Mike is a native of Chicago, Illinois. His grandfather, who was from Eastern Tennessee and himself the grandson of a Cork native, was a true barbecue enthusiast. Family get-togethers would often feature his barbecued meats, cooked and smoked all day in his 'pit', a  converted 50 gallon drum. The drum was cut in half, hinged and fitted with racks.

After high school, Mike went directly into the restaurant industry and his experience in grilling and barbecue is considerable, having studied under both World Champion barbecue chefs Paul Kirk and Mike Mills and his Chicagoland friend and mentor Dave Raymond, a.k.a. 'Sweet Baby Ray'. After relocating to his ancestral County Cork,  in an effort to become more aquainted with Irish food and tastes, Mike attended the extended course at Ballymaloe Cookery School. He is now introducing his unique style of American barbecue to the Irish. Mike's BBQ Academy in Ballinascarthy offers clients the oppurtunity to learn to BBQ like a true pro.

We are thrilled to have Pitmaster Mike visit Inchydoney this June, where he will give a masterclass in BBQ cooking and teach us the technique of cooking Pulled Pork, Beer Butt Chicken and his famous Baby Back Spare Ribs. Mike will be with us over Fathers Day Weekend - the ideal gift for the man who has everything (or the woman who wants him to learn how to BBQ)  - For more details and booking, simply click Pitmaster Mikes BBQ Weekend

Here, Mike has kindly shared with us his recipe for BBQ Baked Beans.... from Scratch. We look forward to welcoming Mike and all you budding Pitmasters in June....

We are really looking forward to welcoming the legend that is Brendan Grace to Inchydoney this June for one night only! His latest show features some brand new material and some 'Old Favourites' from his vast repertoire over the last 40 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his 'Bottler' character is legendary and is now featured at every performance. Apart from his obvious 'star quality' in all aspects of his performance Brendan's drawing power is enormous and the 'House Full' sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts.

For all Brendan Grace Fans, we have created a special overnight rate to include your ticket to the unmissable show. So once you've laughed your socks off, you can retire to the luxurious surroundings of a deluxe room with ocean view balcony or terrace and in the morning enjoy full Irish buffet breakfast as well as a dip in the heated Seawater Therapy Pool.

Summer Wedding Showcase, Sunday June 30th 2pm-5pm

The showcase will give couples the opportunity to visit the newly developed headland, right in front of the hotel, and to speak with Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa’s skilled team of wedding experts who will be at hand to help take the stress out of the planning and assist in compiling those typically time-consuming checklists.  After exploring the luxury ocean view Bridal rooms and the Inchydoney Suite, guests will be invited to taste the wines on offer at the hotel and sample the outstanding wedding menus, created by Executive Head Chef Adam Medcalf at the award-winning Gulfstream Restaurant.