The grapevine at Turlough Park was planted in 1865 by the Fitzgerald family and continues to produce grapes today. 

Join Andrew Watson, Horticulturalist and Viticulture enthusiast, as he discusses the history of the Turlough Park vine, the Foster's Seedling grapes which it produces and its life cycle.
 
Afterwards there will be a talk and tasting of Jam and Chutney making by head chef Barry Ralph from the award winning restaurant House of Plates, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. 

There will be grapes and chutney available for people to take home with them after the event.
__________________________________________________

Please note booking is required for this event and spaces are limited.

Book Now 


Barry Ralph is the chef and owner of House of Plates in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, which celebrates its 10th year anniversary last week. His cooking is strongly influenced by the landscape of the West of Ireland and a belief in making the most of what is available locally and seasonally.

A passionate wild food forager and gardener, Barry has a particular interest in the ingredients growing naturally around us. From wild herbs and plants to berries, seaweeds and other seasonal finds. Foraging has become an important part of both his cooking and his approach to food, encouraging people to look a little differently at what is growing on their doorstep.
Through House of Plates, Barry combines locally sourced produce with wild and foraged ingredients, working closely with the seasons and allowing the quality of the ingredients to lead the dish.
For Barry, food is as much about place and connection as it is about what arrives on the plate – connecting people with local producers, the landscape and the often-overlooked ingredients that can be found all around us.
__________________________________________________

What You’ll Experience

• Talk by a horticulturalist on the Fosters Seedling Grapevine which has been growing at Turlough Park since 1865
• Talk by a professional chef on how to make jams and chutneys using grapes
• Tasting a chutney made from grapes from the vine at Turlough Park

Who is this event for?

• People interested in gardening and particularily growning grape vines
• People interested in jam and chutney making

Dates & Times

• Saturday, 29th August 2026, 12:00-13:00

Location

Museum Grounds 
National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park 
Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo 
F23 HY31

Meeting Point: Courtyard Room