Episode 5:
Donal visits the famous Bushmills distillery where he learns the techniques involved in creating their famous casks, of course he has to sample the fruits of their labour too! Inspired by this visit, Donal whips up a whiskey and apple sweet treat on the grounds of Glenarm Castle.
Onwards to Belfast, where Donal takes a guided tour in a black cab where he discovers “hundreds of years of history in a couple of stops”.
Donal also visits Aunt Sandra’s sweet shop, a family run business where he has some hands-on experience of making their local sweet delicacy “yellowman”.
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Donal visits Michelin star restaurant “Ox” to sample their refined tasting menu and meet head chef Stephen Toman.
Suitably fed and watered, Donal takes a trip to the breathtaking glens of Antrim for a spot of fly fishing with a local guide.
The next stop on their Antrim Road Trip is a must visit for any “Game of Thrones” fan, one of the most iconic locations featured in the series: “The Dark Hedges”. Here, Donal & Max
meet a cast member who challenges Donal to a battle- all in good spirits, of course! All that fake-duelling calls for a cup of tea. Luckily, Donal has the perfect accompaniment and makes his delicious Blue Cheese and Thyme scones.
Series Overview:
Over the last couple of years, a lot of us holidayed at home out of necessity – and as a result, were reminded just how special this little island of ours really is. Having spent more than a decade travelling all four corners of the world in search of delicious food, Donal Skehan realised that there was so much to discover on his own front door and he is determined to keep up the habit.
This March, Join TV chef and food writer, Donal Skehan along with his trusty sheepdog Max as his travel companion – as they embark on a food-filled Road Trip around Ireland “Donal’s Road Trip”. In a 6-episode journey of discovery, Donal will take in all the places he’s never had a chance to visit, tick some culinary hotspots off his foodie bucket list and – inspired by visits to some of Ireland’s finest artisan food and drink producers – will whip up a few delicious dishes along the way.
Donal will travel the length and breadth of Ireland, meeting the characters who will bring us into their own special places; from foraging in West Cork with the “seaweed whisperer” to beekeeping in the Boyne Valley, and Game of Thrones-style reenactments on the wild Antrim coast. Inspired by his trip, he’ll be cooking on location and at his home, with delicious recipes including Kinsale Lobster Rolls for lunch and Howth Head Chowder for supper, Irish Blue Cheese Scones for elevenses and Waterford Blaas for breakfast!
As we come through the pandemic, Donal wants to keep up the habit of travelling within his home country, “I absolutely loved making this series at a time when the country is getting back on its feet. It was the perfect opportunity to visit businesses that were opening up again after almost two years of near- dormancy. Ireland is a truly magical place and my journey exploring it was made all the more fun with my dog Max in tow. It’s really encouraging to see such a thriving food scene and I got to visit lots of great producers up and down the country. I can proudly say that the Irish welcome is alive and well!”