Like Christmas Eve pints and the Christmas Day swim, getting up and out for a stretch of the legs on St Stephen’s Day is one of the great traditions of a classically Irish Christmas.

Don’t forget the picnic basket though!

While Christmas Day itself sees us all cloistered inside our homes sharing good times with our nearest and dearest,

St Stephen’s Day is the perfect excuse for corralling together friends, neighbours and extended family to brave the elements.

Whatever the weather, we’ll pile on the warmies and head outside to kick-start the digestion and remind ourselves we are more than mere bellies on legs! Whether it’s a chilly dip, a shot of ozone on a beach walk, or unwinding with a gentle forest stroll, it’s always time well spent.

Of course, a good walk is made even better if punctuated by a little soupçon; a wee nibble; a sweet treat; a tasty bite. So, consider turning the cobweb-blowing into something unexpectedly sociable with a picnic! It’ll be a chance to change up the festive flavours, beat off any chills, and make new memories. Who knows, it may even become your new Christmas tradition…

Where To Go?

The best spaces are free spaces, and that means the great outdoors. West Cork is peppered with well-maintained Coillte forests with great walking trails and picnic areas in forest clearings. Safe and secure for little ones with plenty of space and pet-friendly too, they are ideal for setting up an outdoor feast after a brisk walk.

If you fancy something a little more invigorating, maybe a beach is the option? From long stretches of sand to hidden away coves, we have it all, and firm favourites include Warren Strand, Long Strand, Inchydoney, Tragumna, Garrylucas and Garretstown but it all depends on where you’re living and how far you’re willing to travel.

If the adults are feeling a little lazy but the kids need to burn off some energy a nearby playground could be a great option, most of which will have space and seating for a picnic too. Similarly, there are also a number of community gardens in Dunmanway, Clonakilty, Timoleague, CECAS at Myross Wood and Bantry – these are ideal spaces for gathering to share food and a catch up.

What to Bring?

Waterproof, backed picnic blankets. Even if it’s a dry day, there will always be a little dampness on the ground so keep yourself cosy. Reusable plates, cups, glasses and cutlery are ideal, or else bring things that are recyclable.

Be prepared for spills and stickiness with wet wipes and, if eating after a walk, some hand sanitiser – especially if eating finger food. Leave the devices at home and bring a game for all ages! Keep it active with Pickleball or a simple Keepy-Uppy competition. Keep the dog happy for hours by bringing a snuffle tray laced with peanut butter.

Leave No Trace

Wherever you are and whatever you bring, leave no trace behind you. Bring rubbish bags and take home any trash. You’ve made the effort to bring it, so it’s no effort to take it back home.

Potluck It

If it’s a big gathering, spread the effort. Someone on snacks, someone on drinks, someone on games, someone to bring the blankets. Many hands really do make light work.

Picnic Inspiration

You’ve chosen your spot and gathered your people. But what to eat?

A festive picnic is great for using up leftovers by reimagining them as tasty snacks. Finger food is always great, but with a little imagination you could be sipping mulled cider and dipping leftover roasties into a campfire cheese fondue...!

Savoury Bites

Sausage Bites

Skin four good quality pork sausages and pull the meat into roughly 6-8 pieces. Roll into a ball in the palm of your hands, then fry until cooked. Baltimore Bacon sausages are 100% meat and gluten-free. Serve with Folláin’s Tomato Relish.

Coronation Turkey Salad

Turn leftover turkey meat into a classic salad. Mix with mayonnaise, two teaspoons of mild curry powder, a squeeze of lemon, a tablespoon of raisins, chopped coriander or parsley. Serve with ready-made poppadom’s and Mango Chutney.

Smoked Salmon Pâté

Union Hall Smoked Salmon Pâté is portable deliciousness spread on Sheridan’s Brown Bread Crackers (made by Cookies of Character in West Cork). Top with Scally’s Supervalu Cucumber Pickle.

Sprout Slaw

Even this salad can convert the greatest sprout hater! Peel and very thinly slice a handful of raw sprouts and half a red onion. Add some chopped parsley, dried cranberries and pecan nuts. Mix it up with salad cream, black pepper and some crumbled blue cheese (optional). Perfect with the Coronation Turkey Salad or Sausage Bites.

West Cork Gilda

A visit to West Cork Olives will surely be on your Christmas list. Pick up some chilli-stuffed green olives and bocarones (pickled anchovies). Slide an olive and a little fish on a stick and repeat!

Cheese & Tomato

Slide a West Cork Buffalo bocconcini (Mozzarella balls) on a stick with an Oak-smoked Tomato from West Cork Olives to elevate the classic cheese and tomato combo.

Camp Fire Cheese Fondue

Fondue is the answer to excess Christmas cheese! Use a small camping stove, place a small cooking pot over the flame and add a selection of chopped up cheese. Strong flavours work best. Think Coolea, Smoked Gubbeen, Lost Valley Carrignamuck. Add a splash of white wine, lemon juice, a clove of garlic, a bay leaf, and let it melt and mingle. Bring things to dip!

Pickled cornichons and sourdough bread are great, as are leftover roast potatoes from Christmas dinner.

Sweet Things

Pudding & Cheese

Cut thin slices of Christmas Pudding and top with a slither of sharp cheese. Coolea Extra Mature, Lost Valley Dairy Sobhriste or Gubeen Extra Mature are ideal. Blue cheese is fabulous, too!

Chocolate Pick n Mix

Make a Pick n Mix selection from any Christmas choccies leftover. Or melt plain milk, dark or white chocolate and use a teaspoon to drop a circle of melted chocolate onto greaseproof paper. Top with festive fruits and nuts, let cool, then pop into a tub.

Drinks

Mulled Apple Juice

Pour a bottle of Mealagulla Orchard apple juice into a saucepan and add a tablespoon of honey, a stick of cinnamon, two cloves and a Star Anise. Allow to infuse over a gentle heat for a few minutes without

boiling. Decant into a Thermos flask to stay hot until ready to drink. (For adults, add a splash of Orr Irish Brandy to the pan or substitute apple juice for Bandon’s Press House Cider).

Mocha on the Move

Hungry Crow have a gorgeous powdered hot chocolate mix that makes the best mocha! For a flask that will hold about two large cups of Mocha – for each cup, add a heaped teaspoon of hot chocolate powder, add a drop of hot water to dilute and then pour into the flask. Brew two double-shot espressos and add that to the flask  and top with hot and frothy Gloun Cross Dairy whole milk. Screw the lid on tight and carefully shake to mix. Add sugar as needed.