A guide to some of Ireland's tasty artisan producers
Ireland boasts some of the finest artisan food makers. As well as the old favourites, there are a number of new products from the Emerald Isle that are now available in the UK.
Glenilen Farm
Glenilen Farm, based in the heart of West Cork, Ireland, is renowned throughout Ireland for making authentic tasting dairy desserts and products “tasting just like they used to”. Alan and Valerie Kingston let their cows roam and graze freely, pamper them during the cold winter months and never over milk them. All this tender loving care in turn produces the creamiest, richest and most delicious milk. Some of the products available in the UK include handmade country butter, cheesecakes, yoghurts, creams and mousses.
Mileeven
Mileeven Fine Foods was established in 1988 by Eilis Gough from a hobby of beekeeping. Pure Irish Honey was the first product launched, closely followed by Organic Honey, Single source honeys like Manuka 10+ and Manuka 15+, Organic Preserves, Fruit Cakes, Christmas puddings, brandy butter and cranberry & port sauce. Sarah’s Wonderful Honey with sour cherries received a gold star in 2011 Great Taste Awards. Available from Selfridges – RRP £3.
Virginia Health Foods
Virginia Health Foods has launched Helen’s Brilliant Bread Mixes. Using a mixture of natural ingredients, these gluten-free bread and scone mixes have the same taste and texture as normal bread.
Pandora Bell
Pandora Bell is a boutique confectionery label based in the West of Ireland. The Pandora Bell philosophy is that a high-quality, daily treat is a healthier and more satisfying way to enjoy sweet things. The team believe that confectionery made from honey, eggs, nuts and butter is simply more delicious.
Ummera
For nearly forty years Ummera has built up an enviable reputation for producing some of the finest smoked salmon available. Ummera is run by Anthony Creswell, son of the founder, and with his small team they smoke a range of speciality products including eels, salmon, bacon and chicken. The duck is sourced from award winning Silver Hill based in Co. Monaghan.
Flahavan’s Porridge Oats
Found in the village of Kilmacthomas, situated between the cities of Waterford and Cork in Ireland, Flahavan's is a family company and they have been milling quality Irish oats for over six generations. Their unique milling process cooks the oats twice which give Flahavan's products their distinctive texture and taste.
Solaris Botanicals Tea
The Solaris Tea range consists of top grade, loose, organic speciality teas. They take great pride in sourcing the finest whole leaf teas, which are hand-picked with care to ensure excellence in quality.
Celtic Chocolate Easter Eggs
Celtic Chocolates is an Irish chocolate manufacturer which specialises in the manufacturing of products for people with food allergies and intolerances. Operating from a gluten, wheat and egg free site in the Irish countryside some 30 miles west of Dublin, the company makes chocolate bars, after dinner mints, boxed chocolates and Easter eggs in milk, dark and no added sugar chocolate.
First Ireland Spirits
First Ireland Spirits was founded on the principles of cost efficient manufacturing and high quality products. Today, in addition to their branded beverages, they produce Irish cream liqueurs for some of the world's largest retailers and drinks companies across four continents. The products all bear tribute to the cities and history of Ireland. The Dubliner is a blend of honeycomb, caramel and whiskey flavours, for example.
Do you have a favourite food product from Ireland? If so, share the knowledge in the comments below.
More Irish things you might enjoy
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Ross Lewis' Carrageen set West Cork cream pudding
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