Bunratty Mead, now features in its own right as the centre point of our new range of Honeymooner’s gift boxes and hampers.

Mead has for centuries been the traditional drink of those joined in love. Its believed to enhance fertility and virility. Since medieval times newly-weds would be given a ‘the gift of Mead in plenty’,  for the transit of a full moon. Hence the word ‘Honeymoon’, quite apt when considering the drink is made by blending pure honey, selected herbs and wine.

So if you’re stuck for ideas, as to what to buy the Happy Couple, forget the toaster, a Honeymooners Hamper, has both the novel and traditional touch.

Without doubt the most favoured choice of an Irish household is the puddings of the Clonakilty Brand. By far, they are renowned for outstanding quality, distinctive texture and full flavour.

For those who don’t know, white pudding isn’t made in the same way as traditional Black Pudding. The main ingredients are Pork meat, Oats, Barley, onion and seasonings

Edward Twomey, bought the Harringtons butchers shop in Clonakilty in 1976, and with it he inherited the family’s highly popular (and very secret) Puddings recipes which dated back to the 1880’s. Building on this famous tradition of making excellent puddings, Edward eventually had to expand to a separate production unit near Cork, just to cope with demand. Clonakilty Puddings are a truly fine example of traditional Irish recipes which have avoided all the temptations to adapt to mass production techniques. This, we know, can be detrimental to a products original flavouring and texture. We hope the quality and distinctive taste of these exceptional products will have you clamouring for more. What's more we hope you find it a favourite addition to your own breakfast table.

Barry’s Tea, has been a household favourite in parts of Ireland for over a century. Founded in 1901 by James Barry, three generations have maintained a dedication to blending a truly premium quality tea. In 1934 Anthony Barry father of the current Managing Director, Peter Barry, was awarded the Empire Cup for blending tea.

From their original shop in Princess Street in Cork, Barry’s reputation grew locally. The brand soon found its way into the shops in the city centre and because of this increased popularity it was decided to broaden the horizons further still.

The 1960’s saw significant expansion and as Barry’s tea tasters discovered new teas coming in form East Africa, it became apparent to customers that the freshness, flavour and distinctive colour was something they found really appealing and unique to Barry’s Tea.

By reputation, Barry’s Tea has grown to become one of Ireland’s most popular brands, accounting for some 37% of tea sales in Ireland.  Barry’s has an annual  turnover of over 31 million euro, employs a staff of 73 and its’ Gold Blend variety is the market leader in Irelands premium teas sector.

So the next time you are revitalising yourself with a cuppa, just think within your hand you have something of Ireland’s distinct heritage. To discover more, why not log on to  www.barrystea.ie

Ballymorris Pottery

Ballymorris Pottery, is housed in a renovated cart house in Cratloe two miles from Bunratty Castle. It’s here that Hannah Arnup, who studied sculpture and ceramics creates the most evocative hand thrown Irish Stoneware. Each piece is distinctly unique and the use of strong colours, rustic glazes, celtic art and symbols encapsulates the rural heritage of Irish culture.

Registered with the Crafts Council of Ireland, Ballymorris Pottery has found its way into the homes of many of its visitors who call in to the Pottery shop. But perhaps its most prestigious customer has been the Irish president herself Mary Mc Aleese.

The pottery range includes and extensive choice of domestic ware in colours of blue, green and tan with a choice of gloss or natural finish. In additions to the plentiful pots, jugs plates and bowls which make up excellent tea and coffee services. Plates, cheese bowls and cheese boards create a superb after dinner of buffet service.

Take a look on our Monthly offers page, or log on too www.ballymorrispottery.com and discover the unique world of arts and crafts.