AND THERE’S MORE STILL... THE LODGE AT ASHFORD CASTLE
FANCY a weekend of gluttony in one of Ireland’s most picturesque locations?
We recently had the pleasure of sampling some of the culinary delights on offer at the Lodge at Ashford Castle.
After a relaxing Friday night in one of the beautiful bedrooms, we were up bright and early for a trip to Caherduff Farm, where we helped Tom and Keeley Clesham with the morning’s milking. Head Chef Jonathan Keane is working closely with Tom and Keeley to ensure the freshest, most local produce is served at The Lodge, ensuring that every mouth-watering morsel can be traced back to source.
That completed, we headed back for a three-course breakfast. It began with a buffet offering homemade jams, rhubarb and whiskey porridge, fresh fruit smoothies, and meats and cheeses from locally sourced producers. This was followed by an artisan fry-up of sausages, puddings, a glazed bacon chop, free range hen’s egg, potato cake and grilled organic tomato , and, wait for it, finished off with Cuinneog buttermilk pancakes and Catherduff farm brown bread ice-cream.
Later that evening, after some long walks to recover, we were treated to Jonathan’s tasting menu in Wilde’s restaurant. Here we sampled the best of contemporary cooking. Some of the delights included Burren Smoked salmon with seaweed and white chocolate corn, wild Scarriff rabbit pie with treacle jus and a gorse flower brulee.
For a summer getaway or a gourmet tasting treat, check out the hotel’s website for midweek and weekend packages. With a two-night night stay you can pick a reward. Start the weekend with a bottle of Prosecco, or enjoy a two-course dinner at the Quays Bar & Brasserie, or escape from the rest of the world and cherish some time together with a romantic turndown with delectable chocolate dipped strawberries, rose petals and an evening by the glow of candle light.
The ‘Get more from your stay’ package at The Lodge at Ashford Castle starts from €150 per room and includes breakfast each morning and a reward of your choice, the perfect treat to end any week.