Welcome, to our Special Events & Cookery Programme for 2008. This year our various guest chefs include the no nonsense Paula McIntyre and the quiet calm of Karyn Booth & Paul Merry. In addition our own chefs will muscle in with their own expertise of their own courses.

If you want to know more about baking, seafood, entertaining your loved one via the kitchen or simply wish to watch the experts show you how, then there should be a course at the right time for most tastes. In addition our ever popular Gourmet nights - 8 courses devised by our head chef are nights to remember.

This year, due to their very successful introduction last year, we have extended the 'Myth & Magic' tours of the Cooley Peninsula. If you want to learn more in an informative 'hands-on' approach of the amazing area in which we live, then these trips will enlighten & entertain you.

As well as our 2 Georgian Banquets, we will be hosting one Medieval Banquet this year.

Our restaurant is open every Friday & Saturday - bookings essential and midweek by prior arrangement. We are now also open for Sunday lunch - 12.30 to 4pm.

OUR GUEST CHEFS

PAULA MCINTYRE'S
is a regular contributor to Northern Ireland radio and T.V.
She has also appeared on Ready, Steady, Cook! and was former head chef at Ghan House.

PAUL MERRY is a master baker and a regular contributor to our ''hands on'' classes. Paul's course is suitable for both the professional and enthusiastic amateur cook, concentrating on yeast based breads and pastries.

KARYN BOOTH'S Cookery Courses are backed by some solid experience ~ The Ritz Hotel, pastry

chef with the Roux brothers, Sir Terrance Conran & Paul Rankin. Her expertise also involves food styling for food magazines.

ROSEMARIE CONNOLLY has lived in Thailand & is an expert at harmonising sweet, salty, hot & sour flavours to produce that distinctive 'Thai taste'.

Most 'Hands-on' Cookery Courses are limited to 12 students and the Cookery Demonstrations are limited to 50, so booking in advance is essential. Deposit of €35, or credit card details, in advance is required for the Cookery Courses and full payment is requested 3 weeks prior to the course. Confirmation that the course will be running will be given at this time. An apron for the 'Hands-on' courses is advisable as well as flat shoes.

Accommodation is available - we have been recommended as one of 'The Best 100 Places to stay in Ireland' every year since 1998. Prices are from €85 for a single room and from €95 per person sharing double/twin. All our double and twin rooms have bath & shower en-suite and mountain views. Guests on our Cookery Programme, may stay midweek, at €75 each.

The Gourmet Nights are 8 courses over the whole evening where you enjoy the choice of our head chef. Let us spoil you with dishes such as Ballagan lobster, organic wild boar and Roquefort cheese soufflé. There are also tasty vegetarian options such as wild mushroom & homemade ravioli with a truffle dressing. A harpist accompanies the early evening

The Myth & Magic of Cooley brings alive through visits to;~ local ancient monuments, the 3,000 years BC healing stones, the spiritual high places, the ancient battles that have been fought, the giants that have been laid to rest and the heroes that history does not forget. Strong walking shoes & rain wear recommended.

The Georgian Banquet is where we step back in time to 1750, with actors living out the period ~ butler at the door, the lady of the house in attendance with full costume and other characters! The ambience of the house is enhanced by being fully lit by candles, log fires and of course the Georgian Banquet with food researched from the period. A unique evening of history, music, swordfighting, banquet & merriment. Costumes are encouraged!