Caroline Allen trys to take culinary inspiration from a demonstration by TV chef Catherine Fulvio

Regarded as a national treasure, historic Westport House has faced many challenges through the years. ‘It’s been a struggle, I don’t think we’ve ever been a family to deny that . . . money has been a big issue,’ say the owners who have seen the business grow 60 per cent in the past four years

Author, owner of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School