Official opening of new Mayo Cookery School
Cabots' Cookery School, Deerpark, Aughagower, Westport, has officially opened.
The purpose-built school is tucked away on a twelve-acre organic farm five kilometers south east of Westport, in the townland of Deerpark.
It is surrounded by rolling hills and mature trees. The land was once a hunting ground – an actual Deer park- of the country estate of the Marquis of Sligo. It overlooks Kinlooey Lough, a lake for fishing brown trout.
On the southern shore are the remains of a Crannog, a manmade Ireland dating from the Bronze Age.
Today the fields are grazed by the Cabots’ sheep, and vegetables and herbs for the school are grown onsite. Everything is organic, promoting biodiversity is at the heart of the project.
“The basic plan was always to build a unique building in a unique setting outside of Westport to promote all local, natural, and fresh produce.
"We have always been inspired by the ethos of Ballymaloe Cookery School. We love local produce and local producers!” said founder, Redmond Cabot, who started out in the food business selling hummus and other dips at Westport Country Market in 2010.
In 2014, Redmond and Sandra launched Cabots of Westport, producing premium artisan sauces and dips, now on sale in supermarkets, delis, and independent food stores nationwide.
Over 180 visitors to the Cookery School have already enjoyed courses on classic French Cuisine, Italian kitchen cooking, Vietnamese Street food, basic and intermediate Bread-making.
A summer schedule is online at www.cabotscookeryschool.ie.
“This summer we are looking forward to loads of interesting courses, Mexican cooking to Wild Atlantic fish workshops, and already the feedback has been fantastic,” said Sandra.
Westport’s success and recognition as a premium tourist destination, proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way, and a growing interest in local foods and food tourism present amazing opportunities for the new food tourism initiative.
The Cookery School will be a unique, environmentally friendly and sustainable business.
It will complement the existing attractions that Westport currently offers as a tourist destination and will be a net contributor to the local economy and skills base.
Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development, performed the opening ceremony.
Wishing the project well he said: "Seeing a community initiative like this adds vital life, skills, and resources to rural communities. We wish Sandra and Redmond every success for this ambitious and innovative venture”.
Also in attendance at the opening was Minister of State Alan Dillon and Mayo TDs Keira Keogh and Paul Lawless.
There were representatives of Mayo County Council, South West Mayo Development Company, Leader, the Local Action Group, and Mayo Local Enterprise Office
Resident chef Richard Gleeson produced a dazzling array of local produce foods arrangements to showcase the amazing variety and quality of local foods in the region.
He said: “Having worked in many top quality food establishments I can say the facilities and local produce here equals the very best I have worked with."
Over 130 people attended the opening from the local farming, food, tourism, and business communities.