The Dining Club Presents: The Darker Half 2025

Please Note:

Due to the unique nature of our events and small team that operates them, drink options must be selected in advance.

We offer three ticket types:

1.) Food only

2.) Food with wine pairing created by Nisea Doddy, Head Sommelier of The Shelbourne Hotel.

3.) Food & bespoke non-alcoholic pairing crafted by Bech Bailey, formerly of the two michelin starred Aimsir.

All tickets include complimentary welcome cocktails upon arrival.

The Dining Club is a unique experience that encourages community, drawing guests together in an intimate, convivial atmosphere while showcasing our passion for food and hospitality.

Traversing past and present and deeply rooted in a sense of place, The Dining Club sees chefs Kelly Keogh () and James Gabriel Martin () curating dining events with a focus on seasonality, heritage and story-telling. Each one is unique, designed around a theme, with changing menus, entertainment, and table settings.

Whitestown House Estate, nestled near The Naul in North County Dublin, is set on 125 acres of farm and parkland. The historic demesne has remained intact since the 1600s and has a long and storied history of hospitality, marking it as the perfect venue for our events.

The house was designed for entertaining. Guests are first welcomed into the drawing room for pre-dinner cocktails, canapés and music. The legendary long table in the dining room can accommodate up to 20 guests, and by its very design encourages connection and conversation.

In the winter months, candlelight and crackling open fires bathe all of the rooms in a warm, welcoming glow. In the spring and summer months we host woodland gatherings beneath an ancient fern-leaved beech tree on the property and have picnics on the lawn.

The Darker Half 2025

The transitional period between autumn and winter has always held great importance in Ireland, dating back to our pagan past. The welcoming of the "darker half" of the year was always of great significance, with feasting, tales and tradition abound. Not only does this time celebrate the bounty of the harvest, it was also said that the division between this world and the otherworld is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.

Join us at the historic Whitestown House to gather by candlelight for a seven-course autumn feast that pays homage to the heritage and folklore of the Irish Celtic tradition.

There will be seasonal Irish produce charred and roasted with fire, with ingredients and dishes that hold ancient meaning and tell tales.

Let us celebrate what nature has given us, unwind and dine.

*Important Information*

The Dining Club is run by a team of two chefs, working closely on a small scale.

Due to the nature of this project, we are unable to cater for specific allergies.

A vegetarian option is available.

We offer an ever-changing multi-course tasting menu featuring an array of products.

We work with very specific numbers and on a tight budget, therefore cancellations have a huge impact on our ability to host. Cancellation and refunds are possible up to 7 days before the event.

We need a minimum number for our events to run successfully. Should we not reach this number, guests will be offered a refund or alternative dates.

Access details are below in the FAQ section.

*Please Note*

This is an adult-only event.

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Host or Publisher Whitestown House Estate & Leviathan