County Cork, Ireland
Culinary Masterclass
July 19 - 25, 2026
“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”
— Samuel Beckett
Embark on a culinary farm-to-table journey where the greenest pastures meet the sea in County Cork, Ireland.
Tucked just away from the heart of Cork, lies a castle tower from the medieval times. A Georgian mansion tucked next to it on 110 acres in a small town that is both charming and of a time long gone by. Built first in 1450, the castle became an estate in 1740.
The entire estate is ours for the duration of our stay, which includes not only the aforementioned pastoral dreaminess, but a professional kitchen for our cooking classes and a ballroom for whatever we decide to use it for!
We've done all the research for the curated culinary adventure you've come to expect, but this one includes a Cork County local, Shane O’Sullivan, who has worked with us for several years at this point. Shane’s deep understanding of the area pairs with cooking lessons led by Chef Olivia, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and London, and worked for multiple Michelin starred restaurants in England.
Everything (except souvenirs) is included:
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Accommodations
The grounds themselves boast over five hundred years of history on 110 acres of untouched forest and medieval castle tower built by one of the last high chieftains of Ireland. Experience the luxury of a beautifully appointed Georgian mansion which was thoughtfully restored in 2023. Bask in the charm of a medieval castle just outside of Cork City. Each room boasts an ensuite bathroom as well.
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All meals and beverages
Dive into the countryside of Ireland, where fresh produce and locally made cheeses reign supreme. Where cuisine is foraged, and farmed. All meals and beverages (alcohol and alcohol-free) are always all inclusive, including gratuities. Relax and enjoy!
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Cooking Classes
Experience hands-on cooking classes nearly everyday, in a kitchen built for cooking. Often called ‘a food revolution hub’, County Cork’s cuisine emphasises locally produced ingredients focusing on seafood, cheese, and more. We’ll cover stews; foraging, cold and hot smoking seafood chowders, and more.
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Make new friends
Our hosts are local to County Cork, including La Peetch’s very own Shane O’Sullivan will be joining us. We’ll visit bakers, neighbours, and producers.
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Explore the Countryside
You'll be perfectly situated just outside of Cork, so we’ll have access to the city but plenty of access to nature as well. The gardens of the property are over 100 acres and are ready for you to explore.
Your Home for the Week: Dripsey Castle
Step into a world where history, elegance and culinary magic intertwine. Nestled amid 110 acres of sweeping woodlands and bordered by the tranquil Dripsey River, Dripsey Castle Estate offers an enchanting backdrop for your cooking adventure. The estate seamlessly blends an 18th-century Georgian manor—complete with a grand, light-filled ballroom turned professional kitchen— with a medieval tower house that whispers of centuries past. Whether you wander the walled garden, pause by the riverbank, or gaze up at the ivy-clad stone of the old tower, inspiration flows in every corner.
Here, your cooking class becomes more than a lesson—it becomes a full sensory experience and an escape into farm-to-table cuisine. During your off-time you’ll be able to tour the 100+ acre property. The estate’s revived ethos of sustainability—powering the house via hydroelectric and wood-fired systems—imbues a sense of respect for nature that mirrors the ethos of thoughtful cooking. As day turns to evening, we’ll gather by candle-lit tables, sharing the fruits of our labor and toasting nova friendships in a storied space that has borne witness to so much history—and now adds your story to its halls.
Join us at Dripsey Castle for a cooking escape unlike any other: learn new techniques, taste local ingredients, and connect through food in a setting steeped in heritage and charm. Whether you’re an aspiring home cook or a seasoned kitchen adventurer, this is your invitation to cook, explore, and create memories in a castle where every meal tells a story.
Amuse Bouche:
Some of What You’ll Do, See, Cook, and Eat
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English Market
We’ll visit the famous covered English Market that’s been serving the local community since 1788. Here we’ll find butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and more. Much of our products will be sourced from this market.
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Visit a Local Fishing Village
We’ll visit a local fishing village and foodie destination that few tourists ever explore. Just off the beaten path from our Castle, we’ll pop into pubs, and sample the local fare.
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Fish Smokery Course Included
Cork is well-known for its smoked seafood. We’ll take you on a journey that teaches you how to smoke fish from the start to the finish. We’ll discuss cold and hot smoking, and demystify this flavour enhancing method.
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Irish Cuisine Deep Dive
Ireland is often a forgotten culinary destination. Known for its local foraged cuisine, we’ll look deeply at how the intersections of local foodways with modern cuisine techniques has taken the world by storm.
Meet your Instructors & Hospitalians
Kendall Lane*
Culinary Assistant
Olivia Clulow*
Culinary Lead
Mai-ya Mersereau*
Hospitality Lead
"Our cast of culinary characters is subject to change — because, well, life happens (illness, scheduling, or the occasional surprise plot twist). Whoever steps in, you’ll still get the full RecipeKick experience. Refunds aren’t issued in the event of a staff changes, but we promise the show goes on deliciously.
Curiosities and FAQs
(pssst…you can also chat with us. Click the green chat icon to ask anything you’re heart longs to know)
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Everything but flights. All of our trips are all-inclusive, from when you arrive until you depart, we will take care of you in style!
You are responsible only for getting yourself here and home. We take care of all the accommodations, meals, drinks, tours, gratuities, transportation, cooking lessons, and excursions; with lots of laughter to boot. -
You’ll book your flights in and out of Cork or Dublin. We’ll pick you up at Cork airport or the train station anytime between 2 and 5pm on arrival day.
Arrival. You can fly direct from NYC to Cork during the high season on Aer Lingus. Or you can take a train from Dublin: head to Dublin Heuston Station then onto → Cork (Kent Station).Departure. Book a departure flight that leaves no earlier than noon from Cork. We are also happy to take you to the train station if you plan to extend your trip elsewhere in Italy.
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We’ll pick you up at Cork Airport or at the Cork (Kent Station) train station.
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Whatever brings you joy and…Ireland is often rainy. While we’ve picked the ‘best time of year’ for good weather, it’s always unpredictable. We suggest comfortable walking shoes for our excursions, but none of these are challenging walks. We will only have 1 or 2 times where you might want something nicer than your casual day clothes, a nice meal out. But DEFINITELY want a rain coat and likely an umbrella too!
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Somewhere between pleasant to rainy. It really is a ‘good luck’ kind of weather situation.
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You should be able to navigate some stairs, and walk through a cheese factory for example. There are stairs in the castle to get up to the bedrooms. Of course, we will carry your bags for you.
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No wineries this time. But distilleries? YES! We’ll have alcoholic and non-alcoholic options on site.
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We are not able to accommodate vegetarians or vegans for this trip. Most other dietary restrictions can be mitigated.
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All of them are over at this link.
But in short-terms: no refunds, we recommend travel insurance, don’t be a jerk and we’ll get along well, and be kind to your fellow travellers.