Make it Yourself

Food has a special place in all our hearts. That’s why when we’re getting to know a place we start with the local cuisine as a way of seeing what makes the place so special. So how about learning to create that food yourself, with a hands-on foodie experience here in Northern Ireland. Will it make you cook like a local? Very possibly. Will you have fun trying? Absolutely! 

Let’s Bake-house 

The only thing better than freshly-baked bread is freshly-baked bread that you baked yourself. Just like you do at Bakehouse NI. A story that starts with a little girl who went to bed, not with a storybook but with a cookery book. No surprise then that she grew up with a passion for food that she can’t wait to pass on to you. 

Bronagh runs classes for adults and children. She’ll show you how to make everything from soda bread and cupcakes to scones with jam - using traditional Irish ingredients and recipes. On one condition, of course – that you’re prepared to get stuck in and make it yourself.  

Cook like a pro 

Everyone’s welcome at Waterman House Cookery School – from kitchen newbies to confident amateurs. There are classes to suit your tastes, whether that’s meat and barbeques, fish or classic Italian. Though, to really experience it all, leave yourself time to relax and enjoy the meal with your fellow chefs when you’re done cooking. Perhaps with a carefully chosen glass of wine.  

Your catch of the day 

Kilkeel, one of the prettiest fishing villages around, is the plaice for fish lovers. And those who’d like to become more confident cooking it. Classes at the Mourne Seafood Cookery School combine locally caught seafood with local artisan produce for a truly ‘catch to cook’ (and eat) experience. Non-seafood options are available too. 

Something to wash it down? 

In the Orchard County of Armagh, Long Meadow Cider produce award-winning, cider on their farm near Loughgall. You can join them for guided tours through the orchards and pressing process. If you’re there in September or October, you might get to lend a hand with the harvest. Which definitely counts as a hands-on experience. 

Cooks and cookery schools 

Perhaps it’s because of Northern Ireland’s love of great food that you can hardly spin a salad without hitting a cookery school. Which is very good news if you’re on the hunt for more culinary experiences. 

You can join cookery writer and TV cook, Jenny Bristow, at her home near Ballymena where, after a welcoming reception, she’ll inspire you with new ideas on entertaining, baking and cooking. 

The Kitchen Academy in Bangor makes a point of building cooking confidence, so it’s one you’ll enjoy whatever level you’re at. Belfast’s Forestside Cookery School takes you on a culinary journey of its own with classes, for both adults and kids, that range from traditional breads and cakes to North African cuisine and Asian street food. 

Pick a bread, any bread 

At Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, in her 17th century thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, traditional Irish recipes rule. So it’s aprons on to try your hand at soda bread, wheaten bread and, local favourite, potato bread. Though if you feel like a wander out to meet her chickens and cows, she’s ok with that too.  

Jams, chutneys and more 

With the bread done, it’s time for jam. Jam at the Doorstep hold jam-making classes on their busy working farm near Armoy in Co. Antrim – close to the famous Dark Hedges and the spectacular Causeway Coast. Chutneys, curds and salted caramel sauce are on the menu too. And whatever you produce goes home with you. 

History in the baking 

Wee Buns Cookery School – for wee ones and adults too – is situated in the beautiful Tyrone countryside. They start their classes with a history of Irish baking and follow up with soda bread and farl making. Rumour has it, there’s a fair bit of storytelling in the mix too. And a good handful of inspiration to keep you cooking and baking with confidence once you’re back home. 

Sweet Treats 

Carmel’s Chocolate Creations, on the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, runs chocolate-making workshops – which really doesn’t sound like work at all. Here, you can be a chocolatier, hand-making and decorating the chocolate of your dreams. It all takes place in an good old-fashioned sweet shop, surrounded by goodies in glass jars. And, if that’s given you a flavour of Northern Ireland’s foodie delights – or a taste for more – there’s only one thing to add: keep on looking and keep on cooking.