Enjoy a Festive Feast from Boyne Valley this Christmas
For many of us the most important meal of the year is Christmas dinner and we put huge amounts of effort into making it special.
An easy way to ensure a delicious festive feast is by using food and drinks from your local producers, they will be fresher and much more delicious plus you are supporting local businesses in your community.
With its abundance of passionate growers and producers, Boyne Valley is home to an array of delicious, locally crafted food and drink options. Whether you're cooking from scratch or looking for a few convenient options, think local this festive season—you won’t be disappointed! Read on to get some ideas for your feasting this Christmas!
The Main Event
Hogan's Farm
“The Fresh Turkey Specialists” brother’s Fintan and Paul Hogan are 2nd generation turkey farmers, based in Kells, Co. Meath. Hogan’s Farm have been rearing turkeys for over 50 years.
Using their extensive knowledge, the brothers have developed their expertise into rearing their own specialist turkey breed – the Charlesfort Turkey. With an ingrained passion for rearing and producing multi- award winning fresh turkey products, the Charlesfort Turkey range expanded with the development of the Award Winning Traditional Free Range Woodland Bronze Turkey. These slow rearing traditional American black turkeys are reared outside in the woodlands on Charlesfort Estate, home of Hogan’s Farm. Free to roam all day and night in the woodlands and grasslands, these exceptional turkeys are reared exclusively for the Irish Christmas market.
Visit their onsite Farmer's Shop, order direct from their website and watch out for their products on supermarket shelves.
Rock Farm Slane
The Rock Farm Slane Christmas Shop is now open for Christmas orders for our Organic Bronze Turkeys, Hams and other meats, as well as a selection of other Boyne Valley produce for your Christmas feast. All meat is organic and free range.
Pre-order your Christmas goodies and pay a 20% deposit now with balance payable on 19th December.
Orders will be available to collect on Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd December 2024 (11am - 4pm) either from Rock Farm or at collection points on the M50.
JM Food Service
Led by John & Rosita Moyles, JM Food Services are passionate about the food theey produce and the service they provide, using only the freshest ingredients, from first principal to table. Make your life easy this Christmas and order some delicious dishes or even the whole meal from their Christmas Menu.
Shop JM Food Service
Termonfeckin Delicious
Termonfeckin Delicious offers traditional hand-plucked Bronze Turkeys, raised free-range to full maturity, resulting in succulent and flavorful meat. Their turkeys are grown to maturity outside, allowing them to graze and forage daily, which results in meat that is well-marbled with a fine texture and more deposits of fat under the skin. This method ensures a more succulent and tender meat.
For Christmas 2024, Termonfeckin Delicious is raising an extra flock of Bronze Turkeys to support the Drogheda Women’s & Children’s Refuge, aiming to raise €10,000 for this vital cause.
By choosing their products, you not only enjoy a delicious meal but also contribute to the community. Orders are now open for Christmas 2024, with deliveries scheduled for December 22nd and 23rd.
Roll it Pastry
In 2013, Mairead Finnegan set about creating a range of pastry made using only Irish butter in her home kitchen in Kells, Co. Meath. Mairead wanted to create delicious all butter pastry, that tasted as good as home made pastry, but was convenient and ready to use and she succeeded! Her multi award winning range is perfect for all your sweet and savoury pastry needs this Christmas and is available in supermarkets nationwide
Meade Farm
Vegetable are one of the most important parts of Christmas dinner and from farm to fork, the Meade Farm grows, packs and distributes premium fresh and prepared fruit. Available in supermarkets nationwide.
Carlingford Oysters
Harvested from the pristine waters of Carlingford Lough, Carlingford Oysters are renowned for their exceptional flavor, combining a sweet, salty, and nutty profile with a crisp texture. These premium oysters are sustainably farmed and celebrated as some of the finest in the world. Perfect as a starter or paired with a glass of bubbly, they bring a touch of luxury to your Christmas dining experience.
McCormack Farms
Some beautiful fresh leaves are the perfect match to a Christmas day stater and at McCormack Family Farms, they believe in keeping their leaves and herbs honest; honest to the goodness that nature provides. Which is why all their salad leaves and herbs are grown in natural soil, under natural light. Discover their fresh salad mixes, leaves and herbs on supermarket shelves nationwide.
