Food Academy

Barbecue Cowboys

Six miles to the North West of Gorey town in North County Wexford lies the small village called Hollyfort (Rathinchuillin translating into the ringfort of the Holly). It lies within the town land of Mangan (Mongan meaning the little swamp) in the valley of the River Bann.

Wafting through this small village you will smell the aroma of sweet burning woods as it travels through the country air leading you to the uniquely inviting smokey premises called Barbecue Cowboys.

Barbecue Cowboys is a family run business, who specialize in smoked barbecue meats. The adventure began a few short years ago when Jay began to educate himself in the art of smoking meats. As a trained chef, his culinary skills gave him the advantage when he created his own rubs and spices which perfectly compliment the unique smoked flavor of his meats. From experimenting in his back yard, he progressed to smoking his meats using a custom-built smoker/barbecue in a shed located beside the village pub called Cooney’s. To anyone who has had the fortune of frequenting this pub, they will know that its character and charm is unique and a rare commodity to find these days. Barbecue Cowboys began catering for Festivals (such as Slane Castle, Longitude, Knockanstockan and Forever Young), private/corporate events and weddings.

Jay now runs the business alongside his partner Sinead, their children and extended family in their premises beside Cooney’s pub. Jay dedicates himself to offering high quality flavorsome smoked meats. His attention to detail is endless and he put his heart and soul into making sure every bite is just right. His tender slices of slow smoked beef brisket, hand pulled slow smoked pork, chargrilled Cajun chicken fillet and mouth-watering fall off the bone succulent smoked ribs are the best you will ever have. However, it is his Barbecue Beans that some might call his signature dish. The ‘understanding is in the tasting’ and from there on out a barbecue will not be a barbecue unless you have Barbecue Cowboys Beans. The Beans come in two versions, Barbecue Beans with Irish Smoked Beef Brisket and Barbecue Beans with Irish Smoked Pulled Pork. A homemade recipe consisting of Pinto beans and aromatic vegetables in a sweet and spicy secret sauce, which can be eaten hot or cold. You won't be disappointed!!!!!

Our journey with Supervalu Food Academy and our Local Enterprise Board is priceless. As a small family business, Supervalu’s Food Academy emphasis on local start up producers, has provided us with an opportunity to grow, promote our products, reach a wider market and create employment. From the very start we have gained expert knowledge, guidance, training, contacts and support. We look forward to continuing our journey with them.

As a small family business based in a small village just outside Gorey we are creating employment on a local level, promoting the beautiful village of Hollyfort and creating awareness of the surrounding amenities, country side and activities available in North County Wexford. We work with www.lovegorey.ie which is dedicated to all the wonderful things that make Gorey special.

Love Gorey and local businesses offer us great support with the emphasis again on keeping it local.