Cooking Classes at Mara
Irish Coast Meets Cantabria
Modern Irish Flavours with a Spanish Soul
Culinary classes with chef Luis Martin at Mara
Class format:
Join us in the kitchen as we fuse the bold, vibrant flavours of northern Spain with the finest Irish coastal produce.
Led by our very own Chef Luis Martin, these intimate, hands-on classes offer a unique opportunity to explore the soulful intersection of Spanish flair and Irish ingredients.
In a small-group setting, you’ll learn how to prepare wholesome, seasonal Irish produce using modern techniques inspired by the culinary traditions of Cantabria.
From fresh seafood to garden vegetables, discover how to incorporate local produce and flavours from Northern Spain with Luis’s signature style. Perfect for passionate home cooks and curious food lovers alike.
Details:
Classes take place on Wednesdays and Sundays each week. All equipment is provided, and you’ll take home a recipe book featuring every dish you prepare in class, perfect for recreating the magic at home.
Group bookings can be made but must be arranged privately.
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Light snack on arrival
Quick intro to Luis, overview of the menu, ingredients, and goals of the session.
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Participants split into small teams (or solo if preferred)
Luis demonstrates each dish step-by-step, then guides the group as you cook
Focus on knife skills, timing, seasoning, and plating
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Sit down to enjoy the food together
Wine pairing suggestions (optional)
Open floor for questions about techniques, sourcing, or kitchen tips
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Printed recipe pack with Luis’s notes and alternatives
List of trusted local producers
Mara’s house granola mix as a gift
NEW Classes at Mara 2026
Sunday | January 25th | 11:00am - 2:30pm
Join us in the kitchen on Sunday the 25th of January, for a hands-on afternoon learning the craft of beef butchery. We’ll take you through the rumps, talk you through the hidden cuts inside, and show you how we choose which pieces are best for steaks, slow braises, or a proper roast.
After the class, we’ll sit you down for a comforting two-course beef menu, with the option to enjoy a glass of wine or beer if you’d like.
All equipment is provided. Attendees will also receive a recipe book to take home.
Wednesday | February 11th | 6pm - 9:00pm
This class is all about the joy of Italian cooking. We’ll start with simple, beautiful antipasto, then roll up our sleeves and make fresh pasta together. And yes - we’ll finish with a classic tiramisu the way it should be made.
Once everything is prepared, we’ll gather to taste and enjoy what we’ve cooked, with wine or beer available to pair if you wish.
All equipment is provided. Attendees will also receive a recipe book to take home.
Wednesday | March 18th | 6pm - 9:00pm
This is a lovely, practical class perfect for anyone looking to elevate their Easter roast. We’ll show you how to butcher, debone, and roll a leg of lamb, with plenty of tips you can bring straight home to your own kitchen.
Once we’re done, we’ll share a proper roasted lamb dinner together. Beer or wine pairing is available if you’d like to enjoy a drink with the meal.
Wednesday | April 29th | 6pm - 9:00pm
This class brings together the French dishes we always come back to. We’ll make slow-cooked French onion soup, a proper coq au vin, and finish with a classic floating island dessert.
It’s a relaxed evening of good food, good company, and a small selection of French wines to enjoy if you wish.
Includes: Full cookery class + selection of paired French wines.
Perfect for: Fans of refined, comforting French cooking.
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, hands-on learning experience. Reserve your spot now and bring the flavours of Mara to your home kitchen!
Sunday | February 11am | 2:30pm
If you love pork, this class is a real treat. We’ll walk you through preparing your own porchetta and chat about some of the lesser-used cuts, ears, tails, crubeens, the ones chefs secretly love for their flavour.
Afterwards, we’ll serve a two-course meal featuring crispy pigs’ ears with chimichurri and a rich, stuffed porchetta. You’re welcome to add a glass of wine or beer to enjoy with it.
Mara Gift Voucher
Why not treat a friend or colleague to a gift voucher towards a course? Our vouchers can also be used for dinner at the restaurant.
Delight a loved one, thank a colleague or impress a client with a Mara gift voucher. Can be used for a meal or for cooking classes.