The Dining CluB
Kelly Keogh &
James Gabriel Martin
Welcome to The Dining Club, a hospitality experience that traverses past and present and is deeply rooted in a sense of place. At the helm are chefs Kelly Keogh from Whitestown House and James Gabriel Martin from Leviathan, collaborating to curate dining events that transcend the ordinary. With a focus on seasonality, heritage, and the art of storytelling, each event is meticulously designed around a theme that unfolds through changing menus, entertainment, and thoughtfully crafted table settings.
Whitestown House was designed for entertaining. We invite you to join our intimate and engaging dining events that see chefs Kelly Keogh and James Gabriel Martin craft dishes inspired by the time of year, utilising the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients to hand. Guests are welcomed into the drawing room for pre-dinner cocktails, canapés and music. The legendary long table in the dining room can accommodate up to 20 guests, and by its very design encourages connection and conversation.
In the winter months, candlelight and crackling open fires bathe all of the rooms with a warm welcoming glow. In the spring and summer months we host woodland gatherings beneath an ancient fern-leaved beech tree and have picnics on the lawn.
Our wine pairings are carefully selected by master Sommelier Nisea Doddy. We also offer truly special handcrafted non-alcoholic drinks by Majken Bech Bailey for our guests to enjoy.
We host our Dining Club events eight weekends a year only, all are ticketed, details of previous and upcoming events are outlined below. We also host the Dining Club for private parties and groups of between 12-20 people. If you have a special occasion and would like to take over Whitestown House for an exclusive Dining Club event, please email us below with your enquiries.
UPCOMING Dining Clubs
The Darker HAlf November 8th & 9th
The festival of Samhain has roots dating back to the time of the ancient Celts. Not only does it celebrate the bounty of the harvest, it is also an important transition that marks the beginning of the winter months and the “darker half” of the year in Ireland.
At Samhain it is said that the division between this world and the otherworld is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through. Join us at the historic Whitestown House to gather by candlelight for a Samhain-inspired seven-course autumn feast that pays homage to the heritage and folklore of the Irish Celtic tradition.
There will be seasonal Irish produce charred and roasted with fire, with ingredients and dishes that hold ancient meaning and tell tales.
Let us celebrate what nature has given us, slow down, unwind and welcome in The Darker Half.
Christmas at Whitestown december 13th & 14th
When it comes to working with food in Ireland, this season is exciting and inspiring to our chefs. The possibilities seem endless, with abundant offerings calling forth from the fields and forests, seas and shores across the country.
Our country house is at its most beautiful and warm in the winter months. Let us welcome you for a seven-course feast inspired by local seasonal products, all utilised in the spirit of festivity. The fires will be lit and the house will be aglow with Christmas cheer.
Let us celebrate what nature has given us, slow down, unwind and dine together this festive season.
IMBOLC Jan 31st & Feb 1st 2025
Imbolc or Imbolg, also called Saint Brigid's Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde) is a Gaelic traditional festival. Halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, it has traditionally been heralded as the official beginning of spring, and is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals.
Customs of the day have included weaving Brigid's crosses, hung over doors and windows to protect against fire, illness, and evil spirits. Brigid was said to visit one's home on Saint Brigid's Eve. To receive her blessings, people would make a bed for Brigid, leave her food and drink, and set items of clothing outside for her to bless. Holy wells would be visited, a special meal would be had, and the day was traditionally linked with weather lore.
Join us at the historic Whitestown House to gather for a specially-prepared seven-course spring feast that pays homage to the heritage and folklore of the Irish Celtic tradition.
There will be seasonal Irish produce thoughtfully utilised, with ingredients and dishes that hold ancient meaning and tell tales. Wine pairings have been carefully selected by sommelier Nisea Doddy. We also have very special handcrafted non-alcoholic drinks pairings by Majken Bech Bailey for our guests.
Let us celebrate what nature has given us, slow down, unwind and welcome the new season.
Game SEASon February 28th & MArch 1st 2025
We are extremely fortunate here at Whitestown House Estate to have access to an abundance of our own home-reared organic game produce. As well as being home to a herd of native red deer, our spacious estate boasts pheasant, partridge, pigeon and wild duck.
We also source a rich selection of wild Irish game from suppliers across the country who we have trusted relationships with. This gathering will emphasise and celebrate these gifts, highlighting what our area has to offer at this time of year.
Join us for this multi-course tasting menu that takes you on a tour of the landscapes of Ireland. Sustainability, seasonality and ethical practices are of deep importance to what we do. We are appreciative of all the ingredients that we use, being mindful to avoid unnecessary waste as much as possible in our cooking and preparation.
Wine pairings have been carefully selected by sommelier Nisea Doddy. We also have very special handcrafted non-alcoholic drinks pairings by Majken Bech Bailey for our guests.
We invite you to join us for this intimate and engaging dining event that sees chefs Kelly Keogh and James Gabriel Martin crafting dishes inspired by this time of year.
Let us celebrate what nature has given us, unwind and dine together at Whitestown House.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Dining Club is run by a team of two chefs, working closely on a small scale. Due to the nature of this project, we are unable to cater for specific allergies. A vegetarian option is available, please be sure to specify this in the booking form. We offer an ever-changing multi-course tasting menu featuring an array of products. A wine pairing option is also available, showcasing some interesting new and old world wines to compliment your courses. We work with very specific numbers and on a tight budget, therefore cancellations have a huge impact on our ability to host. Cancellation and refunds are possible up to 7 days before the event. Ticket price includes all booking fees. Please note this is an adult-only event.
