Mayo features in the third episode of ‘A Taste of Ireland’ programme which airs Tuesday 25 June on TV3 at 7.30pm. 

This is the third episode for Lyndey Milan, one of Australia’s most recognised food, wine and lifestyle personalities who reveals that beyond the stunning scenery and wonderful characters, we are a country rich in exciting fresh produce and delicious food, which is not known to many outside Ireland.

Lyndey’s visit to Ireland was assisted by tourism bodies Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland and her itinerary included a visit to counties Mayo, Cork, Fermanagh, Waterford, Galway, Claire, Dublin and Belfast.

In the programme Lyndey experiences the famous Connemara lamb, and with butcher James McGeough works to create spicy smoked sausages and unique air-dried lamb before cooking her own delicious lamb dish in a barn, a former derelict pub, on the shores of Ireland’s only fjord. Next she visits Clew Bay to experience a unique whiskey distillery with Johnny Dalgety Inishturkbeg then on to the town of Newport to make a traditional black pudding before enjoying the craic in nearby Westport with famed flautist Matt Molloy of The Chieftains.  The programme was also aired in Australia and New Zealand.

Commenting on her visit to Ireland, Lyndey Milan said: “The freshness, variety and quality of Ireland’s produce, not to mention that it is largely organic, have left a lasting impression, as have the truly warm-hearted and generous people I met on the trip. I was especially impressed with Irish seafood and relished the opportunity to cook with it, as well as beef, lamb and dairy – for a cook that is all important.  I am excited to reveal Ireland’s beautiful countryside and its bounty, both food and people, to the world.”

The TV programme reflects a significant growing interest in Irish food and ingredients.

Helen McDaid Fáilte Ireland’s Food Tourism Manager commented: “Last year’s programme was a great success with many of the champions going on to do great work for food tourism in their areas.  The focus this year is on our new project the Wild Atlantic Way and how we can further develop the visitor experience by promoting our local and regional food experiences.  From a tourism perspective how our overseas visitors view and experience Irish food while on holiday here is important, not only for tourism, but for the economy.”

Pictured is Lyndey Milan, one of Australia’s most recognised food, wine and lifestyle personalities with Johnny Dalgety, Inishturkbeg whiskey, during the filming of A Taste of Ireland. Image Fáilte Ireland