Clonakilty is first town on new food trail

founder Kate Ryan pictured above (centre) with Sarah Leather (Transformational Business Coach), left, and Marie Healy (Failte Ireland, South West).

WEST Cork food blogger Kate Ryan has started guided food tours of the region.

With food tourism becoming a huge industry across the globe, Kate has decided to show off the area’s huge success in artisan food production.

Originally from Bristol in the UK, Kate has a loyal following on her West Cork blog, flavour.ie.

‘I grew up in a family where growing what you could from your modest back garden was essential for adding to a humble but fulfilling stock cupboard. It meant that I was always exposed to an abundance of fresh, seasonable vegetables and fruit and we always made the most of everything and nothing was wasted,’ she says.

‘These days I carry that ethos with me in my everyday food adventures. We have some of the most amazing producers and food here in this part of the world,’ she adds. ‘Flavour.ie is on a mission to tell the world about West Cork food, one story at a time,’ she explains.

Her new Food Adventures trails will take people on a journey through food history and traditions to meet the local and artisan producers in West Cork, starting with a Walking Food Tour of Clonakilty.

‘Flavour.ie will introduce locals and visitors alike to the people behind great local artisan food, their stories, traditions and innovations. The first and flagship tour will provide people with a chance to taste their way around Clonakilty, have a unique experience and create new memories that they will treasure for years to come,’ Kate explains.

The tour takes in producers such as the iconic Clonakilty Black Pudding, Clonakilty Chocolate, as well as markets, breads, cheese, meat, fish and even ice-cream.

‘To be able to take people who are as enthusiastic as I am about food and provide an opportunity to get a unique insight into the great local produce that is right under our noses is a delight.’

The tours takes place every Friday from May to September. Places are limited, so booking in advance online at www.flavour.ie/food-adventures is recommended. The cost of the tour, including food samples, is €45.