Sligo Food Trail stands out from other food trails in many ways, and none more so than the generous attitude to sharing tips and techniques in relation to food. This short, lively video entitled ‘Share the Secrets’, illustrates some of the ways in which visitors can learn how to harvest, preserve and cook some of the wonderful food available locally.
Ireland has a strong traditional food history and it is only recently that we have begun to stand tall and be proud of it. Each of these Sligo Food Trail members is a guardian of their food related craft. These are not standard ‘classes’ or teachers; instead they are people who love what they do, and really want to share it with others. The passion of each is evident on their faces – and it’s equally clear that the students are both enthralled and inspired. The generous, sharing attitude of teachers like this will ensure the survival of knowledge and skills that could so easily be lost in this fast moving world.
Seaweed is a super food – you could try foraging it and cooking with Dr. Prannie Rhattigan (The Coney Island experience with Trá Bán Restaurant or her Sligo Seaweed Days experience with Eithna by the Sea in Mullaghmore). Or let archaeologist Auriel Robinson guide you on Culleenamore Strand to finish with mussels cooked on the seashore by Trá Bán Restaurant (Ireland’s Earliest Takeaway – a Sea Trail with Shellfish and Sea Shells). If fermentation floats your boat then Gaby Wieland has just what you need at Neantóg Kitchen Garden School in Cliffoney where you can learn all about both fermenting and cultured foods. Award winning Chef Carolanne Rush also presents raw food workshops at Sweet Beat in Sligo Town. The traditional preservation techniques of jam, curd and cordial making are Couerine Murray’s passion (Murson Farm Experience) and she will share it with you at her farmhouse in Grange. If you’d like to make something to spread that jam on – take a trip to Pudding Row in Easkey on the Wild Atlantic Way where Dervla James will teach you all you need to know about baking real bread. The length and intensity of the classes varies depending on the topic. The costs are per person, with reduced rates (and sometimes no charge) for children. Full information and booking details are on the website.
Information on Sligo Food Trail is readily available through the website (www.sligofoodtrail.ie), social media and an attractive printed map/brochure combination which is available in the Fáilte Ireland Tourist Information Offices as well as from members.
The project is funded by CEDRA, Dept. of Agriculture, Sligo County Council, LEO Sligo, Food Trail Members, Fáilte Ireland and Sligo Tourism Ltd.
