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 are held on 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 Summer Classes at Mara 2026
Sunday | August 9th | 1pm - 4pm
Experience the bold flavours of the Basque Country with an afternoon dedicated to fire-cooked food and the region’s distinctive wines. From traditional pintxos to perfectly cooked txuleta, this class explores one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Participants will enjoy a guided tasting of Basque txakoli wines while preparing:
• Gilda and Pan con Tomate
• Charred Piquillo Peppers and Ember-Grilled Leeks
• Matured Basque Txuleta
• Beef-fat Potatoes, Seasonal Greens and Salsa Verde
• Burnt Basque Cheesecake
• Txakoli-Poached Seasonal Fruit
Throughout the class, Participants will sample a selection of txakoli styles, including classic Getariako Txakolina, Txakoli Rosado, and more structured lees-aged or barrel-fermented expressions.
Along the way, you'll learn how to select and prepare mature bone-in beef, work with beef fat, cook over charcoal or cast iron, control temperature and crust development, and properly rest and carve steak. We'll also explore the unique Hondarrabi grape varieties and discover how different styles of txakoli pair with rich, fire-cooked dishes.
Includes: Full cookery class, guided txakoli tasting, lunch, and dessert.
Perfect for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone looking to bring the flavours of Basque grilling into their home kitchen.
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 | August 2nd | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Did you know we make our own vermouth? Spend an afternoon with us learning how to make vermouth while preparing a selection of classic tapas, finishing with a traditional Spanish dessert.
Participants will enjoy house vermouth on arrival, alongside smoked almonds, citrus olives, and crisps with anchovy butter. Throughout the class, we’ll prepare:
• Gilda
• Mussels in escabeche
• Spanish tortilla with aioli
• Spanish croquetas
• Torrija de vermut rojo, orange, cinnamon, and toasted almond
Along the way, you'll learn what vermouth is, how it is aromatised and balanced, how to work with botanicals, and how to serve and pair vermouth at home with confidence.
Includes: Full cookery class, house vermouth, tapas tasting, and dessert.
Perfect for Lovers of Spanish food, entertaining at home, and relaxed afternoons filled with great food and conversation.
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 | August 23rd | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Join Chef Luis Martin for a hands-on exploration of Spanish rice cookery, accompanied by a guided tasting of Godello wines from north-western Spain. From perfectly cooked seafood paella to rich, comforting arroz meloso, this class celebrates one of Spain’s most iconic culinary traditions.
Participants will prepare and enjoy:
Pan con Tomate - Marinated olives
Seafood Paella - Prawns, mussels, squid, saffron and shellfish stock
Arroz Meloso - Mushrooms, Ibérico pork and Manchego
Roasted Garlic and Saffron Aioli
Arroz con Leche Quemado - Cinnamon, lemon and caramel
Throughout the afternoon, participants will learn the foundations of Spanish rice cookery, including stock preparation, sofrito, rice-to-liquid ratios, and the techniques behind achieving perfect texture and socarrat. We'll also explore the differences between seafood paella and creamy arroz meloso, with practical tips for recreating both dishes at home.
Each savoury rice dish will be paired with a different expression of Godello, from fresh and vibrant young wines to lees-aged and more structured styles, highlighting how wine and food work together to elevate the dining experience.
Includes: Full cookery class, guided Godello wine tasting, lunch, and dessert.
Perfect for: Lovers of Spanish cuisine, wine enthusiasts, and home cooks looking to master the art of Spanish rice.
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 | August 16th | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Join chef Luis Martin for a relaxed Sunday afternoon inspired by the bars and bacari of northern Italy, where classic spritzes meet a generous spread of antipasti. Throughout the afternoon, you'll learn how to build the perfect spritz while preparing a selection of elegant Italian dishes designed for sharing.
Participants will enjoy and prepare:
• Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Roasted Grapes, Honey and Hazelnut
• Baccalà Mantecato with Grilled Polenta and Parsley Oil
• Saffron and Mozzarella Arancini with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan
• Focaccia with Mortadella, Stracciatella, Pistachio and Pickled Chilli
• Aperol and Orange Panna Cotta with Prosecco Jelly and Pistachio
Alongside the food, we'll explore three iconic Italian spritz styles:
• Aperol Spritz
• Select Spritz
• Campari Spritz
You'll learn the essentials of creating the perfect spritz, including the correct ratios, glassware, ice, garnishes, and how to balance bitterness, sweetness, and dilution. We'll also compare Aperol, Select, and Campari, and discuss how to prepare spritzes for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
On the food side, guests will gain practical skills for recreating Italian aperitivo favourites at home, including crostini, whipped cheeses, salt-cod preparation, arancini, focaccia, and traditional Italian garnishes and pickles.
Includes a Full cookery class, guided spritz tasting, antipasti feast, and dessert.
Perfect for Lovers of Italian food, home entertainers, and anyone looking to master the art of the perfect aperitivo.
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!
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.