An old railway building provides an atmospheric warehouse and shop for the cheesemongers who have done so much to change the way we buy and care for cheese in Ireland.
The business originated in Galway, where it still prospers, but their headquarters since 2007 has been in this converted railway station and they received the Ellison award from An Taisce for restoration and conservation of the building. Their cheeses are kept here in a temperature controlled environment and minded like babies as they mature. Whether it be a single portion sold to a customer or a delivery to a hotel or restaurant, their cheeses are only released at the peak of their perfection.
The wonderfully aromatic shop sells not only an irresistible selection of cheeses, but all manner of artisan good things – and it is the venue for their annual Irish Food Festival, held in late May, an event which brings together many of the country’s greatest artisan food producers.
Sheridans Cheesemongers (www.sheridanscheesemongers.com) is one of the true greats in the quality Irish foods sector and their passion for artisan cheeses (notably maturing them to sell at their peak of perfection) has been a crucial factor in the success story that is Irish Farmhouse Cheese. Brothers Seamus and Kevin Sheridan started the business that is now a household name by selling cheese at Galway farmers’ market many moons ago and their partner, Fiona Corbett, joined them in 1997. The Sheridans are not just famous for their wonderful shops, but most of all for the close relationships forged with cheesemakers (later extended to other small food producers) and their passionate care of their produce.
The Sheridans team have been singled out for many honours down the years, including Irish Food Writers’ Guild Good Food Awards - including, in 2013, a joint award with the Co Cork artisan bakers, Cookies of Character, for their range of excellent Crackers For Cheese, which is marketed under the Sheridans brand.
*Sheridans also operate Cheese Courses, which are held at a central location in Dublin (see website for details).
