A ‘chocolate themed afternoon tea’ and the 1916 Rising will both make their way into this year’s Galway Food Festival with two special events taking place at the Ardilaun Hotel.
On Easter Monday, March 28, as part of the Galway Food Festival, the Ardilaun will mark its link to Boland’s Family Biscuits, and bakery mill, the building seized by forces under the commmand of Eamon de Valera. The Boland family lived in the Glenarde House, on the grounds of Taylor’s Hill until 1962, when the property was acquired by the Ryan family and its transition into the Ardilaun began.
The Ardilaun is inviting families and friends to gather and celebrate this connection to 1916 at a special 1916 fancy dress family themed picnic on the hotel grounds. Those attending are asked to dress in fashion from the era if possible. There will be an award for best dressed guest. A selection of Galway artisan produce, including home-made cordials, lemonades, freshly baked biscuits, and sweet treats by Ardilaun’s executive head chef David O’Donnell will be on offer.
There will be games from the 1916 era such as hide and seek, hopscotch, skipping, and marbles; traditional Irish entertainment; and a dedicated Ardilaun Hotel Biscuit Factory, producing custard creams, cream crackers, and bourbon creams.
The picnic will be held from 2pm to 4.30pm. Families should bring their own blankets. Pre-booking is essential and tickets are €20 for adults and €10 for children.
The afternoon tea event will see the Ardilaun join forces with luxury French chocolatiers, Chocolateria de l’Opera. David O’Donnell and his creative team offer a pastry menu, made with chocolate lovers in mind, using the best of local artisan produce. There will also be savoury delicacies, including freshly baked scones, preserves, and sandwiches, with a contemporary French twist.
Afternoon tea is served between 3pm and 5pm daily. Tea for Two is €35. Afternoon Tea with Prosecco for two is €50. A mini Afternoon Tea package is also available for children is €12.50 per child. Pre-booking is essential as the event is limited to 20 bookings per day. Early reservation is advised.
For more information and booking for either event, call 091 - 521433/091 514700 or email [email protected].
