A royal feast or some gift ideas for foodies this festive seaon

Christmas time is a time of indulgence so why not prepare a festive feast fit for a king or queen. Invite your friends for a special feast or give some foodie gifts as presents...you'll always be welcomed back if you bring some food or a bottle with you when you are visiting someone. Check http://www.visitconnemara.com/or check the facebook page to keep up to date with all offers.

Let's start with the King of Fish and Connemara Smokehouse  have a delicious range of smoked fish products including salmon.  Traditional Smoked Salmon, Peppered Smoked Mackerel, Gravadlax (marinated salmon in salt, sugar, dill & Irish whiskey) Irish Line caught Smoked Tuna and Honey Roast Smoked Salmon. Hurry or you'll miss the boat as they are taking their last orders on Wed 21st. They ship their products worldwide and are included as one Rick Steins food heroes. Keep up to date with all their news on their facebook page. 

When you think of smoked salmon products you also think of Soda Bread and why not pop into Walsh's Bakery for some of their soda bread or check out their range of Artisan Breads. Once you're in there you will surely be tempted by one of their delicious pastries, mince pies or cakes. Revive your flagging spirits in the cafe with coffee & cake or why not have lunch. You will be able to get back on the shopping trail with renewed energy. Take a look at  this delicious Black Forest Gateau and all diet thoughts will be consigned to the New Year!

 

For all your grocery needs & more why not check out Kavanagh's Supervalu  where you can get great special offers on everything you need to make your festive feast a success. Great deals on all food and check the off license for great offers on spirits & beers to make your New Year's Party go with a swing. Supervalu also stock local food suppliers Walsh's Bakery & Connemara Smokhouse and they support a large number of local causes! 

Check out your local butchers for some great cuts of meat including  Connemara Lamb, award winning sausages & puddings. Get advice on cuts of meat and  tips on how to cook them. 

Ferguson's Wine has a great range of wines to suit all budgets so drop in for some advice on what best to match up with your menu or buy a special bottle of wine as a gift.

Tim O' Sullivan from Renvyle House Hotel has created some great food products which would be a great addition to any festive feast or can be given as a gift. Apple & Rosemary Preserve, Tim's Salad Dressing, Renvyle Picnic Chutney, Red Onion Marmalade, Sweet Chilli Sauce or how about some Good Morning Marmalade to put a bit of zing in your step!  His 'At home in Renvyle' is a great cookbook to dip into and makes the most of the great produce available in the local area and makes a nice present!  

Why not consider some wonderful handmade chocolates  handmade by the nuns in Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Christmas Pudding & Brandy Butter, Jams, Chutneys are just some of the products available at Kylemore Abbey

Some people are prepared to drive for miles to eat out in a top rated restaurant or bar. In Connemara we have several on our own doorstep.
The Michelin Inspector has rated O'Dowd's in Roundstone with a Bib Gourmand & it's the Sunday Independent Connacht gastropub of the year 2011 so why not treat someone to lunch or dinner there or even better treat yourself!  A gift voucher for a local restaurant or hotel is a good idea as it means someone gets to treat themselves and if you are lucky they may even invite you along to share! See our entertainment options post for more local restaurants.

 

 

 

Setting the scene for the banquet is very important. Check out local potter  Alan Gaillard  for some great oven to tableware, dinner sets, tableware, ornamental, lamps and one off pieces!

At Whistlestop you will find some great pieces  to set the scene with a great selections of Gifts & Household Accessories

  Create an atmosphere with Candles and King's Siopa has a great range of Candle Displays as well as a huge range of other gift ideas. 

Say it with flowers and Connemara Florist has a great range of Christmas Wreaths & other displays prefer to decorate your 'palace' or to give to someone as a gift.

So that's just a few ideas to get you thinking about Food Glorious Food and some of the great shops & products that are on our own doorstep!