Sizing up the Sheep’s Head, by Sally McKenna
The village of Ahakista was first put on the food map of Ireland when it was home to the Shiro Japanese Restaurant, a two-tabled restaurant in West Cork with a Michelin star, when such a thing barely existed outside of France, never mind in far flung West Cork. Run by Kei and Werner Pilz, it was the stuff of legend, remembered well by anyone who ever ate there.
The Tin Pub is another of Ahakista's haunts, home to good music, a seaside garden, and the eponymous tin roof. Near to these two famous buildings, just beyond the house of Ahakista's second most famous resident, Graham Norton, stands Arundel’s, a traditional pub that has seen 'em come and go, and has somehow remained at the centre of everything Ahakista. Arundels is now operated by Shane Arundel, and his wife Fiona.
Shane and Fiona are just what a country pub needs, they've maintained the building, recently opening an upstairs dining room, opened it up for community events and occasions. They have a role to play in community life which they take very seriously, and the favour is returned by a devoted crowd – this place is a magnet for everyone who lives locally.
Under the management of their head chef Dominique Carucci, they make a good fist of the food as well. Highlight of a recent family lunch there was an unannounced plate of grilled fresh sardines. It probably pays to talk to Fiona here, and ask what has just walked in the door in terms of local produce.
With the lovely Heron's Gallery Café, the wonderful Good Things Café in nearby Durrus, the stylish Gallan Mór B&B, and the ever-expanding Sheep’s Head Market with its community shop, the Sheep's Head is back at the heart of West Cork and all its magic.
And, if Grahan Norton grabs second celebrity spot, then who Ahakista's most famous resident?
Why, Christie Moore of course. But hey, this is West Cork, so who really cares.
