|  Cross
over a bridge from the mainland and enter a world apart. Situated
on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle is a 470 acre
estate spread over eight picturesque islands. Inhabited since the
12th century, the estate today offers a state of the art cooking
school.
Here you will be introduced
to Ireland’s most innovative and exciting culinary ideas.
The aim is to provide simple, flexible and practical instruction
whether your goal is to prepare a gourmet dinner for your family
or host a dinner party for friends without fear and trepidation.
Courses vary in duration from one day to four weeks and are designed
for every level of cooking ability. Each course involves a hands-on
approach as well as practical tips and demonstration.
 Accommodations
are in beautiful apartments
in the castle’s
19th century courtyard building,
all having
been restored with character and style.
Each features
en suite bathrooms and have been
award four
stars by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Guests are invited to
extend their stay to enjoy the many outdoor activities offered in
the area. The lakelands surrounding Bell Isle are renowned for their
beauty. Salmon fishing and golf are a short drive away. Walks and
rambles along the numerous designated scenic walks and hills are
also popular. For the less active, there are several outstanding
National Trust properties nearby, many ancient monastic sites and
the renowned Ulster American Folk Park offering excellent genealogical
service.
Midday arrival on your
own at Belle Isle. The estate is approximately 2 ½ hours
from Dublin and one hour from Donegal.
Enjoy a light lunch and glass of wine in the dining room. Briefing
of events for the following two days.
 After
lunch, you’ll start off with a talk on kitchen management,
kitchen hygiene and basic organization. Thereafter enjoy a practical
lesson preparing the starter and dessert for the evening.
Late afternoon coffee break followed by a continuation of your cooking
lesson.
Time to change before a wine tasting and a demonstration putting
the finishing touches on tonight’s dinner
 Morning
cooking lesson involving preparations for lunch and dinner today.
Walk around garden to view herbs and discuss their uses.
Lunch and glass of wine.
Afternoon cooking lesson to prepare dinner.
Dinner.
Morning cooking lesson focusing on dishes to be taken home
by the by the guests.
Lunch.
After lunch the school shop will be open, where a range of cookery
equipment, cookery books and Belle Isle crockery will be available.
Also a range of jams, pesto and sauces.
Around 2.00 p.m. departure.
Click
here for a recipe from Belle Isle School of Cookery
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