Private Tour

Private Ennis Tasting History Tour with Dr Jane O'Brien

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Ennis Tasting History Tour is an entertaining and fascinating insight into the vibrant market town of Ennis, the history of Irish food and how food and attitudes towards it have shaped Irish society – this is an edible experience of the town’s past and present with samplings along the way. Experience the ancient art of butter making; learn about the actual famine ‘lumper’ potato that caused such devastation for our ancestors; and explore the many innovative ways that local people used the wild produce of the shores and woodlands to supplement their diets. Get a chance to taste the real pigs ‘blood pudding’ traditionally made in the small farmhouses of the county, as well as the once infamous illegally distilled Poitín – the ‘darling liquor’ of the townsfolk. The tour will end with a stop at a local food supplier to taste and learn more about the wealth of fine local produce currently available including Clare Farmhouse Cheeses, Burren Smoked Salmon and more.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

We start the tour in the picturesque courtyard shared by the Temple Gate Hotel and the Clare Musuem/Ennis Tourist Office where we are introduced to the history of the vibrant market town of Ennis, and how food and attitudes to food have shaped its history and society. We explore the importance butter and butter making once played in Irish life, and participants get a chance to experience the magic of churning their own butter on the tour!

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Francis Street was once the ancient Causway of the town linking the castle of the O'Brien Kings to the 13th century Old Abbey. At this stop we explore the importance and traditions of banquets and feasting amongst the Celtic Kings of Ireland, as well as some of their more unusual entertainments! We get to taste the famous honey Mead, the drink of the High Kings, whose influence was so great that the halls of Tara, where the High Kings of Ireland ruled, were called the house of the Mead circle.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Alcoholic beverages for over 18's only. Please inform if children are attending and a soft drink substitute can be made.

Sample of mead, oatcake & honey, dillisk, blood pudding, Poitíin, chocolate, soda bread & homemade butter, clare cheeses & smoked salmon - quantity of small plate. Inform of any dietary restrictions.

Gratuities - not expected but always appreciated.

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