Newgrange Gold
Newgrange Gold produce award-winning Irish Rapeseed Oil & Wild Flax Oil in the heart of the Boyne Valley. Perfect for roast potatoes, dressings and much more.
Finnegan's Farm
“Finnegan’s….Powered By Potatoes!” Brothers Paul & Joe Finnegan are 5th generation farmers, based in the heart of the Boyne Valley region, near Navan in Co. Meath. Traditionally supplying fresh potatoes from field gate to your dinner plate they have introduced a new pre-cooked chilled potato range that includes chips, wedges, baked potato, marinated baby potatoes, mash and sweet potato mash which will make cooking Christmas dinner much easier!
Available in supermarkets nationwide.
Oriel Sea Salt
The company harvests a mineral sea salt with a taste profile that is full of intensity and depth. 100% Irish Natural Sea Salt, that is harvested through a sealed system, to retain the taste and depth of flavour, while also retaining all the other minerals making it a healthier option with less sodium. The perfect way to season your Christmas dinner!
Martry Mill
How about some homemade brown bread using Martry Mill flour? Martry Mill is a fully functional watermill on the River Blackwater, with the earliest records dating back to 1641. Using local grain, Martry Mill grinds stoneground wholemeal flour that makes delicious brown bread.
Coole Farm
For something fresh how about some beauiful leaves from Coole Farm? They harvest and deliver to customers within 24 hours, to ensure they can enjoy some of the freshest leaves in Leinster! At Coole Farm, they grow their produce in harmony with nature. No artificial pesticides or fertilisers are used. This fact, combined with the naturally fertile limestone soil, creates the perfect growing environment for their very special produce. These ideal growing conditions, along with their expertise, allows the natural flavours of the leaves to burst through. Available in supermarkets throughout the Boyne Valley.
Find out more
Brogan's Butchers
Brogans Butchers are one of the few truly Farm to Fork Butchers remaining in the country, with their own Family Farm in Athboy and E.U Licensed Abattoir. In addition to the high quality Dry-Aged Beef, Lamb, Pork & Chicken, which was already being produced and sold in the shop, the product range was extended to include a vast range of ready to cook products, all produced in-house by their team and the best selection of local and national artisan products. Their Christmas orders are now open.
Morgans Fine Fish
Fresh fish and shellfish is always an excellent starter or even main course and Morgans Fine Fish have you covered. This family owned seafood processor have a strong rural base in Omeath, Co. Louth where they have sourced and prepared the finest fresh fish since 1860.
Visit their Christmas Shop and watch out for their products in Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Supervalu, Nolans of Clontarf and Independent Retailers
Dowling's Orchard Pork & Bacon
Dowing’s Orchard Pork & Bacon is a family run farm in Julianstown Co. Meath, who produce tasteful free-range pork and bacon products. Ann’s saddleback pigs are like part of the family, they enjoy roaming around the apple orchards, which gives her products a delicious special flavour. Available in butchers in the Boyne Valley.
Baska Bakery
Christmas is not complete without left overs sandwiches and this year choose the award winning Baska Bakery sourdogh. An artisan microbakery specializing in naturally fermented sourdough bread, Baska Bakery avoids industrial additives or chemicals in their products.
Available in supermarkets throughout the Boyne Valley.
DC Lambay Shellfish
Elevate your Christmas starters with the premium crab products from DC Lambay Shellfish. Known for their sustainably sourced seafood, they offer crab meat and claws that bring a fresh, luxurious touch to your festive menu. Whether served in a salad or as part of a seafood platter, DC Lambay Shellfish ensures quality and flavor for an unforgettable feast.
Gyles Quay Lobster & Crab
Add a touch of luxury to your Christmas celebrations with fresh lobster and crab from Gyles Quay Lobster & Crab. Sustainably sourced from the pristine waters of the Irish Sea, their seafood is perfect for a festive starter or a show-stopping main course. Impress your guests with the finest shellfish this holiday season.
Learn more about Gyles Quay Lobster & Crab
Durnin's Fruit & Veg.
