Gourmet Greenway in Mayo going from strength to strength

By Tom Gillespie

(part 2)

THE Gourmet Greenway is a self-guided food trail that visitors can cycle, walk or drive, located along Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Way. Established in 2010, the trail now consists of 22 members in Newport, Westport, Achill, Mulranny and Castlebar.

Dermot Madigan, general manager, Mulranny Park Hotel, which hosted the 2013 Gourmet Greenway banquet, told guests this year’s updated brochure featuring the producers now combined an events guide as well as the Gourmet Greenway Guide.

And, he declared: “We are delighted that the food trail is growing from strength to strength since we started in 2010.”

The members of the unique producers are:

Mulranny Park Hotel: Executive chef Chamila Mananwatta skilfully combines the finest Gourmet Greenway ingredients, sourced on his doorstep. The hotel is open from February to November. Contact: (098) 36000.

Kelly’s Butchers: Founded in Newport in 1930, this celebrated artisan family enterprise features quality meats with a strong focus on provenance and local sourcing, such as its Wild Atlantic pudding infused with local seaweed. Brothers Sean and Seamus are award-winning sausage and pudding manufacturers. Contact: (098) 41149.

Keem Bay Fish Products: Gerry Hassett started his journey in the 1980s, smoking wild salmon in Keel in Achill. Driven by the dwindling sustainability of wild salmon stocks, he began smoking Clare Island farmed salmon in the early '90s. Contact: (098) 43157.

Wildwood Balsamics: Fionntan Gogarty produces a gorgeous range of vinegars and dressings using fruit, herbs and berries from hedge-ways along the Wild Atlantic Way.

This Must Be The Place: A vibrant cafe and shop in the centre of Westport, owners Sue and Andrew are dedicated to serving fresh, original dishes in a relaxed yet bustling atmosphere, while championing local produce. Contact: (087) 7074500.

Calvey’s Achill Mountain Lamb: All about nature and sustainability, black-head mountain sheep graze as they go on wild plants, coastal grasses, heathers and seaweed. Calveys run an artisan butcher shop in Keel. Contact: (098) 43158.

Rua and Cafe Rua, Castlebar: The cafe at Spencer Street is a deli and food shop stocking a range of local, national and international products. Rua offers daily coffee and scones to go, home catering, hampers and bread. Contact: (094) 9286072.

Achill Island Sea Salt: The O’Malley family have been crafting pure and organic Irish sea salt since 2013, gaining acclaim among chefs and food enthusiasts for its exceptional taste and quality. Their visitor centre is a unique destination, offering self-guided tours, a charming shop, and the Salt Dock cafe. Contact: (098) 47856.

The Grainne Uaile, Newport: Run by the McManamon family for a century, The Grainne Uaile offers a mouthwatering menu of local sea food and home-cooked dishes - a favourite for locals, royalty and even rock stars. Contact: (098) 41776.

Croagh Patrick Seafood Experience: This is a family run oyster farm and visitor centre on the shores of Clew Bay, at Roslaher, Newport. Padraic Gannon personally leads a fascinating shore-based tour of the oyster beds followed by an oyster shucking demonstration and tutored tasting. Contact: (087) 1937420.

Marlene’s Chocolate Haven, Westport: What started out as a hobby saw Marlene up-skill by taking some chocolate making courses with a view to starting a business in Westport - the perfect location to relax and indulge. Contact: (098) 440844.

Cornrue Bakery, Westport: In Cornrue, Patrick O’Reilly is a master of sourdough bread. When you step into his bakery, you’ll find a firsthand appreciation of the immense care and dedication put into every boule. Contact: (087) 9348975.

Bean West Coffee: Renowned, family-owned coffee roasting company in Westport, you'll find Bean West Coffee at various Gourmet Greenway member shops and at their coffee bar. They offer a comprehensive range of retail coffee, brewing equipment and accessories. Contact: (087) 16699577.

Savoir Fare: Bistro, cheese and wine shop serving all Irish cheese and charcuterie as well as local and seasonal inspired meals sourced from small independent producers. Combining their French and Irish heritages they offer the best of Gaelic with a little Gallic flair. Contact: (098) 60095.

Westport Food Tours: The ultimate experience for foodies, enjoy a casual guided 2.5 hour walk through the alleyways and avenues of Westport, tasting the very best of local produce. They operate April to September or private groups by appointment year round. Contact: (087) 4101363.

An Port Mor: Located in the heart of Westport, chef and owner Frankie Mallon’s philosophy is to use only seasonal, local and artisan ingredients. With a focus on seafood like lobster, crab, langoustine and scallops from Clew Bay, he also serves beef cheek hotpots and 21-day-aged beef. Contact: (098) 26730.

Kelly’s Kitchen: A renowned cafe led by Shauna Kelly, daughter of Sean, owner of the neighbouring Kelly’s Butchers, takes great pride in highlighting the superb produce from the Gourmet Greenway members. Known for its award-winning breakfast, scones and homemade sausage rolls. Contact: (098) 41647.

The Beehive Cafe/Restaurant: Michael, Patricia Joyce and their family’s ever popular cafe/restaurant in Keel, Achill, offers a delightful selection of honest, wholesome dishes, featuring seafood such as Keem Bay smoked salmon and Clew Bay mussels, alongside gorgeous homemade desserts. Contact: (086) 8542009.

Krem Gelateria & Cafe: Graham Byrne, the fourth generation gelato maker, pours his passion for flavours into his gelateria, Krem, at Bridge Street, Westport. In his creations, you’ll discover delightful combinations using ingredients from local producers like Mescan Beer and Achill Island Sea Salt, resulting in uniquely Mayo-inspired flavours.

Achill Island American Distillery: The sole island distillery in Ireland, situated at Bunnacurry, Achill. The island’s distinct microclimate offers the perfect environment for the manufacture of their whiskey to reach perfection. Contact: (098) 47898.

Ar Bia Mara: This food truck - meaning ‘Our Seafood’ - is a dream brought together by their love of cooking and owning two fishing boats. Their motto ‘We catch it, we cook it, we sell it’ is what makes them unique. They are famous for their lobster rolls, chowder and fish and chips. Their truck is located at Calvey’s car park in Keel from May to September. Contact: (087) 7207033.

Mescan Brewery: Located in the foothills of Croagh Patrick at Kilsallagh, and named after St. Patrick’s friend and personal brewer, this working microbrewery uses water sourced from a natural spring beneath the iconic mountain to create tasty Belgian-style beers. Tours are hosted by head brewer Cillian O Morain and provide a real beer experience. Contact: (086) 8320320.

Guest enjoying the Gourmet Greenway experience dinner in Mulranny Park Hotel