The beautiful town of Clonakilty, Ireland, has a hidden gem only steps away from the town center…read more(where the Battle of The Big Cross monument is). So I guess most visitors will go to the pubs to try out traditional Irish food and we've done that. But I said to myself, these pubs and restaurants get their meat and perhaps pasties and pies from the butcher, so why not cut the middle man? It turned out to be one of the best decisions on our trip. Scully and his staff cheerfully greeted us the moment we walked in and later chatted about life in the fast-paced US metropolitan vs. Ireland countryside (we both agree that the Ireland version contributes better to your mental and physical health). We selected the delicious fish pie, a freshly baked steak and kidney pie, the best chicken & mushroom pie I've ever tasted, along with a beef pastie and quiche for a quick lunch. I usually do not enjoy food that taste and smell too gamey, but the steak and kidney pie actually pleasantly surprised me with its full flavors. Realizing that we're going to have a quick lunch by the small park by the monument outside, Scully provided the utensils and everything else to make our meal enjoyable. We absolutely love the graciousness and hospitality on this nevertheless short visit to this picturesque small town. I can't recommend this joint enough!

By far the best butcher shop in the area: a classic old-school butcher with very high quality…read moremeats. I recently had a barbecue and served their hamburgers, marinated chicken breasts and lamb sausages and all my guests raved about the food. The lamb sausages are really something special.

The only butchers that serves highest quality meat i actually want to eat,and its so convenient…read morewhen you can pick up a pre prepared potato gratin or a ready made meat dish like stir fry or chicken rolls,nice to see a place that really cares where the meat comes from its no wonder they hav a shop in every corner of town!keep up the great work!

SUNVIEW GOATS CHEESE In Terleton (West Cork), Anne and Brian…read moreBond make a terrific Kilmichael Soft Goats Cheese from the milk of their Sunview herd. This is beautiful and mild, easily spreadable. If you've never eaten goats cheese before, then this is the one to start on. But that doesn't mean that those of you experienced in goats cheese should give it a miss. Far from it. There is something in this great product for everyone! The cheese is available from the Mark's Cheese stalls in local markets. I bought mine in the coal quay on Saturday. When I got home, combined it with some leaves, rye bread (by Tom's Bakery), an organic tomato salsa (Just Food), and had a great open sandwich.