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Saint Patrick’s
Day Celebrations
in Cork County, Ireland
In the United States many spend St. Patrick’s
Day drinking in Irish pubs or taking in a parade. But American festivities
aren’t nearly as grand or steeped in history as those in Ireland
itself. Back in Hibernia, children dress in traditional Irish costumes
and carry green rosettes as they parade along the streets. The day
and night are filled with sporting events, folk music, customary
jigs, and of course, lots of food... more
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Nestled in the rolling green fields of East
Cork is Ballymaloe, a picturesque country house and farm owned by Ivan
and Myrtle Allen. The country house was built in 1948 upon the remnants
of a 15th century Norman castle. Over the years the business and the family
have grown, and now four generations of the Allen family, including six
great-grandchildren, call Ballymaloe their home. Cork County has an abundance
of Saint Patrick’s festivities, and Ballymaloe plays an integral
role in those traditions.
Darina Allen, Chef of the Ballymaloe Cookery School,
says their traditional family feasts on the holiday include stews, homemade
breads and puddings. The Allens assemble big spreads on tables swathed
in Irish linen. Everything on the tables is made with produce, poultry
and meats from the Ballymaloe farms, and the fish is caught fresh from
the nearby seashore. Of course, the celebration overflows with whiskeys
and local ales.
The Allens have created their own history at Ballymaloe.
The talented family has received numerous awards for their restaurant
and has published multiple cookbooks. The latest, by Darina Allen, includes
recipes from the Ballymaloe Cookery School. We’ve included some
of them here to help you create your own distinctive Saint Patrick’s
Day menu.
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