Georgina Campbell
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The magnificent Killruddery House and Gardens just outside Bray has been transformed under the stewardship of the current owners, Anthony and Fionnuala Brabazon (Lord And Lady Ardee), who have spent the last decade developing their family home as a visitor attraction and working farm that produces free range meat and seasonal produce for Killruddery's own kitchen, farm market, farm shop, Grain Store Restaurant, weddings and events.
As a thoughtful and accomplished chef who has long walked the wild-and-local walk, Niall O'Sullivan is a smart match for all that the role of Head Chef at Killruddery offers, with its estate-reared pork and lamb, free-range orchard eggs, well-established kitchen gardens and 850-acre estate of wild Wicklow habitat. At Killruddery, O'Sullivan oversees the food offer for private events and weddings as well as daily breakfast and lunch offers at the 'garden-to-plate' focused Grain Store Restaurant and seasonal suppers which take place on a regular basis.
Situated in a well-dressed, high-ceilinged former grainstore across the handsome stone courtyard from the Farm Shop & Garden Centre, the Grain Store Restaurant is a rewarding lunchtime destination through the week, especially on a sunny day when you can sit outdoors. Vegetarians and vegans are in for a treat with a menu that excels on plant-focused dishes, while meat dishes are made using farm-reared and locally sourced meat.
Visitors to the formal 17th-century walled gardens can take refreshment at the charming Tea Rooms, housed in the old dairy (inside the gardens); or bring their own picnic (perhaps including some market stall fare) to enjoy in the family-friendly orchards. In the Dairy Yard, visitors can enjoy the Farm Market, which takes place every Saturday.
Make time while there to browse the Farm Shop & Garden Centre for estate pork and lamb, seasonal vegetables, take-home meals, pantry items and baked goods, as well as eco-friendly gifts and foodie hampers. Estate-grown plants and rare, pollinator friendly perennials can also be found alongside bulbs, herbs, seeds, garden tools and books, while Killruddery Cut Flowers has a great choice of seasonal bouquets and cut-flower arrangements made from earth friendly flowers grown at Killruddery.
Killruddery is a multi-faceted destination that can be enjoyed in many delicious ways.
