Organic Food

A holiday at Slieve Aughty Centre is a gastronomic delight!  As much as possible, we use only the freshest organic ingredients supplied from our own garden or local farms.  We make the extra effort to prepare everything from scratch - you won't find anything out of a box or microwaved at the centre!  Even the coffee and tea is organic, and one of Esther's cappucino's really gives you the energy you need for the day.

Slieve Aughty Centre has a large organic garden that provides most of the fruits and vegetables used to prepare meals, jams and desserts for guests throughout the year.  In fact, most autumn working holidays spend their work time in the garden or preparing apples and other produce for the freezer.    We also grow flowers which serve as table decorations and salad ingredients.  Esther established the organic garden over 30 years ago after spending time employed on an organic farm in Holland.  She offers regular workshops at the centre for those interested in establishing their own organic garden and polytunnel.  Check out the workshop schedule to find out when the next gardening workshop is being offered, or contact Esther for more information.

As much as possible, other foods are organic and locally produced as well.  Breads and cakes are made locally or at the centre.  Our milk is supplied by a nearby farm and yogurt and soft cheeses are made by Esther at the centre (she's been doing this for almost 30 years!).  Hard cheese is purchased  from Killeen Farmhouse Cheese in Portumna.  Whenever possible, we buy organic meat from local sheep and cattle farms, and eggs are delivered from a neighbor who raises free-range hens.

A source of organic ingredients and a great place for guests to visit are the local farmer's markets, held every Thursday morning in Loughrea and Saturday in Galway City.  Here you can stroll the varied market stalls and sample fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, cheeses and more.

Slieve Aughty Centre joined the slow food revolution to support and encourage agriculture that is respectful of the environment of human beings and of taste.  What is Slow Food?

"Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.To do that, Slow Food brings together pleasure and responsibility, and makes them inseparable.Today, we have over 100,000 members in 132 countries." -Slow Food International

Visit Slow Food Ireland and become a member!