North Atlantic Skyline - - Photographs from the west of Ireland (Galway, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Roscommon and even Leitrim)

Natural Treasures

On vacation in Italy a couple of years ago, one of the finest culinary treats was also the easiest to make. Spaghetti alle Vongole ( Spaghetti with clams) is prepared by steaming clams in garlic and white wine and served with fresh spaghetti and bread, and a glass of whatever the local vineyard has to offer - heaven. In truth, every day of that holiday was a foodie paradise (ok, the evening I had to gut a pigeon wasn't great, but let me assure you, the pigeon had it coming). I've bored many a person bemoaning the comparisons of Italian food with meals for which I've paid far more here in Ireland. And then, having done some plodding about on Abbey Hill one Sunday afternoon, I decided to treat myself to lunch in Linnane's in New Quay, in Co. Clare. And guess what ? Spaghetti with clams was on the menu. And guess what ? I don't have to go back to Italy for it anymore. It was outstanding.

And why not? Out the back door of the pub/restaurant is a small quay (hence the name of the village) - there's a good chance that whatever is on the menu came from the clear water of the channel that separate New Quay in Clare from the small Galway peninsula of Doorus/Aughinish. The picture above was taken from the Galway side looking across towards New Quay (the pub is just out of shot on the right - I can't choose where the cloud forms) as the tide surged up through the channel.

It's been a while since I scavenged the shores of Doorus to harvest my own clams and mussels, but I'll be back soon. We'll soon be in the month of the harvest, and shellfish is best when there's an 'R' in the month. I'll leave the expensive Oyster Festivals (Galway and Clarinbridge coming up next month) to the great and the good - I doubt I'll see any of them in their wellies combing the beaches for natural treasures.