No Christmas dinner is complete without vibrant, fresh vegetables. Durnin's Fruit & Veg provides locally grown, high-quality produce to complement your festive feast. From crispy roast potatoes to colorful side dishes, their vegetables ensure a wholesome and delicious meal for all.
Learn more about Durnin's Fruit & Veg.
Cooley Oysters Ltd.
Make your Christmas starters extraordinary with Cooley Oysters, farmed from the pure waters of Carlingford Lough. Their premium oysters are a decadent addition to your festive menu, whether served with a zesty mignonette or paired with a sparkling glass of bubbly.
Shop Cooley Oysters Ltd.
Earl's Kitchen
Earl's Kitchen specializes in gourmet dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Make your life easier this Christmas and pick up some delicious dished from their extensive festive menu that are sure to impress.
Visit Earl's Kitchen
Kitchenetta Catering
Specializing in bespoke catering services, Kitchenetta is ideal for hosting holiday events at home. Their focus on high-quality ingredients ensures your festive gatherings are memorable.
Visit Kitchenetta Catering
Dessert & Cheese
Sheridan's Cheesemongers
Christmas dinner has to end with a cheeseboard and Sheridan's Cheesemongers have you covered. Their online store offers a huge selection of cheese, wine & all the accompaniments or pop into their Meath HQ in The Old Forge Restaurant next to Virginia Road Station, Pottlereagh Carnaross Co. Meath to purchase in person.
Their shop and cafe is open 7 days a week and they have their Saturday Farmer's Market takes place each Saturday 10-2pm.
A Bit on the Side
At A Bit on the Side, they have taken jelly to a whole new level with their hand-made, all natural Gourmet Savoury Jellies. Each one is a unique, novel combination of flavours, that can be served as a condiment, glaze or salad dressing base. These jellies are a total taste transformation...titillating, tempting, tantalizing. Whether you fancy a Hot, Tasty or Boozy Bit on the Side, their three lines of Savoury Jellies will satisfy all your wants, needs and desires.This year they also launched a new range of stunning dips perfect for Christmas time. All products are available online along with gift boxes.
Shop Now
Coyle's BakeHouse
Sweeten your Christmas celebrations with handcrafted treats from Coyle's BakeHouse. Known for their delectable baked goods, they offer a range of desserts and pastries that are perfect for rounding off your festive feast or serving with a warming cup of tea by the fire.
Learn more about Coyle's BakeHouse
Bohó Nibz
Bohó Nibz is an online artisanal chocolate shop, locally produced in Navan, Co. Meath, in which exquisite treats, such as, Bon bons and Chocolate Bars are offered. Each of these beautiful chocolates are handmade and hand-painted in small batches, using the finest ingredients possible.
Platterbylu
Located in the heart of Trim, Platterbylu offers a unique dining experience that envelops all your senses. Known for their beautifully presented grazing boxes and sharing platters, Platterbylu combines local ingredients with French delicacies to create a feast to remember.
Visit Platterbylu
What's for Pudding
At What's For Pudding, they make their puddings with great care for you, and add that ‘special something’ that comes from years of experience cooking for family and friends. Based in the Boyne Valley at Kilmessan, County Meath, the Flaherty Family work hard to produce the very best dessert puddings, with high quality ingredients and absolutely no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. The perfect decadent Christmas dessert!
Muchgrange Farm Gelato
You can't go wrong with delicious gelato made right here in the Boyne Valley. This year’s festive flavour lineup includes:
Available for collection from the farm or from any of their local stockists. But don’t wait— stock is limited, so make sure to get your orders in before it’s too late!
Boyne Valley Cheese
Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese is owned and operated by Michael & Jenny Finegan. They produces a range of award winning cheeses using their own goat milk and the cheeses are made on the family farm, outside Slane in Co. Meath. An old stone building, which was formerly a cow byre 300 years ago, was converted into the present cheese making facility. The perfect gift for any cheese lover.
Tastees
Tastees is based in Clogherhead, County Louth & specialises in Jam, Chutneys and Sauces, along with spice & herb mixes, using locally sourced ingredients and supporting local businesses.Their products are all made in small batches, to create a consistent, yet unique flavour, and their latest creation is a delicious Pear & Date Chutney, that goes great with a selection of cheeses.
Christmas Hampers are available now on their online shop and at Christmas Markets throughout the Boyne Valley.
