Taste of Ireland

On 28th September, acclaimed Irish chef and cooking sensation Clodagh McKenna hosts and curates a two-night “Taste of Ireland” journey on board Belmond Grand Hibernian – Ireland’s only luxury sleeper train. The two-night journey travels to Ireland’s foodie hotspots of Cork and Galway where guests have a choice of excursions carefully selected by Clodagh. The stops along the way are personally recommended by Clodagh, inspired by her own culinary experiences. Clodagh, together with the train’s Executive Chef Mark Bodie, will prepare the onboard menus that are rooted in the Irish traditions of dining with family and friends.

Clodagh Mckenna comments “I am so excited to be hosting and curating this journey with Belmond. The train travels through destinations of my childhood and will take us to the cities of Galway and Cork that are close to my heart. This trip is ideal for those wishing to explore Ireland’s gastronomic roots and learn more about how culture and food are intimately connected.”

GIN AND FORAGING

In Cork, the itinerary includes a visit to Ballyvolane House where guests can go foraging with Clodagh to seek out Autumn’s rich bounties, including wild edible plants, fruits and mushrooms. There is also the chance to enjoy a tutored tasting at Bertha’s Revenge Gin Distillery, where gin is crafted using whey alcohol from Irish cow’s milk.

THE GALWAY INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL

On arrival at the gastronomic city of Galway, guests can visit the oldest oyster festival in the world, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. Clodagh will take guests round the festival where they can sample freshly prepared oysters and even try oyster shucking. Alternatively, guests can explore the charming city on foot and visit Clodagh’s favourite cultural hotspots, including artisan gem ‘Sheridan’s Cheesemongers’.

CLODAGH’S SUPPERS

Throughout this journey, Chef Mark and Clodagh will cook a selection of dishes taking inspiration from Clodagh’s latest cookbook Clodagh’s Suppers and the destinations where the train passes through. The ‘Autumnal East of Ireland Lunch’ features Waterford Fresh Water Lobster Salad and Apple & Thyme Tart, the ‘Autumnal Southern of Ireland Supper’ includes Toonsbridge Farm Buffalo Mozzarella, Irish Heritage Tomatoes & Irish Apple Balsamic and the ‘Autumnal West of Ireland Supper’ sees Wild Black Sole with Samphire and Carrigeen Moss Pudding & Wild Blackberries on the menu.

THE FINAL INGREDIENT

Clodagh McKenna is a chef, cookbook author and broadcaster. She currently stars in the new Channel 4 series ‘Beat the Chef’, which aired this Summer in the UK. Clodagh develops wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients that are perfect for entertaining. This year, Clodagh celebrates 20 years working in food and has released her sixth cookbook entitled, Clodagh’s Suppers.

Clodagh started her career in food in her home country of Ireland, where she trained and worked at Ballymaloe Cookery School & House in County Cork. Then she went on to develop farmer markets around Ireland as well as creating her own food range, which she sold via the farmers markets. She ran three award winning restaurants in Dublin called Clodagh’s Kitchen, where customers could sample her food ethos, which focuses on simple, local and seasonal produce with a fresh take on Irish cooking.

Belmond Grand Hibernian travels with only 40 passengers on a circular route from Dublin’s Hueston Station immersing guests in authentic contemporary Ireland. The sleeper carriages are formed of elegant en-suite cabins. The train also boasts two dining cars and an observation car with large picture windows and a bar.

Prices for a ‘A Taste of Ireland with Clodagh Mckenna’ start from €3,300 per person and is fully inclusive including all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions.

For more details on Belmond visit belmond.com

About Belmond Ltd.

Belmond Ltd. part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has been a pioneer of luxury travel for more than 40 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations.

Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to push industryboundaries, taking discerning global travellers on surprising and unforgettable journeys spanning land, water,adventure and relaxation, with international acclaim. The portfolio of 46 properties extends across 24 countries, encompassing three luxury safari lodges, two river cruises, seven luxury trains, including the iconic

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and the legendary ‘21’ restaurant in New York. From historic city landmarks like Belmond Cadogan Hotel and Belmond Copacabana Palace to hidden retreats at Belmond Cap Juluca andBelmond La Résidence d’Angkor, each incomparable property has its own timeless story to tell, yet the hallmarks of the brand thread through them all: heritage, craftsmanship, and a reputation for genuine, unscripted service in an unrivalled location create exceptional experiences 

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