazy River Café

Unwind and Explore

Let the kids loose in the newly built playground, designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Take a guided tour (Fridays-Sundays at 12.30 PM and 2.30 PM) and delve deeper into the estate's intriguing past. If you prefer a self-guided exploration, pick up a free audio tour and hear captivating stories from the people who brought Duckett's Grove to life, from the gentry to the gardeners.

Your first view! The wildflowers enclose the ample car parking and make one of the best
such displays that I have seen.

Indulge Your Senses

After your exploration, pamper your palate at The Lazy River Café, nestled within the courtyard. Savour delicious, home-cooked meals at reasonable prices, or simply indulge in their delectable pastries or scones.

Experience Duckett's Grove

Open daily during daylight hours with free admission, Duckett's Grove offers a unique escape for everyone. Explore craft and gift shops open on weekends and during special events like the annual Christmas fair.

View from the walled gardens

Getting There

Duckett's Grove is easily accessible. Take exit 4 off the M9 motorway (Dublin/Waterford) and follow signs for Castledermot & Duckett's Grove (R93 RF80).

Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of Duckett's Grove. It's a historical adventure waiting to unfold!

Additional Tips:

• Capture the picturesque beauty of Duckett's Grove with your camera – it's no wonder it's one of the most photographed ruins in Ireland!
• Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely afternoon amidst the stunning scenery.
• Check the website or social media pages for upcoming events and special exhibitions.
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  Also on this trip:

  Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

  Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

  O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale

  BAHT Thai

  The Lord Bagenal Inn

  Duckett’s Grove

  Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

  
  
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  Carpark wildflower border and ruin

  
  

 

Beer of the Week. O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale. A Hoppy Delight.

Beer of the Week

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale, 5.2% ABV, on draught at the Lord Bagenal Inn in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow

A Hoppy Delight

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale is a refreshing and flavourful brew that captures the essence of the modern style. With its balanced bitterness, zesty aroma, and long-lasting finish, this beer is a must-try for any craft beer enthusiast and is our Beer of the Week.

The copper-toned body is topped with a lightly carbonated head, inviting you to take a sip. The dry hopping adds a burst of fruit and floral notes, creating a complex and aromatic experience. The bitterness is well-balanced, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the malt.

A Perfect Pairing

Very enjoyable in The Lord Bagenal Inn, especially after a day's wandering in the beautiful County Carlow, where this beer is produced. Its refreshing flavours and crisp finish make it a versatile beer that pairs well with a variety of foods including my delicious Asian-style Roast Duck and my companion's Chicken Curry in the Inn's restaurant.

Also on this trip:

Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

O'Hara's Craft Beer

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

Taste of the Week. Organic Gravadlax by Ummera Smokehouse

Taste of the Week. 

Organic Gravadlax by Ummera Smokehouse

Anthony Creswell's award-winning Ummera Smokehouse is situated in rural West Cork by the banks of the Argideen River. Here, near the village of Timoleague, Anthony smokes both fish and meat.

In 2008, he introduced their Organic Gravadlax, which was honoured with the Gold Medal in the 2008 Great Taste Awards in its first year of production. Organic salmon marinated in a special blend of dill, sugar, salt, pepper, and a splash of whiskey creates a wonderful taste and texture experience. 

One filleted side of organic salmon is covered with the gravadlax mix, then the other side is placed on top; they are chilled and turned twice a day for five days to allow the marinade's flavours to seep into the salmon, while the salt extracts the moisture from the sides and cures the salmon.

Sliced thinly or diced, it has a wonderful texture and a soft and rich umami flavour. Some like to enhance it with a mustard and dill sauce, but like the master himself, we prefer our ultra-delicious Taste of the Week just as it is!

Easy drinking blend of Trebbiano and a small dash of Chardonnay, zippy and fresh. Madregale Terre di Chieti Bianco

Cantina Tollo Madregale Terre di Chieti Bianco (IGP) 2022, 12.5% ABV

RRP: €13.50. Stockists: 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny 

Easy drinking blend of Trebbiano and a small dash of Chardonnay, uncomplicated, zippy and fresh.

Looking for an easy-drinking white that doesn’t cost a packet? Then, look no further. This award-winning Cantina Tollo, from one of the biggest and best cooperative wineries in the Abruzzo region, is just the ticket. 

