Some of the best summer memories are made in the kitchen. This summer, Howth Castle Cookery School is inviting parents and their teens and tweens to come and join our summer programme of hands-on workshops, spanning cuisines from Japanese street food to classic Irish baking.
Set within the stunning grounds of Howth Castle Estate on the tip of the Howth peninsula, the cookery school offers a packed schedule of teen and tween workshops running from July through September 2026. With several dates already sold out, it's worth getting in early.
There's a reason cooking classes have become one of the most popular activity gifts for families. Cooking sits in that rare sweet spot where fun and genuinely useful collide, and doing it together makes it all the more rewarding.
The teen and tween workshops at Howth Castle Cookery School are designed for parents and their children to take part in side by side*. That shared experience, working as a team, navigating a new cuisine together, tasting as you go, makes for a genuinely memorable day out, and one that's a little different from the usual summer activities.
*except the 3-Day Teen Workshops, which are Teen only
Young people who learn their way around a kitchen come away with confidence, independence, and a skill they'll rely on for the rest of their lives. But for parents, there's something equally valuable in stepping into that learning experience together, away from screens, away from the usual routine, and focused on something creative and delicious.
There's also something quietly powerful about the experience of making food from scratch as a team. When it comes together, whether it's a beautifully rolled sushi platter or a fragrant Thai street food spread, the sense of shared achievement is genuinely satisfying.
Running from mid-July through to mid-September, the classes are designed for parents and their teens or tweens to enjoy together, with hands-on participation at the heart of every session. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already comfortable in the kitchen, there's a class that will stretch and inspire you both.
A quick look at what's coming up gives a sense of just how much ground the programme covers: Japanese street food, Mexican street food, Thai street food, Chinese street food, a Summer BBQ workshop, sushi making, gourmet pizza, an introduction to baking, and the headline event, the immersive Summer Break 3-Day Teen Workshop, running in both July and August.
With a mix of Saturday and Sunday morning classes, most running around two hours, the workshops are easy to fit around work and family plans without taking over the entire day.
The Summer Break 3-Day Teen Workshop is a standalone offering, an immersive multi-day programme designed specifically for teens rather than the parent-and-child format of the other classes. Running across three days, it gives young people the chance to go deeper, building real confidence and technique across a broader range of cuisines. The first run in July has already sold out, but the second workshop takes place in August, with places still available. Learn more.
The street food series is a highlight of the summer programme, taking families on a tour of some of the world's most exciting food cultures. Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and Chinese street food each get their own dedicated session, with participants learning the techniques, flavours, and ingredients that define each cuisine. These are lively, hands-on classes that go well beyond following a recipe, and they're as enjoyable for parents as they are for their teens.
A new addition to the programme this year, the Teen & Tween Summer BBQ Workshop is a brilliant way to spend a summer Sunday morning together. Learning to cook confidently on the grill is a skill that pays dividends all summer long, and a lot more fun when you're doing it as a team. Learn more
One of the most satisfying workshops on the schedule, the sushi-making class teaches the art of precision and balance that makes great sushi. From rice preparation to rolling technique, it's a class that rewards patience and attention, and produces results that look as good as they taste. A particular hit for families who love Japanese food. Book here
A perennial favourite, the pizza workshop goes beyond the basics to explore what makes a truly great pizza, from dough and sauce to toppings and technique. Expect a session that's as enjoyable to cook through as it is to eat at the end. Learn more
What makes the Howth Castle Cookery School particularly special is the setting. Nestled within the historic grounds of Howth Castle Estate, with sea views, fresh coastal air, and the kind of atmosphere that makes everything feel a little more memorable, it's a world away from a standard activity class.
Groups are kept small to ensure every participant gets proper attention and the chance to be genuinely hands-on throughout. This isn't a demonstration class where you watch and take notes; everyone gets involved from start to finish.
Participants leave with new skills, printed recipes to try at home, and perhaps most importantly, a shared experience you’ll both treasure for years to come.
A joint cookery class makes a brilliant summer birthday gift or a treat for a family looking for something a little different. It's experiential, it's memorable, and it gives parents and their teens or tweens something genuinely enjoyable to do together. With a range of price points and dates across the summer, it's easy to find something that fits.
Visit the Howth Castle Cookery School website to see the full schedule, check availability, and reserve your places. Book now - summer moves faster than you think.
Posted on 16 Jun 2026.
