Glasraí and Goodies

Delightful gourmet shop and deli situated in the pretty village of Gowran.

Siobhan Lawlor’s passion for good food and cooking turned into a full time business career quite by chance.This enthusiastic home cook was forever searching out unusual ingredients to use in her recipes. In the village of Gowran where she lives with husband Derek and their children, it was difficult to find everything she needed for the kitchen. Clearly, there was a gap in the market for an all encompassing food shop that concentrated on good local produce, gourmet continental items and exotic ingredients from further afield. When husband Derek’s work changed, the office space he occupied in the downstairs floor of the family home became free. Almost immediately, Siobhan spotted her chance to convert the cosy space into a little gourmet shop. This she has done with huge success. Glasraí and Goodies was born in 2010 – and we think it’s one of the prettiest and best stocked food shops we’ve seen in a long time.

Situated on the Main Street of Gowran, right opposite the heritage site of St. Mary’s Abbey, this shop is situated on the Main Street of Gowran, right opposite the heritage site of St. Mary’s Abbey, this shop occupies an idyllic spot near the village green. You can’t miss it as you drive through - the window boxes are always flourishing gaily with some of Siobhan’s mum’s home-grown flowers, and in sunny weather, a couple of small café tables outdoors provide a sunny spot to refresh any traveller. Inside, the place is packed to the rafters with the best Irish artisan produce. It’s all here, cheeses like Knockdrinna and Lavistown made in Stoneyford not far away, Cashel Blue, Carlow Nettle and Onion Cheese, Wicklow Bawn, Wicklow Blue and others. The fridge cabinet holds beautiful pates from On the Pig’s Back in Cork, Goatsbridge Smoked Trout, Burren Smokehouse Smoked Salmon,  and continental meats like Parma Ham and Pancetta. Shelves are stocked with jars and packs galore – Irish preserves from G’s Jams, Green Saffron Spices, Slieve Bloom products from Offaly,Mileven Honey from Kilkenny, as well as Coconut Milk, risotto rice, grains, pulses, flours, egg pastas and more. You’d be hard pressed not to find exactly what you want here. A cook owns this shop and she knows what people want to find when they are devoted to good food. 

The name Glasraí and Goodies epitomises the range here. Glasraí is the gaelic word for vegetables – appropriate for the wide range of fresh vegetables which are sought locally. In summer veggie baskets heave a variety of salads, leaves and herbs,  tomatoes, asparagus, peas and a variety of beans, plus whatever else is available at the time, begging to be bought and enjoyed. Siobhan’s father is one of the suppliers, along with various other family, friends and neighbours, all keen gardeners who live in the area. Goodies accounts for all the delicious sweet things on offer, handmade artisan chocolates, tarts, biscuits and yummy stuff!   Baking is another real biggie here – and several local bakers are appointed to create fresh spelt breads, Siobhan makes her own soda breads and scones,  and another expert baker provides a variety of gluten free cookies and bars. Slabs of fruit cake and artisan made biscotti come from a lady baker in the village. Siobhan has sourced the best of products and the best of producers to supply her!

The deli counter houses a vibrantly fresh and appetising salad selection, made every morning by Siobhan. Takeaway sandwiches are made to order on bread of choice, with fillings like home cooked honey roast ham or an Irish cheese, salad with home made dressings and relishes or chutney. Siobhan’s own little tartlets are pure delight.  Knockdrinna combines with pesto and red pepper relish, while Goatsbridge Smoked Trout is married with finely shredded Leek, in a divine shortcrust pastry and savoury egg custard. These come with salad for a lovely lunch choice. The working population of Gowran are so glad to have this shop in the village! As are the many visitors to the abbey. But most of all, the cooks of the area, who now have a first class gourmet store, brimming with glasraí and goodies – everything they need in their own home kitchens. 

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Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

Main Street
Gowran
Co Kilkenny
+ 353 (0) 56 7733799
Email: glasraiandgoodies@eircom.net
Web: www.glasraiandgoodies.com

 

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