The team at Howth Castle Cookery School celebrated a significant milestone yesterday with the official unveiling of its newly transformed Gaggenau kitchen. The landmark event brought together some of Ireland’s most influential voices in food, design, and media, with special guest, Michelin-starred Chef Ross Lewis, headlining the occasion.
A New Era for Howth Castle Cookery School
The unveiling of the kitchen marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Howth Castle Cookery School, blending centuries-old tradition with state-of-the-art technology. The reimagined space is equipped with Gaggenau’s world-class appliances, creating an unrivaled culinary learning experience for aspiring chefs, passionate home cooks, and industry professionals.
Co-Managers John Carty and Sarah Hughes welcomed guests, reflecting on the rich culinary history of Howth Castle, where people have been learning to cook since the 1700s. Hughes expressed her gratitude to both the Cookery School team and Gaggenau for their investment, which has surpassed all expectations in providing a state-of-the-art space to teach and inspire students from Ireland and beyond.
Gaggenau UK Director, Simon Plumbridge, spoke about the natural synergy between Howth Castle and Gaggenau, stating:
"The centuries of tradition and heritage of Howth Castle mirror the legacy of Gaggenau, which was founded in 1683 and remains the oldest appliance brand in the world. Yet, despite its long history, it has consistently performed at the highest level. The presence of the Gaggenau brand and appliances in the Castle allows consumers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the product experience both before and after purchase in this truly exceptional setting."
Guest of honour Ross Lewis, the renowned Chapter One chef, captivated the audience with insights into his unexpected journey into the culinary world. After studying Dairy Science at University College Cork, he found himself in New York, where he fell in love with the catering industry while working at Dorrian’s Red Hand on the Upper East Side.
"That was where I caught the bug," he explained. "The industry is full of crazy people who live for today. Cooking is an art, and having the right tools makes all the difference. The combination of this extraordinary setting and Gaggenau’s world-class technology makes Howth Castle Cookery School one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Ireland."
A Star-Studded Gathering of Industry Leaders and Media
The launch welcomed an impressive lineup of guests from the food, hospitality, and media industries, reinforcing the excitement surrounding this prestigious collaboration. Among the attendees were:
Alanna Gallagher, Irish Times
Amy McDonnell, The Gloss
Shauna Bernard, Checkout
Claire McKenna, Newstalk
Chris Melon
Jennifer Carroll and Rachel Rice
Jess and Cillian of Mamo fame
Alan Beshoff of Beshoff's of Howth & Darren Thompson of Coopers Bottleshop
After, guests were treated to a private tour of the Castle interior with Howth Castle Historian, Daniel Eglington-Carey.
This event marks the beginning of a new era for Howth Castle Cookery School, which is now Ireland’s first cookery school equipped with Gaggenau’s cutting-edge luxury kitchen appliances. The investment which exceeded €400,000, was jointly funded by WSHI the owners of Howth Castle Estate and Gaggenau,and demonstrates a shared commitment to culinary excellence, innovation, and education.
This partnership between Howth Castle Cookery School and Gaggenau signifies a culinary revolution, offering students and professionals the opportunity to experience the best of both heritage and modernity.
With its newly transformed space, Howth Castle Cookery School is poised to continue inspiring, educating, and elevating the culinary experience for all who walk through its historic doors.
Howth Castle Cookery School offers a diverse range of hands-on cooking classes tailored to all skill levels. With courses starting at €95 per class. Participants can explore everything from traditional Irish cuisine to international recipes and flavours from across the glove. Some of the more popular classes the school provides unique culinary experiences, include:
- Catch and Cook Experiences where guests fish in Dublin Bay before preparing their fresh catch in the state-of-the-art kitchen
- Teen and Tween Cooking Classes fostering a love for cooking from a young age
- Exclusive Chef-Led Masterclasses featuring renowned chefs and showcasing innovative cooking techniques
For more information on upcoming classes and experiences, visit the Howth Castle Cookery School website or contact the team directly.
Posted on 26 Feb 2025.
