Private Ennis Tasting History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien
Ennis Tasting History Tour is an entertaining and fascinating insight into the vibrant market town of Ennis, the history of Irish food and how food and attitudes towards it have shaped Irish society – this is an edible experience of the town’s past and present with samplings along the way. Experience the ancient art of butter making; learn about the actual famine ‘lumper’ potato that caused such devastation for our ancestors; and explore the many innovative ways that local people used the wild produce of the shores and woodlands to supplement their diets. Get a chance to taste the real pigs ‘blood pudding’ traditionally made in the small farmhouses of the county, as well as the once infamous illegally distilled Poitín – the ‘darling liquor’ of the townsfolk. The tour will end with a stop at a local food supplier to taste and learn more about the wealth of fine local produce currently available including Clare Farmhouse Cheeses, Burren Smoked Salmon and more.
Options
Private Ennis Tasting History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien
What's included in Private Ennis Tasting History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
We start the tour in the picturesque courtyard shared by the Temple Gate Hotel and the Clare Musuem/Ennis Tourist Office where we are introduced to the history of the vibrant market town of Ennis, and how food and attitudes to food have shaped its history and society. We explore the importance butter and butter making once played in Irish life, and participants get a chance to experience the magic of churning their own butter on the tour!
Francis Street was once the ancient Causway of the town linking the castle of the O'Brien Kings to the 13th century Old Abbey. At this stop we explore the importance and traditions of banquets and feasting amongst the Celtic Kings of Ireland, as well as some of their more unusual entertainments! We get to taste the famous honey Mead, the drink of the High Kings, whose influence was so great that the halls of Tara, where the High Kings of Ireland ruled, were called the house of the Mead circle.
We explore the history of the Old Abbey (circa 1240), and what daily life was like for the friars that once lived here. Despite their simple monastic lifestyle the friars could enjoy a rich diet including oats, fish, poultry, eggs and beer. We know from traces of medieval hives that they were also bee-keepers, and we get to sample some locally made traditional oat-cakes drizzled with local honey made from Ennis bees!
Inclusions
- Alcoholic beverages for over 18's only. Please inform if children are attending and a soft drink substitute can be made.
- Sample of mead, oatcake & honey, dillisk, blood pudding, Poitíin, chocolate, soda bread & homemade butter, clare cheeses & smoked salmon - quantity of small plate. Inform of any dietary restrictions.
- Gratuities - not expected but always appreciated.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet in the courtyard outside the reception of the Temple Gate Hotel. It is opposite the Clare Museum/Ennis Tourist Office, just off the main O'Connell square.
End Points
- The tour ends in the Ennis Gourmet Store just off the main O'Connell Street
