Search Results for 'Ballinahinch castle'

TOMORROW SEES the release of Clocks, the third album by Athenry born vocalist/composer Julie Feeney, whose highly individual music straddles the lines between chamber music, pop, indie, folk, and avant garde.

Would you ever consider opening your home to paying diners? Have you ever visited a 'secret' restaurant? Did you know that such a thing existed right here under your very noses? Well, the underground food scene in Galway is alive and lives in Spanish Arch. This is the location of The Nutmeg Feast, you could call it a restaurant or supper club, a ‘guestaurant’, or a paying dinner party.

In 1835 Harriet Letitia Martin, the daughter of the famous ‘Humanity’ Dick Martin of Ballinahinch castle, Connemara, wrote a book, Canvassing (published by Saunders & Otley, London), which, I imagine, was avidly read in Galway*. It told the story of the last time her father stood for parliament in 1826. He was successful, but a subsequent parliamentary investigation showed that fraud, trickery, bullying, intimidation, and misrepresentation on a vast scale had taken place. His tenants came into Galway from all over Connemara in a variety of disguises and voted repeatedly. He was dismissed from parliament, and consequently faced the wrath of his many creditors. As a member of parliament he enjoyed immunity from prosecution. Now he was thrown to the wolves.....

I met Jamie Peaker, owner and chef of Builín Blasta Café, at a tasting of his chutneys and salad dressings during the McCambridge’s food and wine tasting last Christmas. I loved his products and said I would call sometime to see his café in Spiddal. J-Me (as he spells his name) hails from New Zealand and made his way to Galway via two years in London working at that fantastic London restaurant The Ivy, then a stint in Africa visiting 20-plus countries and meeting his Galway partner Nina. The Ivy has an incredible name for producing uncomplicated food in the best way possible. It is so successful at this that some of the dishes on the menu have not been changed in over 26 years.