Fernwood x Gather: This Clifden Pop-up is a Food-Lover’s Dream

What happens when forces of Irish hospitality and food come together to work on a shared passion project? Pure magic. Such is what attendees can expect to experience at Gather, a new weekly, home-cooked food pop-up at Fernwood Farm. 

The brilliant idea of Anne Ashe, co-founder of Fernwood, and Katie Sanderson, founder of the super popular White Mausu, it’s a simple concept that just makes sense. Essentially, every Thursday night between now and the end of May, Katie, her partner Jasper O’Connor, and a few friends will take up residence at Fernwood, where they’ll cook up a storm for attendees. 

Tucked away in Connemara, Fernwood is run by the Ashe family and encompasses three unique, eco-conscious, design-led spaces. Strong believers that luxury lies in the simple things and passionate about the natural world, the family have married these two ideals to create something truly special. 

Each menu will feature sharing plates built around some of the best, locally-sourced ingredients—including seasonal produce from the Fernwood Farm, where they have their own vegetable garden. They also produce their own beef from their herd of native Irish Dexter cows, and lamb from their flock of mountain sheep on a farm in Killary Harbour. 

Speaking to Galway Now about the exciting news, Anne said, “We have had plans to restore the Booley for many years.  The vision for now is to use it as a creative events space and also somewhere we can meet and greet our guests.  It was not specifically restored to be a pop-up restaurant; that was a happy coincidence!” 

Creating a space to host their local community has been a dream of Anne’s for years, and this, she says, is the perfect way for them to “share what Fernwood has to offer”. The pop-up will run until the end of May, after which they will welcome some small tour groups. They also have “a couple of things lined up for September”. “It will be an ever-changing use of space and we are excited about what is to come,” notes Anne, adding that they are “really thrilled” that the collaboration with Katie and Jasper allows them to involve their own produce. 

Tickets for the next three events are live now, with some spots already sold out. It’s BYOB, so bring something you love to drink and settle in for a feast you won’t forget in a hurry.