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Drogheda Honey
Drogheda Honey is produced by native Irish honey bee's (Apis mellifera mellifera) in the Boyne Valley, on the north and south of the River Boyne, and in the Cooley Mountains. Drogheda Honey are members of the native Irish honey bee society, where they actively promote and protect their native honey bee, through education and advocate against the importation of non-native honey bee species. The bees are ethically managed and treated for Varroa, using only organic methods.
They have a range of gift hampers available for the festive season
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Big Red Kitchen
Big Red Kitchen is a multi-award winning cottage industry business, producing a wide range of handmade jams, chutneys, sauces and preserves. All of their products are made in small batches, using local produce, wherever possible. They have a gorgeous range of gift boxes available for Christmas.
Lir Chocolates
Lir was created in Dublin in 1987 by Connie Doody and Mary White, and began on Connie’s kitchen table, with a food mixer and a bowl. Those early days instilled a spirit of creativity and attention to detail, that are still integral to Lir Chocolates today. All products are manufactured in their factory in Navan. Lir Chocolate Factory Shop in Navan, Co Meath is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm.
Roj Dairy
Roj Dairy is a Mediterranean Dairy farmhouse, located in the heart of the Boyne Valley. Discover the authentic taste of tradition with Roj Dairy. Their products are crafted with care, ensuring every bite is a celebration of quality and flavour.Their products are crafted using traditional techniques, ensuring that every bite delivers the rich, authentic flavours of the past. "Roj" stands for Rojava, the Kurdish region of Northern Syria, a land with a rich and ancient heritage.
Merci Beaucoup Cakes
Jérémy and Alona are the husband and wife team behind Merci Beaucoup Cakes and you are guaranteed to find lots of delicious sweet treats for your Christmas feasts at their bakery in Ardee, Co.Louth.
Bakealicious
Every Bakealicious creation is a testament to the joy of baking. From indulgent cakes to curated hampers filled with cookies, brownies, and festive treats, each item is handmade with care. Create your own hamper for a personalized gift that will bring sweetness to the season.
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Drinks Suggestions from coffee and kefir to whiskey and gin!
The Studio Coffee Roasters
Studio Coffee Roasters are proud to roast coffee from all over the world to create their own single origin coffee's. The quality of their roasted coffee depends on their green bean suppliers, they source beans from 18 producing countries. They have an extensive range of coffees and blends available on their online shop.
Boann Distillery
Boann Distillery produces world-class spirits that combine innovation and tradition. Highlights include Silks Irish Gin, with its fresh floral notes, and the Whistler range of aged whiskeys, and their Pot Still Whiskey range. Their 1848 Apple Brandy, aged in Irish whiskey barrels, is a distinctive treat for spirit connoisseurs.
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Kells Gin
Kells Gin originated in Kells Co Meath famously known as the Monastic Capital of Medieval Ireland.
The distinct notes in Kells Gin are influenced by the Victorian era, which saw Kells rise in prominence again for its craftsmanship when the women of Kells produced the famous Kells Lace. The Kells Lace patterns were deliberately chosen to represent the local foliage and so were predominantly floral and foliate. Today, the ingredients of Kells Gin mirror the innovative lace designs and ensure a taste of Kells in every pour.
McEntee's Tea
McEntee's Tea have a great selection of different teas perfect for a special Christmas day brew.
King of Kefir
King of Kefir is Ireland’s and Europe’s first dedicated water kefir brewery using traditional water kefir grains since 2014. All of their flavors are created from scratch using only organic botanical ingredients by brewing herbal infusions.All of their drinks are 100% natural and free of artificial flavourings, preservatives, and additives.
A perfect and unique non alcoholic pairing for Christmas dinner
Jumping Church Brewery
Jumping Church Brewery is located just outside Ardee, Co. Louth, and was established by brothers Oran and Robert Durnin, on their family farm in the Boyne Valley. The team at Jumping Church Brewery are passionate about producing exciting beer, using as much locally sourced ingredients as possible.
They currently have five beers Pale ale (Gae Bolga), Red ale (Ferdia Red), Stout (The Turf Man),Juicy IPA( Bitter Sweet),and IPA (St Ledger), all named after local myths and legends, and it's where they get our inspiration to keep creation new and exciting beers for everyone’s taste.
