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On Friday we spent the morning touring the Jamieson Distillery at Middleton before we set off for the Cookery School and garden tour at Ballymaloe. By this stage the weather had deteriorated and so we could not enjoy the full beauty of the gardens, however all were held in awe by Rory O'Connell's cookery demonstration, where a veritable feast was prepared before our eyes and later presented to us for tasting. Even the Upper Warden was enthralled! Any Paviors wishing copies of the recipes should make contact with the Master. The Renter Warden took a copy with him to Menorca where a passable attempt was made with the Piperonata! Dinner that night was taken at a charming restaurant called Boogies, where once again we dined well although sadly the business had just been sold and ours was almost the last supper – watch out you Da Vinci Code readers!! The programme for Saturday enabled us to visit the lovely home of Alison Trigg and to purchase some of her most unusual pottery sculptures before we arrived at the enchanting town of Lismore for lunch and a stroll around the attractions – including Lismore Castle which has been the Irish home of the Dukes of Devonshire since 1753 and is possibly the most spectacular castle in Ireland. Situated in a panoramic position overlooking the Blackwater Valley it has views over rolling wooded hills to the Knockmealdown Mountains beyond. Whilst being totally private, the Castle is on the outskirts of the Heritage Town of Lismore and a short walk to all its amenities. The route back to Ballymaloe took us through 'The Vee', which is a viewing point from which you can see eight counties (on a good day!). |
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That evening the Master had arranged for us to visit Curraheen Greyhound Stadium just outside Cork, where we were able to dine in luxury and to back our favourite dogs as they fought it out on the track, and all were amazed at the ease with which we managed to spend both time and Euros – in almost equal proportions, but all were also agreed that it was a most entertaining evening with which to round up the 'formal/organised' aspect of the Jolly. Sunday morning was grey! The result being that most had a slow start and sauntered around the shop or took a stroll around the hotel gardens before setting off for the return journey to Heathrow. The Master and Mistress are to be congratulated for their hospitality while in Ireland. Their unique approach made the party feel relaxed and 'at home' in these charming parts and all members of the party will want to join in thanks to both of them and to wish them continuing success with their year in office. Christopher Laing |
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Ballymaloe |
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Boogies |
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Alison Trigg |