Holy Mackerel!

Fishing for supper with Donal Skehan

Cook, blogger, writer and photographer Donal Skehan is quickly becoming Irelands brightest cooking star. Since starting The Good Mood Food blog in 2007 he has developed a huge following and is a regular on Irish TV and in the press.


His first book, Good Mood Food, is a staple in many kitchens (including my own) and is packed full of simple, healthy and delicious recipes. Later this month his second book Kitchen Hero will be released, closely followed by a TV series of the same name.


I was lucky enough to meet him last year and spent a few days cooking, eating and talking food. One of the highlights was heading out to sea on his dad Dermot's boat to see what we could catch for supper.


We set off from Howth harbour armed with little more than a few fishing lines and a bucket full of optimism! Luckily Dermot knew these waters well and we headed over to Ireland's Eye where he guaranteed we'd catch something. After a short wait the lines began to twitch and we starting pulling in 3 or 4 mackerel at a time. Having not been sea fishing for about 12 years I'd forgotten how much fun it is! Our thoughts quickly turned to how the fish would be cooked and we set a course for Howth. 

Back on dry land, the fish were quickly gutted and cleaned (which attracted attention from a few scavengers) before heading back to Donal's family home. I LOVE mackerel so was really looking forward to having it cooked this fresh. The fish were prepared simply with a little salt and pepper, garlic, chilli, lemon, drizzled with olive oil and put straight on the barbecue. 

If you've never barbecued fish before I urge you to give it a try, especially when it's as fresh as this. The flavours worked fantastically together with the mackerel coming through strongest. It may still be the winter and freezing cold outside, but the idea of eating this on a warm summers evening with a glass of wine is enough to keep me happy.

It was my first time visiting Howth but I look forward to going back very soon, especially if Donal will be doing the cooking! If you'd like to find out more or try some of his recipes, why not visit donalskehan.com

cover photo by Chris Terry

Donal's book Kitchen Hero goes 
on sale on the 31st March. 
Pre-order your copy now 
CLICK HERE