Early in September, we had the pleasure of attending a very special evening at McNally's Family Farm in Dublin. The event began with olive oil tasting, followed by a supper celebrating one of the farm's most abundant and versatile crops: the tomato.
Set inside the beautiful farm greenhouse, the long table, surrounded by growing plants and softly glowing lights, created a truly magical setting for the evening. There was something particularly special about enjoying dinner so close to where much of the produce had been grown.
The evening began with an introduction to Spanish olive oils, allowing us to taste and learn about the different varieties, their characteristics and the subtle differences in flavour. It was fascinating to discover just how much there is to understand about olive oil, from its aromas and texture to the ways in which it can transform a dish.
We were then treated to a wonderful dinner created around tomatoes grown at McNally's Farm. Each course showcased the ingredient in a completely different way, proving just how versatile the humble tomato can be.
It was a particular pleasure to see our own chef, Lorraine Fitzmaurice, among the talented chefs preparing the evening's dishes. Lorraine served a beautiful tomato galette, paired with one of the olive oils we had tasted earlier. The combination brought together the richness of the pastry, the freshness of the tomatoes and the peppery character of the oil in a wonderfully thoughtful dish.
And, as if the evening couldn't get any better, dessert continued the tomato theme in the most unexpected way. Tomato was incorporated into the meringue, accompanied by a delicious homemade ice cream, a creative and memorable way to finish the meal.
It was one of those evenings where food, people and place came together perfectly. From learning about Spanish olive oil to celebrating the incredible Irish produce grown at McNally's Farm, it was a reminder that some of the best meals are not only about what is on the plate, but the story and community behind it.
Posted on 24 Sep 2026.
