Unique Mayo Cookery School set to officially open this week

The official opening of Cabots cookery school will take place this Friday May 30th at 2pm. The opening will take place at Deerpark, Aughagower, Westport. (Eircode F28T8Y1). Minister Dara Calleary will officially open the Cookery School.

Cabots of Westport was founded by Redmond Cabot is a local based specialist of premium food sauces. Beginning life back in 2010 at the Westport Country Market, the business now manufactures and distributes products nationwide. Redmond retains a 100% fresh, natural produce as well as the key positive nutritional benefits that contribute to well-being. In 2018, there was a demand for a local cookery school and a local food tourism hub

Redmond stated: “The basic plan was always to build a mini version of Ballymaloe business in Westport. Promoting all things local, foodie, and natural. We love local produce and local producers”.

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Redmond arrived in 2001 from Dublin and started Cabots house of wine in 2002 on Bridge Street. Six years later, he opened Cabots source restaurant in La Bella Vita with his fiancee Sandra Jordan who hails from Newport. In 2009 the couple moved to the Linen Mill in The Demesne. While studying horticulture at Carrowbeg college in 2010 and after the birth of their first daughter Penny, they were asked to sell their produce at Westport Country Markets.

Being supported by a Back to Work scheme from Westport Social Welfare and for several years they sold their fresh, natural, foods, in markets. In 2013 they began selling in Westport SuperValu and today they sell in over 60 retail locations around Ireland, employ 5, and are proud to have a semi-national presence and reputation with their 100% fresh and natural foods made in Lanmore.

In 2018, the pair purchased a 12acre site and the dream began then. In the middle of Covid in 2021 they were granted planning permission and just one year later, Redmond and Sandra were approved funding to the value of €189,000 through the South-West Mayo development company. 

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Westport’s success and recognition as a premium tourist destination close to the Wild Atlantic Way, and a growing interest in local foods and food tourism presents an opportunity for a new food tourism initiative. The Cookery School will be a unique, environmentally friendly and sustainable business and will be a net contributor to the local economy and skills base. It will complement the existing attractions that Westport currently offers as a tourist destination.