In The Kitchen

In the Kitchen with Robbie McCauley: ‘I always wanted to do something with an old cottage in Clare’

The chef-patron of Homestead Cottage in Doolin on opening a new business, the joy of grouse, and the perfect sausage

Robbie McAuley of Homestead Cottage: “We’re almost hyperlocal here, because I have a really big garden at home and we grow lots for the restaurant there.” Picture: Five Element Photography

It may have only opened last summer, but Homestead Cottage in Doolin in Co Clare has already made a serious name for itself. A family affair, it’s run by chef Robbie McCauley and his wife Sophie, who met at nearby Gregans Castle, where McCauley worked on and off for about nine years.

Their daughters, three-year-old Louise and baby Iris - who was born two weeks before Homestead Cottage opened - can often be seen around ...