A True Taste of Tipperary
On Friday, 16th August, I had the privilege — as a founding member of the Tipperary Food Producers Network — of attending our Long Table Dinner at Cashel Palace Hotel, and this one felt particularly special.
We’ve hosted Long Table Dinners before, always in magnificent settings, but this year’s event in the front courtyard of Cashel Palace brought something different again. Dining outdoors, in the open air, right in the heart of Cashel with the Rock of Cashel nearby, gave the evening a real sense of place — grounded, atmospheric, and unforgettable.
When we first formed the network, the idea behind these dinners was always simple: to bring our producers together, to showcase what Tipperary can do when we collaborate, and to share that story directly with the people who support us. Standing there on the night, surrounded by over 30 artisan producers, I was reminded how far that idea has travelled.
The courtyard at Cashel Palace was transformed into a long, beautifully set table that stretched through the space, creating an atmosphere that was both elegant and intimate. There was something powerful about being outdoors — the setting felt alive, connected to the town, the land, and the people who work it.
Each course told its own story. Cheeses crafted by hand, breads baked with care, carefully prepared meats, preserves, and drinks — all sourced from within our own network. It wasn’t just a menu; it was a reflection of the county and the pride our producers take in what they do every day.
What stood out most, as always, was the standard of craft across the board. As someone who has been involved from the beginning, it is hugely rewarding to see not only consistency but real growth in ambition and quality year after year.
The Spirit of Community
At the heart of these dinners has never just been food — it has always been people.
The shared table in the courtyard captured that perfectly. Producers, chefs, guests, and supporters all came together in one space, with conversation flowing freely and naturally. There was no sense of separation — just connection, curiosity, and appreciation.
That, for me, is what the Tipperary Food Producers Network has always been about. Not just individual excellence, but collective strength. And on a summer evening in the courtyard of Cashel Palace, that vision felt very real indeed.
