Om Nom

01/10/2026

12/09/2026

30/08/2026

I’ve been cooking up something new… 📚🍴

This idea has been bubbling away in my head for quite a while, and I’m finally ready to let you in on it.
And thank you to those of you whose ears I’ve worn off talking about it (you know who you are).

Di**le Cookbook Club.

Six books. Six gatherings. One table.

From October to March, a small group of us will get together once a month in Di**le town. Each month I’ll reveal a new cookbook, put together a menu from its pages, and everyone will choose a dish to cook at home and bring to the table.

Then we eat. Simple. 😊

We’ll try each other’s food, swap stories, discover new flavours and maybe a few new favourite recipes, and see what happens when a bunch of people keep pulling up chairs around the same table through the winter. Sure, what else would you be doing!

You absolutely do not need to be a brilliant cook. A love of food, a bit of curiosity and a willingness to give something a go will do nicely.

I’m still putting the final touches to Season One — I want to make sure I have everything just right before I open the 10 places — but I’d love to know if there are a few of you out there thinking, yes, I’d really like to do this.

If that’s you, pop your name down and I’ll make sure you’re among the first to hear when everything is ready.

And yes, the six cookbooks are already chosen. Whether I’ll manage to keep shtum about them until their monthly reveal remains to be seen… 😄

Di**le Cookbook Club · Season One
October 2026 — March 2027
Register your interest- link in comments.

Scaip an scéal x

21/07/2026

The first meal back home. 🍳

Before we left Donegal, my cousin sent me home with a box of fresh eggs.
So this morning, before the suitcase was unpacked, the breakfast was sorted.

Good bread. Fresh tomatoes. A handful of leaves. Donegal eggs. A pinch of sea salt, black pepper and chilli flakes. It is lovely to come home to simple, nourishing food.
Eggs are one of nature's most complete foods, packed with high-quality protein and choline—an often-overlooked nutrient that supports brain and nervous system health. Not bad for something that comes in its own biodegradable packaging. 😊

Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that taste the best.

🥚 Now I'm curious...
What's the first meal you make when you get home from holidays?

10/07/2026

🍳 The Mystery Oven...

Every holiday cottage seems to have one.
The oven with no numbers on the dial, no symbols on the function k**b and absolutely no instruction manual. You turn a few k**bs, say a little prayer and hope dinner appears before bedtime. 😄

It made me realise how quickly we let go of our usual kitchen habits when we're away. We stop worrying about having the "right" equipment, shop for whatever looks fresh, and somehow dinner becomes simpler... and often tastier.

Perhaps that's why I love self-catering holidays so much. They quietly remind me that good food has never been about owning the perfect kitchen. It's about noticing what's in season, trusting your appetite, sharing the table with people you enjoy, and not overthinking it.

This week's Notes from My Kitchen has just landed in inboxes. I'm writing from Donegal this week, where a mystery oven, a little Atlantic mist and a very simple bean supper have sparked a few thoughts about intuitive eating and why holidays have a habit of helping us rediscover it.

If you're already on my mailing list, I hope you enjoy this week's letter.
If you're not, there's always room at my kitchen table. 🌿 Link in bio.

📬 Fresh from my kitchen to your inbox.
Now tell me... what's the funniest thing you've found in a holiday kitchen? 😄

04/06/2026

🍲 NEW FOR AUTUMN 2026 🍲

Over the past few years, I've had the pleasure of creating and delivering courses such as Nourish & Flourish, Spring Awakening, Winter Wellness and Cooking on a Budget through Kerry ETB in Causeway.

This autumn, I'm excited to be adding something completely new:

👨‍🍳 Healthy Cooking for Men

Now before any of the men reading this run a mile at the word "healthy", let me reassure you! This course isn't about counting calories or living on lettuce leaves.

It's about learning practical cooking skills, building confidence in the kitchen, preparing simple everyday meals from scratch, and enjoying a few hours of good food and good company each week.

Many of the people who come to my classes tell me they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the hands-on approach, the practical tips and, of course, the food. That's exactly what I'll be bringing to this course too.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or simply want to expand beyond beans on toast and ready meals, you'll be very welcome.

📅 Starts Wednesday 7th October 2026
🕜 1.30pm – 4.30pm
📍 An Tóchar FET Centre, Causeway
📆 9 weeks
✅ FREE course

To apply, visit FETCH.ie or contact An Tóchar FET on 066 713 1977.

And, if you're reading this and know a husband, partner, brother, dad, neighbour or friend who might enjoy this, I'd be delighted if you would share it with them. ❤️

03/06/2026

🌾 Thursday is Bread Day! 🌾

Fresh out of my kitchen every Thursday morning… Irene’s Spelt & Seeded Loaf — made with organic spelt flour, oats, local eggs, local buttermilk and plenty of nourishing seeds.

🌾 The spelt grain is freshly milled for every batch in my own flour mill — one of the reasons this loaf tastes so wholesome and alive.

Crunchy crust, hearty crumb, and absolutely gorgeous with real butter, soup, cheese or simply toasted with a cup of tea.

Orders close at 8pm on Wednesday eves so I can get soaking, milling, mixing and baking 🌾

📍Di**le area only
🚗 Local delivery & collection in Di**le town
💶 €5 per loaf

Message me or order through the website before 8pm on Wednesdays ✨