Gortbofearna, Maurice Mills, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, V95 XA9C
St Tola is one of Ireland's best-known farmhouse cheesemakers, producing award-winning organic goat cheese on the family farm at Gortbofearna, near Inagh and Ennistymon, a short drive north-west of Ennis. Founded more than 25 years ago, it makes a range of fresh and matured goat cheeses that turn up on good restaurant menus and cheese counters across the country. The farm offers visits and sells directly, and the cheese is stocked in shops and at markets around Clare, so it is one of the most genuinely Clare things to bring home. It sits outside Ennis rather than in the town, so treat it as a short drive or a stop on a day out west.
Local Clare food: sourdough, artisan cheese, eggs, vegetables and baked goods
The town's weekly Friday-morning food market, with local sourdough, cheese, eggs, vegetables and baked goods.
Known for: Local Clare food: sourdough, artisan cheese, eggs, vegetables and baked goods
Hours: Fridays, roughly 8:00-13:00; confirm current day, time and location at source
Organic smoked Irish salmon
A family smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, north Clare, producing organic smoked Irish salmon, with a free visitor centre and shop. About 40 minutes from Ennis.
Known for: Organic smoked Irish salmon
Hours: Visitor centre and shop open daily in season; check the website