Here are the Murphy boys doing what it is they do best; preaching indulgence from the altar of ice-cream (forgive the lopsideness of the photo, I was leaning from my pew at the time). Their brown bread ice-cream with chocolate whiskey sauce recipe was one of many cookery demonstrations taking place in St.James Church in Dingle as part of the first annual Dingle Peninsula Food and Wine Festival. Perhaps unsurprisingly chefs are natural performers in front of a crowd and it looks like the festival was a huge success, with local chefs and blow-ins from up the country prepared to flaunt their skills. So successful in fact that the demonstrators ran out of food (not good news for the hungry viewers in the gallery perhaps but a good omen for the future of the festival).The whole town threw itself into the spirit of all things foodie and there were tasting menus, gourmet pizza, wine and cheese tastings, a farmers market outside the church and let us not forget those sixteen shades of chocolate. Kieran has some insider information to share but don't make too much noise when you call over, last nights closing party is likely to have gone on a little late!
From our own small point of view the weekend could not have been better. There was never any question that children were an integral part of the festival and the words "I'm bored" never once passed my little ones lips. Between the sea air and the swimming pool at the hotel I could not keep her fed. She was willing to taste anything and each meal had to be punctuated with a trip to Murphy's (see below for a rare photo of the lesser-spotted specius ice-cream fiendius). We got to meet Kieran this time around when he, bravely, came over for a chat and allowed me to gush for a good fifteen minutes between spoonfuls of chocolate-Baileys ice-cream. We did have to leave eventually, but only after several vows of a longer stay next time, and with a new cache of memories to stow away, ready to be brought out when needed during the winter.
It looks like the festival is moving to the end of May from next year on so put a note in your diaries. Congratulations to all those involved in the organisation and thank you to all those who call Dingle home for keeping the welcome warm so late in the season. May there be many more years of worship to come.
Wow. Cool photos. I was delighted to have the chat (although maybe it was the only time that your little one WAS bored!). Thanks so much for coming!
Posted by: Kieran | October 15, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Not bored just sulkily rebelling against leaving!
Posted by: Laura | October 15, 2007 at 05:50 PM
Sounds like so much fun! And ice cream, too -- what's not to love?
Posted by: Lydia | October 15, 2007 at 05:57 PM
Ah the lesser spotted Ice Cream Fiendius, I knew there seemed to be more Ice Cream in Limerick this weekend. Sounds like you had lotsa fun ma!
Posted by: Val | October 15, 2007 at 07:53 PM
What a fun time and your daughter is beautiful!
Posted by: Tartelette | October 16, 2007 at 03:05 AM
Fantastic photo of your daughter!
Sounds like a very successful event! I'd sure love to have seen the ice cream demo even if I'd missed having some if they ran out!
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | October 16, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Looks like you had a fantastic time. We wanted to come along but family commitments meant we couldn't (insert expletive of choice here). Definitely next year - we don't want to miss out on all that gorgeous icecream!
Posted by: jen | October 19, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Why I think this is the first time I've seen a full photo of the lil miss! She's absolutely beautiful, Laura. =)
Sounds like you guys had so much fun!
xoxo
Posted by: Lisa | November 20, 2007 at 03:31 PM