June 27th-29th, Taste of Cork Ballymaloe House along with 10 Cork city and county restaurants took part in the successful Taste of Cork Festival. The location of the Taste of Cork Festival in Cork's City Gaol was wonderful. The weather was very kind and the weekend was a great success. From our menu we served Potage Bon Femme with Garden Lovage Pesto, Grilled Ballycotton Mackerel with Gooseberry Sauce and Organic Salad Leaves from the Ballymaloe Cookery School gardens. For dessert we served caramel ice cream with rhubarb and strawberry compote and caramel ice cream. All lovely local seasonal produce from the garden and fishing boats.

It was a wonderful opportunity to taste many dishes from the restaurants and any exhibitors that took part

July and August Summer is here and families are visiting once more. We have very creative young guests this month and they have all been inspired by the 2008 Olympics, some are building ramps dotted throughout the wood and garden for bike races, others are trying to learn how to synchronise swim much to the amusement of us all. Unfortunately some of our eggs got used for a bowling competition by two very mischievous young girls ( the chefs did not get their hands on them in time!)

For some Rory's fishing boat has taken on a new meaning, it is fun to think you can imagine you are Steven Redgrave, a powerful rower when you are enjoying a relaxing afternoon mackerel fishing for supper!