Galway: Irish Scone & Bread Baking Class in Local Home

Summary

Hands-on Irish baking in a Galway home with fresh garden flavors

You’ll knead dough in a real Galway kitchen, pick herbs from the garden if they’re in season, and learn old-school Irish baking tips from Kate herself. Enjoy your homemade scones and brown bread with tea or coffee while sharing stories around her table. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and full of those small moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t be shy with the flour,” Kate said, grinning as she nudged the bowl my way. I was standing in her cozy Kilcolgan kitchen, sleeves rolled up, trying not to get dough on my phone (failed). The smell of yeast and something sweet — maybe berries? — drifted through the air. There were four of us around the table, each poking at our own lumpy pile of dough while Kate told stories about how her grandmother used to bake bread back when you had to knead it forever. I didn’t expect to laugh so much over scones, but there we were.

We picked lavender and a handful of berries from Kate’s garden out back — she said it’s best to use whatever’s growing. The rain had just stopped, so everything smelled green and a little earthy. I tried saying “brown bread” in Irish; Kate just smiled and handed me more raisins. There’s something about mixing flour with your own hands that makes you feel like you’re part of the place, you know? And when the oven finally clicked off and that warm bread smell filled the room… well, I still think about that.

Sitting down with fresh scones and brown bread (mine looked wonky but tasted right), we poured mugs of tea and swapped notes on what went wrong or right. Kate gave us printed recipes — mine has butter smudges already. If you’re coming from Galway city for this baking class, it’s a quick drive to Kilcolgan; look for her purple door at the end of the estate. Not sure if my bread will ever look as good as hers, but I left feeling like I could try again at home — or at least tell people I baked in Galway once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Irish baking experience

• Arrive at cosy home in Kilcolgan
• Discuss traditional vs modern bread baking
• Use garden fruits and herbs if available
• Bake fruit scones and spelt or brown bread
• Handle ingredients and knead dough
• Receive baking tips from host
• Enjoy freshly baked scones and bread with tea

Top questions

Where does the Irish baking class take place?

The class is held at Kate's home in Kilcolgan or sometimes at her café in Oranmore near Galway.

What do you bake during the class?

You’ll bake fruit scones (like lavender or berry) and spelt or brown bread using traditional methods.

Are ingredients provided for the baking experience?

Yes, all ingredients and utensils are included for guests during the class.

Is this Galway baking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both locations are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

Do you get recipes to take home?

Yes, printed recipes are provided along with a pen for notes if needed.

Can children join this Irish baking class?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are allowed.

How do I get to Kate’s house from Galway city?

If driving from Galway city to Kilcolgan village: take first left after O'Donoghues Bar, then left at T-junction, first right after bridge—the last house with a purple door.

Is tea or coffee included after baking?

Yes, guests enjoy their baked goods with tea or coffee provided by Kate.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients and utensils for baking scones and brown bread together in Kate’s kitchen or café near Galway. You’ll also get printed recipes (and a pen for notes), plus tea or coffee served alongside your homemade treats before heading off again—no need to bring anything except your curiosity (and maybe an appetite).