Over the centuries, County Wexford on the southeastern coast of Ireland has endured the Celts, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and Normans passing through the valleys, leaving behind a landscape rich in historical remains. Countless castles, abbeys, fortresses and ancient settlements remain to mark their passage. Since the number of hours of sunshine received daily is higher than in the rest of the country, County Wexford is known as Ireland’s “sunny southeast”, making the area the perfect year-round choice for a culinary getaway to the countryside.

You will stay at Dunbrody Country House, a historical 1830s Georgian property set on 300 acres of parkland on the idyllic Hook Peninsula on Ireland’s southern coast. Indulgence is the order of the day at this small luxury hotel with its world-renowned gourmet restaurant, chic champagne seafood bar and renowned Chef, Kevin Dundon. You will spend two full days in his famous cooking school discovering the hidden secrets of Irish cuisine.

5-Course Welcome Dinner

Arriving at the Dunbrody Country House Hotel, you will be greeted by Kevin and Catherine Dundon and their attentive staff. After settling into your new home, the staff will provide you with the information necessary to fully enjoy Wexford and the surrounding area during your stay. Renowned for always featuring home and locally-produced, seasonal ingredients, your dinner will be served in the Harvest Room at Dunbrody. Emphasis is always on the freshness of the seasonl ingredients, enhancing them through the simplicity of combinations.

Irish Breakfast Every Morning

A buffet of fresh baked breads & pastries, fresh fruits, cold cuts and a selection of hot dishes featuring wonderful local artisan sausages, bacon, free-range eggs await you every morning. In addition, for those who prefer the long leisurely start to their day – breakfast is served til Noon at Dunbrody!

Seasonal Full Day Hands-on Cooking Class

Today you will spend the entire day discovering some wonderful seasonal dishes through demonstration and hands-on experience at celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon’s Dunbrody Cookery School. You will learn to create dishes that are truly luscious while bringing out their flavors with respectful, not overpowering, techniques. After completing the selection of starters, main courses and desserts, you will relax and enjoy your delicious creations. You will never think of Irish food the same way again.

Hook Lighthouse Guided Tour

Driving a short distance from the Dunbrody Country House Hotel, you will glimpse old forts and hidden coves throughout the desolate Hook Peninsula, but the highlight of the trip is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, Hook Lighthouse. Built in the 13th century, the Hook Lighthouse imparts a magic and mysticism that eclipses that of all other lighthouses. On your climb to the parapet, you will pass through a series of chambers, finally emerging to the spectacular views of the sea and Hook Peninsula.

Dunbrody Famine Ship Guided Tour

In the 1840s, the country’s heavy reliance on potatoes led to the disaster known as the Irish Potato Famine, which killed one million people and spurred twice as many more to immigrate to other countries. On this tour, you will explore the Dunbrody, an exact replica of the three-mast sailing ship that brought many emigrants from Ireland to North America during and after the Great Famine. The Dunbrody and its accompanying visitor center provide a unique insight into the bravery and fortitude with which Irish people faced up to.

Traditional Full Day Hands-on Cooking Class

Today you will once again have the opportunity to translate your enthusiasm and love for food into the real skills needed to produce fantastic food. Believing that cooking should be fun, the courses at Chef Kevin Dundon’s Dunbrody Cookery School are designed to be enjoyable with dishes that are achievable and easy to recreate at home. You will learn to create stunning dishes, all personally designed by Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon. After the class, you will also take home your course certification as proof of your newly learned skills.

Pouring Your Own Guinness Class

Guinness has been considered by the Irish to be not so much a drink but an entire food group of its own! On the grounds of Dunbrody House you will find a small traditional pub where you will learn to master the age-old craft of “pulling your own pint of Guinness” with one of the experienced bartenders. Relishing your “hand pulled” pint of Guinness, you will soak up the old-world atmosphere, and enjoy a unique Irish experience at “the Big House” as the locals call Dunbrody!

Signed Copy of Kevin Dundon’s Cook Book

Owner and celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon is delighted to offer you a personally signed copy of “Modern Irish Food,” his cookbook which illuminates the traditional elements of Irish country house cooking as well as the gourmet modernization of Irish recipes. Launched in March 2014 along with Kevin Dundon’s PBS TV show of the same name, “Modern Irish Food” will help you recreate the delicious recipes you have mastered during your stay at Dunbrody Country House Hotel (one copy per room).