Workshops
TBEX Europe 2025

Workshop
Number of Participants
The Hidden Heart of Donegal’s Food Coast
15
Date and Time
September 10th, Meet at ATU at 10 am – 4 PM return to ATU
Workshop Location
Throughout Donegal County
Sign Up HERE
Description
Discover Donegal’s Food Coast on a full-day guided tour, meeting chefs and food innovators who returned home after honing their craft around the world. From artisan coffee and local produce to Michelin-inspired dining, smoky barbecue, and cocktails in a Georgian country house, this journey is a true taste of Donegal’s people, places, and flavors.
Join us for a unique Food Coast Donegal Day that goes beyond the plate, inviting you to
discover the hidden heart of Donegal’s thriving and surprising food scene with a day’s dining.
This is a journey of homecoming, a tour of five surprising venues where exceptional local
food and inspiring stories are served in equal measure.
On this exclusive bus tour, you will meet the people who left Donegal to hone their
craft—working in Michelin-starred kitchens and bustling cities across the globe—only to be
drawn back by the call of home. They have returned to pour their world-class experience into
businesses that are now local treasures, showcasing the very best of Donegal’s producers
and chosen some pretty special places in which to do it
Your full-day, guided tour will begin at 10 a.m. in Letterkenny and will weave a path through
the county’s stunning landscape, revealing hidden culinary gems and the passionate people
behind them.
Our Journey
New Kid Coffee, Letterkenny Our first stop is a place of passion and precision. Meet the
owner, a former accountant, who swapped spreadsheets for specialty coffee beans. This
unexpected transition has resulted in Donegal’s first commercial roastery, a true hidden gem
where you’ll taste expertly roasted coffee and hear the story of the woman who found her
true calling. We’ll be pairing our coffee with delicious baked goods from local suppliers
giving you a taste of Donegal’s burgeoning sourdough, bread and baking scene.
The Blue Goat, Ramelton Next, we journey to the charming heritage town of Ramelton and
—The Blue Goat, an artisan food store nestled in an old heritage center. Here, you’ll be
greeted with warmth and a wealth of local produce and knowledge. We’ll sample some of
the delights and meet the owner who will show us around the place that he turned from a
dream into a reality against all odds.
The Bridge Bar & Restaurant, Ramelton Just a stone’s throw away, we’ll ascend to the upper
floor of a seemingly unassuming small bar to discover The Bridge. The talented owners of
this establishment have brought their experience from Michelin-starred kitchens in
Edinburgh, New York, Singapore and everywhere in between back to Donegal. Truly a
seasonal place, they grow much of their own produce from melons to salads. Their food is
internationally inspired and locally sourced and their wine list is considered and heavy on
natural wines. It’s a world-class culinary experience in a truly surprising location.
BRAAI, Creeslough Prepare for an adventure as we seek out our next location, BRAAI, a
South African-inspired restaurant hidden away at the back of a pub in Creeslough. Here, a
couple who met in New York City have created a unique and vibrant dining experience. You
will taste a smoky, flavour-packed barbecue, which is a testament to their global experience
and their heartfelt return to Donegal. We’ll be enjoying dishes showcasing the locally sourced
meats and fish and local vegetables and some of their own collaborations with local
butchers.
Castle Grove Country House, Letterkenny Our final stop will be cocktails in a beautiful
Georgian country house, discreetly tucked away down a lane. Here, in the elegant
surroundings are you will hear the story of a family who brought the house back to life and
have worked tirelessly to build a business that stays true to who they are and their own
unique ethos.They see their elegant house as a place where their visitors are welcomed into
their home as opposed to staying at a hotel so you can be sure of a warm welcome. Enjoy a
sundowner and some snacks in this exquisite setting, and learn about their unique,
homegrown approach to food.
This tour is more than just a culinary experience; it’s a celebration of talent, dedication, and
the irresistible pull of home. Come with us and discover the people, places, and flavours that
make Donegal’s Food Coast so special. The tour will conclude at 4 p.m. back in Letterkenny.