It has a light straw yellow colour; on the nose, there’s a mild mix of fruity and floral notes, while on the palate, it is dry, soft, and harmonious (with hints of apple and citrus) with a slightly almondy aftertaste. Importers Le Caveau say this zippy and fresh white is made from hand-harvested grapes and, with an indigenous yeast fermentation, “which may well account for its bright, fresh drinkability.”  They certainly sell a lot of it, and it regularly turns up as a house wine on local restaurant lists. If you see it, order with confidence!

It is superb as an aperitif or as a companion to light seafood or pasta dishes like spaghetti with clams. Highly Recommended.

Most if us will be familar with Chardonnay. Maybe not with Trebbiano, the main grape here. Trebbiano grows well in Abruzzo, with “great vigour and constant in production, as it loves light, siliceous-calcareous soils,…… Short pruning favours consistency in production. And, unoaked and naturally fermented and bottled to retain fruit characteristics and fresh acidity, this white captures the grape’s quality and the sunshine of the Southern Italian region perfectly.

Cantina Tollo has over 800 growers who, between them, have over 3,200 hectares of vineyards. All of the growers and the winery are certified organic. The range of terroirs allows some bottlings to label themselves as coming from more specific sub-zones, like this one, for example, in the Terre di Chieti.

• This post is part of a series on Italian wines made from native grapes and produced by usually small or medium-sized organic wineries. Taking some “guidance” here from the recently published VINO. Mightn’t always net the hat trick but hope to score two from the three each time. I have quite a few lined up, but I’m happy to consider any suggestions or help. #OrganicItaly
• See the expanding list of #OrganicItaly wines here

Savour the Flavours of Culture Night. After Hours at Cork’s Historic English Market

press release 

Savour the Flavours of Culture Night 

After Hours at Cork’s Historic English Market

Preparations are underway for a vibrant evening of culture and community at the English Market, a culinary hub in the heart of Cork City. This Friday, September 20th, from 6:30 PM until 9 PM, the market will open its historic doors after hours for a celebration that blends local flavours with artistic flair.

Renowned for its artisan food stalls, the English Market will transform into a cultural celebration of the best local produce Cork has to offer, blending tradition, community, and creativity in one unforgettable evening. As the sun sets, the market will come alive with live performances and the finest produce that highlight the market’s culinary treasures.

Market-goers will be able to sample fresh flavours of iconic Cork produce and experience the rich history of this centuries-old marketplace. Whether you're a foodie, a family looking for an evening of entertainment, or simply someone eager to soak in Cork’s culture, this event promises to be an unmissable celebration.

Speaking ahead of Culture Night, Brendan Walsh, Property Manager with Lisney Commercial Real Estate at the English Market added “Culture Night at the English Market is always a special event. We’re proud to showcase not only the best of Cork’s food but also the vibrant spirit of the city.”

 

Mr. Walsh continued: “We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience an evening of culture and community, celebrating the locally produced food we have available here in the market and of course, to give something back to the people of Cork who support us year in, year out. We look forward to welcoming everyone on Friday for an evening of cultural celebrations”

 

List of English Market traders participating in Culture Night 2024:

●        My Goodness

●        Noonan’s

●        Roughty Fruit King/sister

●        Chocolate Stall

●        Paul Mulvany

●        Farmgate Café

●        The Real Olive Company

●        K O'Connell's

●        Kay’s Kitchen

●        Terra Ignis

●        Hederman's

●        Café Marius

●        Bubble Brothers

●        Rooftop farms

●        The Pie Guys

●        On the pigs back

●        Chicken Inn

●        O'Flynn's Gourmet

●        Coffee Central

●        Maki Sushi Rolls

●        Alternate Bread Company

 

Culture Night is an annual series of nationwide events organised by The Arts Council, in partnership with local authorities and cultural organisations throughout the island of Ireland. To find out more visit www.culturenight.ie

 

The English Market usual opening hours are 8am-6pm, Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays). For more information and to keep up to date with the latest news, visit The English Market social media pages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or visit www.corkcity.ie/en/english-market/

 

BAHT. An Authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow

 BAHT. An Authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow

Superb Thai food and very comfortable chairs!

A wealth of Thai experience lies behind the menu in Carlow town’s BAHT. The new Thai-owned restaurant sees seasoned chefs and fresh talent bring you authentic Thai flavours. Enjoy dishes infused with traditional medicinal herbs, crafted with passion and care. We certainly gave it a big thumbs up on a recent Tuesday evening when the room was close to capacity.

