CATHERINE, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I am third generation here at Ballyknocken House, Farm and Cookery School in Co. Wicklow. My mother opened the house as one of Ireland's first farmhouse experiences and the same hospitality is still offered here today. I converted the old milking parlour of the farm to a cookery school and I absolutely adore sharing my passion for food and showing our guests what we grow in our herb, fruit and vegetable gardens. We host a broad range of cookery classes which are open to the general public and more recently we welcome a lot of private groups and parties who get to enjoy the ambience of a charming country house.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CO. WICKLOW?
Forever! I am Wicklow born and bred. I did live in Dublin for a number of years after college and also in Germany for a year, but there was always the draw to come back to the family home and beautiful Co. Wicklow and the local community here in Glenealy.
HOW DOES CO. WICKLOW COMPARE TO OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE TRAVELLED TO?
I have been so fortunate to travel all over the world with my RTE TV series 'Taste of Home' but there is, as they say, nowhere like home! We are really lucky here, located in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains and in view of the Irish Sea. It's simply paradise to me. What more could I ask for!
HOW HAS WICKLOW CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
Wicklow is really developing on the food front and now with the food collective, Wicklow Naturally, it is a rising ship that I am delighted to be part of. We have everything from wine makers (Wicklow Way Wines) to distilleries (Glendalough and Powerscourt), farm artisanal bakers (Sugarloaf Bakes) to bar to bean chocolate (Nibbed Cocao) and so much more. It's a haven for food and drink lovers these days.
ARE THERE ANY BOUTIQUES YOU LIKE TO SHOP IN?
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Ireland's Homes Interiors & Living Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Look up!
This issue our gardening expert Conrad McCormick focuses on climbing plants.
#madeinireland
Support local and add a little artistry and originality into your home with this month's pick of Irish brands and makers.
My Home: Dundalk
Ceramicist Sarah McKenna tells us more about the place she calls home.
Ciao Sicily
This month Marty O'Neill takes us to the historic and picturesque island of Sicily.
Contemporary Class
This Belfast home needed a contemporary kitchen scheme that was functional, durable and made best use of the existing space.
Total Transformation
A complete renovation of this period-style home in Co. Down allowed the owners to create the kitchen they had always wanted.
A Family Connection
Embracing biophilic design combined with bold colour gives this home a unique look that’s easy on the eye and functions perfectly for a busy family of four.
AWARD WINNING KITCHENS
Direct Wholesale Kitchens has just been named as Kitchen Supplier of the Year at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards for the fourth year running. We take a closer look at the company’s winning ways and discover the key to its success.
Meeting The Brief
This large home in Holywood, Co. Down was given the all-star treatment thanks to design expert Kunal Trehan.
Lakeside Retreat
Mairead and John’s summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire draws inspiration from its stunning unspoilt surroundings, with natural materials and textures enhancing its effortlessly cool New England vibe.