The Raglan Road Trip to Ireland was an amazing experience with many great moments to share. Our group of travelers consisted of five Raglan Road Master Chef Cooking Contest winners, plus members of the media to capture moments of the trip. All of us were going along for this adventure of food, culture, and fun. This trip was hosted by Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant as part of their 10 year anniversary celebration and we were treated to Irish hospitality by Chef Kevin Dundon and team. From Orlando to Dublin, we made our way down to County Wexford for a few days stay at the Dunbrody Country House Hotel. We learned about local food, visited farms, and improve our skills in the kitchen. Lots of photos and stories to share from Ireland and these are only the highlights of the trip for now.
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Our adventure started with a flight from Orlando, FL to Dublin, Ireland on Aer Lingus. Friendly staff, comfortable seats, lots of green inside the play. I enjoyed the flight round trip.
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Being a car guy, I found myself taking many automobile photos. This was our vehicle for our trip and it deserved a photo as well. A comfortable way to get around Ireland.
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Our first stop from the airport was for breakfast at Herbstreet Restaurant in Dublin. The latte and herbstreet full Irish were a great way to start the morning.
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Our host, Chef Kevin Dundon pops in to greet us and we’re off to our next stop in Dublin.
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That stop would be for a private guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Nothing like having breakfast, then off to learning about how they make Guinness beer, to pouring our own pints of Guinness, to drinking those pints, and experiencing a great view of the city.
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The Gravity Bar (top floor of the Guinness Storehouse) gives a beautiful 360º view of Dublin while you enjoy a pint of Guinness.
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We check into the Bewley’s Hotel Ballsbridge and a few of us go for a walk to find Raglan Road.
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We found Raglan Road, which refers to “On Raglan Road”, a well-known Irish song from a poem written by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh named after Raglan Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
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Our group went to dinner at L’Ecrivain Restaurant, a Michelin star Restaurant. The evening was hosted by owner award winning Chef Derry Clarke, one of the Raglan Road Master Chef judges.
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My main course was one of the best lamb dishes I’ve had. Fermanagh Lamb Rump, artichoke, wild garlic, jus, gnocchi, anchovy cream. There will be another post about this wonderful dining experience.
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Day 2 in Ireland, we drive south to County Wexford and had a very quick stop in Enniscorthy. A few minutes allowed us to take photos of the Enniscorthy castle in view.
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Our first stop of the day was to Ballyminane Mills, located at Ballindaggin, just outside Enniscorthy. This authentic water powered mill was established in 1832 and remains a working mill to this day.
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Our hosts at Ballyminane Mills treated us to a spread of homemade Irish baked goods and hot tea. The bread was made with stone ground wholemeal flour produced at the mill. This was a true sign of Irish hospitality.
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Next stop was at Danescastle Fruit Farm, growing Wexford strawberries and raspberries. After the tour of the farm, we tasted some of the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever had.
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We visited a farm and saw the cows which will eventually be imported Irish beef for steaks served at Raglan Road in Orlando, FL. We learned about their grass fed diet and life on the farm.
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Finally made it to Dunbrody Country House Hotel, checked into our rooms, and did some exploring before dinner.
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One of my favorite photos from this trip. Discovering the paths of lush green at Dunbrody House.
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Dinner at Dunbrody House Restaurant was prepared by Chef Kevin Dundon and team. Many great dinner courses, including this Burren-Smoked Wild Atlantic Salmon with lemon-infused creme fraiche.
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Chef Kevin Dundon’s cooking school and the same kitchen where he films his cooking shows for TV.
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Chef Kevin went through each Master Chef Cooking Contest winners’ dish, put his own spin on it, and taught them how to prepare the updated version. Each winner will prepare their dish for the upcoming 10 year celebration dinner at Raglan Road in Orlando.
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Chef plating one of the dishes.
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The beautiful plate that was quickly devoured by us students.
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A view from Hook Peninsula in County Wexford while visiting the Hook Lighthouse.
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Hook Lighthouse is the oldest still-operational lighthouse in the world.
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A visit to Loftus Hall, our group toured this haunted house.
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Dinner at The Local at Dunbrody with pints of Guinness and the best Fish and Chips.
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Morning stroll around the ground of Dunbrody.
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I loved having breakfast every morning at Dunbrody Restaurant, especially for this mini Irish plate.
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Fishing trip out in the ocean with some waves gave a few catches, then back on the river for more fish to catch. Sadly, I did not catch any fish.
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Scenic views while on the boat in calm water.
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Treated to a “99” ice cream cone with a Cadbury Flake inserted in it. No one knows why it’s called a 99, but it tasted so good.
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Experiencing Afternoon Tea at Dunbrody with many tasty small bites and hot tea.
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Chef Kevin taught us all how to fillet a fish and we got to cook our own meal for dinner. I chose to fry my fish in his signature batter. A great family-style feast to end our trip.
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Catching the gorgeous sunset for our last evening in Ireland. The back of Dunbrody House was a spectacular view.
Sharing this trip with the cooking contest winners and fellow media friends was an unforgettable experience. The Raglan Road Trip is only one part of the 10 year anniversary for Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant. More celebrations are coming up including the 4th Annual ‘Great Irish Hooley’ at Downtown Disney and the special Raglan Road 10th birthday dinner in October. Current celebrations include new dishes & cocktails that have been added to the Raglan Road menu.
This was my first trip to Ireland and my first trip to Europe. I was mesmerized by the landscape of Ireland, taking a total of over 4000+ photos and photos. Many photos to choose from and this is only a small recap of the trip. Stay tuned for more photos and stories in upcoming posts.
Words and photos by Julius Mayo Jr.
Content and photos © Droolius.com 2015
Disclaimer: I was invited as media to attend the Raglan Road Trip. I was not compensated to write this post and all opinions are always my own.
