Top chefs and food leaders to gather at Virginia Park Lodge for Homegrown 2026 culinary retreat

Virginia Park Lodge, an 18^th-century estate in County Cavan, Ireland, will host the third edition of its culinary gathering, Homegrown, from 16^th to 19^th October this year. The event, organised by Irish chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan, will bring together leading figures from the UK and Irish food scenes for a weekend of dining, music and discussion in the Irish countryside. Set on the shores of Lough Ramor, the retreat is limited to 80 guests to foster intimate exchanges between chefs and attendees.

The 2026 line-up includes Dame Prue Leith, known for her five-decade career in British food and her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, and Angela Hartnett, chef patron of Michelin-starred Murano and the Café Murano group. Other confirmed participants are Henry Harris of Bouchon Racine, Neil Borthwick of The French House, Sally Barnes of West Cork’s Woodcock Smokery, Luke Holder of Lime Wood Hotel, Robin Gill of Darby’s in London, and food writer and broadcaster Valentine Warner. The weekend will conclude with a supper led by Lily Ramirez-Foran, founder of Ireland’s first Mexican grocer and cookery school.

Guests will have access to a programme that includes cookery masterclasses, chef discussions, tastings, foraging walks, wine and kombucha workshops, and wellness sessions such as yoga and cold-water swims in the estate’s lake. Dining highlights feature a Friday dinner by Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, a Saturday feast from The French House Dining Room and a closing Sunday lunch by Bouchon Racine.

Live music is also scheduled, with performances by jazz singer Mary Coughlan. Accommodation is reserved exclusively for retreat guests, who can choose between rooms in the main lodge or bespoke shepherd’s huts on the grounds. Prices for the two-night packages, which include all meals and access to events, range from €1,150 to €1,850 per person.

Virginia Park Lodge has been restored by Richard Corrigan since he purchased the property in 2014. The estate, originally built as a hunting lodge for the first Earl of Bective, now features walled gardens, orchards and livestock, which supply produce for the event. Corrigan, who has cooked for dignitaries including the Queen and Barack Obama, and owns several London restaurants, is proudly commited to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

The Homegrown event continues Corrigan’s tradition of bringing together respected voices in food at his County Cavan estate, offering what organisers describe as “a rare opportunity to experience the estate in a true celebration of food and the Irish countryside”.

Food Desk

Homegrown 2026 takes place from 16^th until 19^th October 2026 at Virginia Park Lodge, Virginia, County Cavan A82 T2N6, Ireland. For further information or to book tickets, visit their website here.