The tiny village of Ahakista on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula is choc-a-bloc with charm and beauty, and it has more than its fair share of quirky places to visit.
Artist Annabel Langrish’s gallery and café is one of the most charming so keep an eye out for the sign as it is a little out of the way. Once there, you’ll find an collection of her current work and a carefully chosen range of accessibly priced gift items (many of which are based on her paintings), and a lovely simple café which also has seating outdoors in informal gardens which are open to visitors and supply much of the fresh organic produce used in the kitchen.
The philosophy is simple and wholesome, with delicious home baking and an emphasis on vegetarian lunch dishes - although Fingal Ferguson’s local Gubbeen chorizo (used in a trademark chorizo and bean soup) and Thai fishcakes are exceptions that prove the rule.
To sit in these charming, colourful surroundings and enjoy a slice of quiche and salad, with ingredients straight from the garden, or a gorgeous freshly baked scone with home made jam and a cup of Fairtrade coffee - perhaps accompanied only by birdsong - is a very special treat.
Afterwards, as a souvenir, buy a card or two from Annabel’s distinctive nature-inspired collection. (Also available online).
