When it comes to the most iconic castles in Ireland, Ashford Castle is unparalleled, as a Medieval and Victorian castle turned five-star luxury hotel located in Country Mayo, Ireland. It was even owned by the Guinness family before it became a hotel in 1939. In 1852, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness purchased Ashford Castle and eventually passed it on to his son Lord Ardilaun, also known as Arthur Guinness, the founder of the Guinness brewery business. A typical St. Patrick’s Day at Ashford Castle begins with bagpipes by Benny the Bagpiper, who plays an early morning tune on the lawn of the Castle. This is followed by servings of Irish Soda Bread, an Arthur’s Bellini cocktail and more traditional Irish fare. While you may not be residing in an Irish castle this St. Paddy’s—or enjoying the bagpipes sadly—you can make Ashford Castle’s authentic recipes to feast on throughout the day. Throw in an Irish playlist and some appropriate green flair and you’ll think you were transported to the Land of Saints and Scholars instantly.
Arthur’s Bellini
“Arthur’s Bellini” was created in honor of Ashford Castle’s former owner, Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness brewery business. The festive cocktail is typically served at Ashford Castle’s elegant Prince of Wales Bar, but can easily be recreated at home. Here’s the recipe for the bubbly Irish cocktail. Ingredients:
2/3 glass of Guinness 2-3 tsp Peach LiqueurChampagne or Cava to top
Method: Serve in a Champagne flute.
Tasty Irish Stew
This version of the traditional Irish stew was created by Philippe Farineau, the Executive Chef at Ashford Castle. Ingredients:
2 lbs lamb neck or shoulder1 ¾ cup carrots1 ¾ cup leeks1 ¾ cup celery1 bay leaf6 ⅓ cup of stock, or use 1 bouillon cube2 garlic cloves500gr potatoes
Method:
Halibut, Bacon and Cabbage
Executive Head Chef, Jonathan Keane at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, shares his delicious recipe for halibut on a bed of oyster aioli. Ingredients:
180g of turbot or halibut per person100g chopped green cabbage2 rashers of diced bacon¾ cup cream
For the oyster aioli:
8 oysters6 egg yolks2 tsp of mustardLemon juice2 tsp of white wine vinegarOlive oil
Method:
Guinness Soda Bread
Ashford Castle’s Guinness Soda Bread is a spin on the traditional version, adding Guinness as an extra flavor! This version was also created by Paula Stakelum, Ashford Castle’s Executive Head Pastry Chef. Ingredients:
3 ½ cups brown flour1/2 stick of soft butter2 tsp baking soda2 tsp cream of tartar1/2 tbsp salt1 whole egg1/4 cup honey1 1/2 cup Guinness
Method: Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