It is a lovely room on Castle Hill in the heart of the town. Lots of Thai memorabilia includes quite a few of these amazingly intricate vases, but the eye-catching piece, which stretches about 3 metres across one wall, is a mesmerisingly detailed depiction of a moving dragon boat packed with crew.

After a warm welcome, we began with an unlisted and delightful surprise: an amuse bouche of Thai Crackers with dip. They were darker in colour than your usual prawn crackers, and I gather that a little extra red chilli in the mix gives them that.

Our shared starter was the Baht Platter (€9.00), which included filo pastry wrapped prawns, Baht-style honey spare ribs, and the most delicious wonton bags made from chicken and prawns, a delicious sample of their small plates. We were up and running!

On to the mains, then. We had our work cut out trying to make a choice, but we both are big fans of Massaman Curry (24.40). The meat here was Lamb, so that swung it, and it didn't disappoint. The last Massaman I enjoyed as much was two years back in Bunnyconnellan’s, where the chef used lamb shank as the meat. It was also very delicious.

Portions here are rather generous, so there was no room for dessert on the night. But two very satisfied customers left Baht, the restaurant's name derived from the Thai currency.

Irish-born Thai Baht owner Nanphun Srakhunthod is currently chef at Uno Mas in Dublin. Nan's previous experiences include a wealth of knowledge from restaurants such as Pichet in Dublin and being a Stagiaire at two-Michelin-starred Gaggan in Bangkok. She is also a contributor to the recently published SOUP, one of the @blastabooks series. 

Founder of Baht, Owee studied hospitality management and has been working in the industry since she was 16. She also has experience working with multiple 5-star hotels in Dublin. She started cooking when she was 7 and is passionate about experimenting with Thai recipes and creating her own version of those dishes.

Noad, an owner of BAHT, moved to Ireland over 30 years ago. Before moving to Ireland, Noad worked as a chef in Bangkok before applying to work in Siam Thai in Monkstown, Dublin, where he was the Executive Chef back in 1997. Noad is well known amongst the Thai people in Ireland for always lending a helping hand to the Thai community.

This trio alone makes Baht one of the most authentic Thai experiences you can have in Ireland. It is Very Highly Recommended and well worth a call, a detour even, if you are in Carlow.

Also on this trip

Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

Three lovely riverside towns: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale.

Thursday Treat Alert As The Good Dairy's Delicious Ice Cream Hits Lidl Shelves

Thursday Treat Ahead As The Good Dairy's Delicious Ice Cream Hits Lidl Shelves

There’s a treat coming up on Thursday for all Lidl customers when a range of ice creams from a Kinsale farm will hit the company freezers. Catherine, the ice cream maker, told me all about The Good Dairy Company at the weekend.

“I am an ice cream producer in Nohoval, Kinsale, Cork.  We are a small business and we have got a huge opportunity. I am launching on 19th September in Lidi in all stores in Ireland and Northern Ireland.”

“Lidl Ireland is partnering with small, sustainable, and innovative brands to showcase the best Ireland has to offer. With a focus on sustainability and zero waste, we’re proud to be a part of this incredible initiative.”

“We are three years up and running. It's a small family business. We are dairy farmers. I use the milk and cream from our Pedigree Friesian Cows. My husband, Tom, milks the cows, and within an hour of milking, I take that milk and cream to make our ice cream. It goes from field to freezer in one day. It's so creamy and natural, and you can't get fresher.”

And I’d say you won’t get any more delicious ice cream than The Good Dairy's. Catherine kindly brought a few samples. They weren’t left hanging around for long. She has three flavours: Udderly Vanilla, Chocolate Cow's Lick, and Salted Caramoo. Hard to pick a favourite from those three, quality all the way (for instance, she uses Madagascan Vanilla in the Udderly Vanilla). Yet, the large tubs are very fairly priced for both quantity and quality.

I like the names, and I like the ice cream even more. Go on, give it a try, and support local. I also like that it is natural ice cream and is not loaded with artificial emulsifiers and stabilisers. Hats off!

The Nohoval farm is one of dozens of small producers around the country selected for Lidl’s 2024 Kickstart Development Programme. Others that you may be familiar with are Rívesci Chilli Catsup and Inch House Black & White Pudding Slice (both Tipperary), Greenfield Yogurts Natural Live Yogurt (Co. Cork), Connemara Brewing Irish Beers, Hopfully Brewing Craft Beers (Waterford) and Quiet Noise Alcohol Free Craft Beers (Meath).