Dia duit, a chairde!

Lorna here, one of the founders at Within the village,

In today’s blog I wanted to take you on a mouth watering journey through Connemara that’ll have your taste buds doing an Irish jig!

Food on the Edge: Where Culinary Dreams Come True

Food on the Edge is coming back home to the West of Ireland! This international symposium, brought to you by the culinary wizard JP McMahon (aka @mistereatgalway) of Galway’s Michelin-starred restaurant Aniar, is all about discussing the future of food.

Mark your calendars for October 21st and 22nd 2024, as that’s when the Atlantic Technological University Galway City Campus will be transformed into a foodie’s paradise. It’s (We’ve) got an amazing lineup of speakers, including the Dublin-born, Copenhagen-based Lena Hennessy, Chief Operating Officer at the world-renowned Noma. It is just like the Oscars of the culinary world, with a lot more butter!

Beyond the Symposium: A Feast for the Senses

But what about the rest of Connemara? Well, my hungry friends, you’re in for a treat!

I must start with a cheeky plug, why not start your trip early with a pre-event weekend break with us here at Within The Village in Roundstone?

It’s the perfect launching pad to enjoy your culinary adventure.

Don’t miss out on the organised food tours by Galway Food Tours and Fable Tours Ireland.

For those who prefer their food with a side of craic, the Connemara Pub Tours are a must-do!

Connemara isn’t just a pretty face with stunning landscapes. We are a foodies paradise, with everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that pack the freshest of flavours.

Gone are the days when our dishes were limited to traditional fare (not that there’s anything wrong with a hearty Irish stew). Our culinary scene is as varied and exciting as a night of traditional music in any of the buzzy Pubs in Roundstone.

We’ve got creative twists on old classics that’ll make your granny’s recipes blush, and flavours from around the world that somehow feel right at home next to our local specialties.

From Sea to Table: Connemara’s Culinary Treasures

We’re not just good at cooking food, we’re pretty darn good at growing and catching it too. We’ve got Connemara Abalone, cultivated right here where the Atlantic meets Galway Bay. It’s so fancy, it makes oysters look like fast food.

Speaking of oysters, we suggest that you keep an eye out for the Dooncastle Oysters Food Truck parked by Kylemore Lough.

And let’s not forget our Killary Mussels from Killary Fjord Shellfish, harvested from waters so pristine, they make other seas look like they need a good scrub. Simon and Kate’s sustainable farming practices are as impressive as their shellfish are delicious.

A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

For those who can’t get enough of our oceanic offerings, you’re spoilt for choice. The Little Fish Restaurant in Cleggan is simplicity at its best – sometimes less really is more!

And we can’t not mention Veldon’s Seafarer Bar & Restaurant in Letterfrack.

This cosy, nautically themed spot is a long-standing institution that serves up Irish seafood classics that’ll make you want to write sonnets about shellfish. Their chowder, Killary Fjord mussels, and Cleggan crab claws are the stuff of legend.

From Pizza to Fine Dining

But we’re not all about seafood (though we do it pretty darn well). For a change of pace, check out Fado Pizza in Clifden. This hand-built food truck serves up woodfired pizzas that’ll transport you straight to Italy – if Italy had a view of the Atlantic and a lot more sheep.

For those of you seeking a more rustic Irish experience, the Misunderstood Heron in Leenane is a must-visit on your journey. This food truck is perched on the shores of Killary Harbour and serves up really innovative dishes that are well worth braving the queues.

And if you are after a touch of romance and an incredible meal, head to the Owenmore Restaurant at Ballynahinch Castle in Recess takes some beating. It has stunning river views and you get to really taste Ireland as they serve locally sourced ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for a special night out together.

A Toast to Good Times

What’s a good meal without a little tipple to wash it down? Pop into The Lamplight Wine Bar in Clifden, where award-winning sommelier Anke Hartmann will guide you through a world of organic wines. It’s like a boozy geography lesson, but much more fun!

For those who prefer something with a bit more kick, let me introduce you to Micil Distillery. Their Irish Poitín and Whiskey are ridicolously good, they’ll make you think you’ve died and gone to spirit heaven. With over 170 years of family tradition, each sip is a taste of Connemara history.

A Hamper Full of Delights

Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Connemara Hamper in Clifden. This Aladdin’s cave of foodie treasures has been delighting taste buds for 25 years. From freshly baked bread to local cheeses, it’s the perfect place to stock up on edible souvenirs.

Kylemore cheese and honey – You have to try Kylemore’s artisanal cheeses and golden honey, a perfect pairing that captures the pure flavors of the Irish countryside.

Come for the Food, Stay for the Craic

So, there you have it, my culinary adventurers – a taste of what Connemara has to offer. From international food symposiums to hidden gem eateries, from sea-fresh seafood to spirits that’ll warm your soul, we’ve got it all.

Remember, in Connemara, we don’t just eat and drink – we celebrate life with every bite and sip.

So come on over, bring your appetite, and get ready for a feast that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first meal.

Slán go fóill, and may your plates always be full, your glasses never empty, and your memories of Connemara as rich as our cuisine!

P.S. Don’t forget to share your Connemara food adventures with us! Tag @WithinTheVillage and use #ConnemaraCuisine. The best photo wins a hamper of local delicacies that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk of food has made me peckish. I think there’s a plate of Killary mussels with my name on it!

Discover the charm and comfort of our townhouses in Connemara at Within the Village! Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat or a spacious family getaway, we have the perfect accommodation for you. Explore our beautiful options and book your stay today! View Our Cottages