Coole Swan
Irish cream liquer is a must for many peoples Christmas and Coole Swan is made with heart, right here in the Boyne Valley. Coole Swan was born of a vision to reinvent Irish Cream Liqueur for a modern world. It is an unruly re-creation of a classic Irish product, a perfect blend of whiskey, chocolate and cream.
Dan Kelly's Cider
Dan Kelly’s Irish Cider is made from apples harvested in Boyne Grove Fruit Farm, their own family farm in the Boyne Valley at Drogheda.
The Dan Kelly’s Cider family has a range of four different blends:
- Original Cider
- Whiskey Cask Cider
- Single Variety Cider No 1
- Coll’s Craft
All are available to purchase online.
Dreambeans Coffee
Dreambeans sells multi-award-winning, hand-roasted coffee, directly to consumers throughout the Boyne Valley & Ireland. Run by husband-and-wife team, Pat McArdle and Caoimhe O’Dwyer they source and buy small batches of the very finest beans available and roast them to perfection in Dundalk, Co Louth. Once you try Dreambeans, you’ll never want to go back to ordinary coffee ever again.
Cockagee Cider
Mark Jenkinson produces premium craft cider on his historic Farm, just outside Slane, in County Meath, using apples from his own orchards. His naturally sparkling Keeved cider is unique in Ireland, being the only Irish Cider to be made using the ancient technique of Keeving.
Delicate fresh apple aromas and rich fruit flavours, a robust and full bodied, complex cider with a soft natural sparkle, bittersweet twist and long dry finish. Serve chilled in a stemmed glass (never over ice in a pint :-) enjoy on it's own or as a food accompaniment. An ideal Irish and local alternative to Prosecco, Champagne or Cava etc. and perfect for Christmas Day!
Fairy Trees Winery
Ireland’s first commercial winery, Fairy Trees, is redefining local winemaking. Their vineyard in Dunleer produces unique wines like the Irish Aged Chardonnay and Shiraz, aged in Irish whiskey barrels for added complexity and warmth. Launching in late 2024 is their sparkling wine—a perfect way to toast the holidays. A family-run business led by Bertrand Laclie, their dedication to quality and innovation shines in every bottle. A gift from Fairy Trees is the perfect uniique gift for any wine lovers.
Fierce Mild
Brewed exclusively in the Boyne Valley, Fierce Mild is a non-alcoholic beer that prioritizes bold flavors. Brewed with a unique yeast and a trio of hops, it delivers a rich, satisfying taste without the alcohol. Founded by Dundalk school friends Fergal Carroll and Cathal Byrne, Fierce Mild is a fresh take on alcohol-free beers, now available nationwide.
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URBÓ Milk
URBÓ is a delicious, wholesome milk-based drink, produced using only natural ingredients. It has all of the functional health benefits of whole milk, is high in protein, rich in vitamins & minerals, low in lactose and uses only milk that is fully traceable to their farm. This is the perfect gift for any gym goers this Christmas. Shop Now
Lilys Tea
Lily Chen is originally from the Fujian province, where she was reared on quality leaf tea. Lily is based in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth. Over the years, she has developed a strong passion and knowledge for quality tea, served in the most natural way. Thanks to the accessibility to the best tea farms in China, Lily only selects the finest tea leaves for her customers. Lily's Tea offers a wide range of personally selected Loose- Leaf Tea, Leaf-Tea Pyramids, and an excellent Organic Matcha Tea.
Slane Whiskey
Crafted in the heart of the Boyne Valley at the historic Slane Castle, Slane Whiskey is a triple-casked Irish whiskey that embodies tradition and innovation. Using a blend of virgin, seasoned, and sherry casks, this smooth, complex whiskey offers notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and spice. Whether you're enjoying it neat, in a cocktail, or as a festive treat, Slane Whiskey is a perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations.
Delasheen Farm
Elevate your Christmas morning with farm-fresh milk from Delasheen Farm. Their pasteurized and flavored milks are perfect for breakfast cereals, festive hot chocolates, or even homemade puddings that will delight the whole family.
Learn more about Delasheen Farm
