Check out: three sustainable Irish dining escapes

Perfect for all of us who love our food — and where it comes from

The Wicklow Escape, dining. Picture: Liosa McNamara

The Irish food and restaurant scene has never been more locally minded. But nowadays, there is a number of kitchen accommodations taking their sustainability to the next level, not only by supporting many hyper-local producers, but also by growing much of their fresh produce on site. Avocados are out — Irish-climate-loving menu staples such as raspberry bliss berries, rainbow chard, and flavour-packed parsnips are very much in.

And so enter the Wicklow Escape, the latest Ireland’s Blue Book member. Formerly known as the Elbow Room, last summer, owner, Lisa Wilkenson, teamed up with Michelin-accoladed executive chef Danni Barry to create the ultimate gourmet getaway. Set in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, I arrived at its cottage door-step last month to experience what’s being billed as the ultimate forest break for foodies.