Dinner Ladies Team Trip to Ireland
Our journey began with a drive from the airport through the epic landscape and modest towns setting the scene of what was to expect over the coming days. The destination, a quintessential Irish house directly located on Old Head beach which could only be accessed down a winding woodland covered drive, our thoughts being if you weren’t savvy with directions this would’ve been easy to miss!
Stepping out of the car we were greeted instantly by the energetic and very sweet black labrador, Puffin followed by Emily’s parents and our hosts Charles and Fiona. Once all the introductions and dog fussing had finished we took a moment to take in our surroundings, culminating in sea view, clean air and lapping waves.
We then received the routine tour of our home for the next few days and got settled in our rooms. Charles, Emily, Johnny and Nikika then went to put the boat out and fishing traps in position whilst Zoe, Vic and Bex played cards and attempted to make a fire…
For our first meal of the trip we enjoyed a smokey venison, barbecued by Lily and Emily, a perfect showcase of what Irish produce has to offer. Stuffed from all the food and wine and feeling very cosy aside the fire we not long after retired for the evening.
The next morning we fueled up at breakfast in preparation for Zoe, Vic, Lily and Bex to go out on the boat and raise the traps. We bantered and pep talked ourselves to catch some lobster and mackerel to make a mighty lunch. Our manifestations paid off as we managed to catch one lobster, one crab and one mackerel despite the miserable weather and the slight sea sickness creeping in.
Croagh Patrick from Old Head Beach
The catering for the evening came from Vic (a chef) and Johnny (more of a washer up-er) who served up a irish/mexican fusion meal of delightfully slow cooked irish beef shin served as enchiladas. After scoffing them down in a jiffy, the team headed to the local town Westport, to try out some local bars, Guinness and traditional Irish folk music.
Before we knew it, it was the final day of our trip. Rather than let the trip fizzle out, jobs had to be done. Johnny and Emily were tasked with pulling the boat and guess what? They didn't just bring in the boat; they snagged two more lobsters as a bonus, the final day's lunch sorted!
The afternoon consisted of a cliffside walk to the pub and then it was Zoe, Nikika and Bex’s turn to cook dinner. On the menu, a Louisiana inspired crawfish boil which did not disappoint when we gathered everyone to watch us launch it all over the newspaper covered table. We then spent the evening playing cards against humanity which was eventful and gave us an insight into everyone’s sense of humour and perhaps dark side.
On the third day of the trip we were greeted by bright sunshine, using this opportunity wisely we took to a coastal path and stretched our legs. Under the watch of Mweelrea mountain we ambled for miles, taking in even more breathtaking coastal views. We aren't sure if it was the sunny rays or the blue-ness of the ocean, but when returning from the walk we decided to go for a rather fresh swim in the Atlantic ocean. While passersby wondered for our sanity, the quick dip certainly gave us an appetite for a big evening feast.
Before leaving we decided once again to hit the waves of the chilly Atlantic, this time riding the waves on surfboards. Taught by the lovely Elvis, us talented bunch were all able to (sometimes only very momentarily) stand on a board and ride a wave.
After all that excitement, we worked up quite an appetite. A quick lunch back at the cosy Old Head cottage marked the perfect ending to our amazing trip. We shared stories, savoured our freshly caught lobsters, and relished the feeling of the salty sea breeze on our skin. It's a trip that will be etched in our memories for a long time, and we can't wait for the next adventure!
Mayo Surf School
