Write your own food story and get a taste of culture, heritage and nature with a food trip to Kilkenny. Set up base at the wonderful 5 star Mount Juliet Estate which delivers Michelin starred dining and a championship-standard golf course. The riverside accommodation includes an ivy clad Georgian manor house, the Hunter’s Yard Hotel and a two bedroomed gate lodge. A two-night stay will give you the chance to savour the delicious breakfasts, nibble homemade scones and macarons at afternoon tea, and dine out on exquisite, locally produced food in a choice of restaurants.

Kilkenny is teeming with excellent food producers and crafters. Settle down for fireside storytelling, drinking in tales of this area’s centuries long history and the romantic background to the Estate while sipping on some locally brewed Moongate Gin. Once you get a taste of their product, you can then take a tour of Highbank Orchard to find out how the gin is processed and produced.

It’s back to the Michelin starred Lady Helen restaurant to sample their delicious award-winning food followed by more historical fireside tales.

The following day, it’s time for some fresh country air at a local farm to find out how they manage their flock of sheep and make use of the old stone buildings that have supported the farm for generations. After a demonstration of how the sheep are rounded up by the well-trained dogs, and restorative coffee and scones, it’s time to experience the wonderful skills of the Jerpoint Glass Blowing Experience, where local craftspeople know how to blow their own trumpets!