A picnic sounds like a lovely idea until you have to decide what to pack. If making salads and sandwiches in the hopes that they travel well sounds like too much work, opt for one of these gourmet picnic hampers, to be enjoyed as you explore a beautiful setting in Ireland. You won’t regret leaving the boring ham sandwiches at home.
Picnic on Benbulben Hill
Cooperhill House, Sligo
Active couples will enjoy the chance to hike the majestic Benbulben with a delicious picnic to enjoy en route. At the top you can take in views of Sligo’s Knocknarea mountain, Coney Island and the Slieve League cliffs in Donegal. The Picnic on Benbulben Hill package also includes two nights B&B and a four course evening meal. A gourmet picnic followed by a delicious meal sounds like the perfect getaway for foodies who want to holiday in Ireland. Coopershill House is set on a 500 acre tree-covered estate that is a wonderful base from which to explore this heritage-filled part of Sligo. Discover megalithic monuments, bask in Yeats country and check out some of Ireland’s prettiest beaches too. From €544 total stay.
Picnic on the terrace of a cool Dublin brewery
Urban Brewing is offering a picnic basket to be enjoyed on their Hop Garden Terrace. Enjoy ciabatta sandwiches of black bean hummus, mozzarella, serrano ham, rocket and mustard mayo; watermelon slices; a cheese box with chutney, crackers, quince and grapes; popcorn or paprika roasted almonds and a bottle of Falling Apple Irish Cider Rosé. An unusual gourmet picnic experience in Ireland, but what a lovely twist on a day at the pub!
An organic feast in Wicklow
Brooklodge & Macreddin Village
The gorgeous BrookLodge & Macreddin Village offers a picnic hamper for guests exploring the beautiful outdoors. Don’t worry if you’re walking or cycling, they will even provide a backpack if that is more convenient. The picnic backpack contains a tasty sandwich, a fruit smoothie, a bottle of water, fruit, an organic chocolate bar and a pack of crisps, for just €15 per person. If you’re travelling by car, you can enjoy a stylish picnic hamper of delicious foods and goodies, as well as a picnic rug for just €25. Add a bottle of organic prosecco for an additional €44. Find out more here.
Picnic on a deserted island
Currareveagh House, Galway
This beautiful Irish country house is located in its own private lake shore estate. The Swallows and Amazons package allows you the use of your own clinker rowing boat for a day. The team will prepare a picnic for you with delicious homemade treats, for you to enjoy when you reach a deserted island on the lake. The package includes two nights B&B, a four course dinner on one evening. Valid until October 31st, prices start at €440 total stay.
A city centre Italian feast
Carluccio’s
Pop to Carluccio’s in Dublin this summer to pick up your choice of hamper filled with delicious freshly prepared Italian dishes. Take it to one of Dublin’s beautiful parks to enjoy. The Classic includes focaccia, antipasto like prosciutto, olives, and poponcini peppers, chicken salad, orzo salad with pearl barley and smashed avocado, individual apricot tarts and almond macaroons. Veggies can instead opt for the Plant Power hamper which includes vegan antipasto, orzo with pearl barley, black rice, tenderstem broccoli, artichokes, peas, soya beans, semi-dried tomato pesto, almond flakes & smashed avocado; and a blackberry and polenta cake slice with raspberry coulis. Hampers cost €50 and need to be ordered 24 hours in advance.
A traditional country picnic for two
Limerick’s Milk Market
Enjoy a picnic created by stalwart Irish food retailer Country Choice. Pick it up from their stall in Limerick’s Milk Market, and you will also receive tips on the best picnic spots in the region. This is a lovely way to sample lots of delicious Irish produce. Choose between two menus of Irish products. Inside each you will find homemade Irish soda bread, with local country butter and Irish apple juice. Menu one contains an Irish farmhouse terrine of pork and chicken, baked Tipperary ham slices, Irish cheddar cheese and Cashel Blue cheese, as well as sweet treats for after. The second menu instead has Tipperary Hereford beef slices with horseradish mayo, an organic beetroot salad, three local farmhouse cheeses, Irish oatcakes and apple tarts. Each hamper also includes compostable cups, plates, napkins and cutlery. Menu 1 €35, menu 2 €40.
