Anne Willan's book is a nifty way to garner expertise, but one has to admit that it's not as much fun as a cookery course with John Desmond on Heir Island, just off the coast of West Cork. Mr Desmond will be running his cookery courses during March, April and May (and again from October to November), and the one day courses can comprise between one and three people, while the twoday courses are confined to two people only, who can invite guests to join them for lunch on the second day. This is as close as you can possibly get to working with one of Ireland's finest cooks, and the location is, of course, utterly glorious. The one day sessions cost £69, the two day course is £125 per person, £150 for one person.
Island Cottage, Heir Island, Skibbereen, Co Cork tel/fax: (028) 38102;islandcottage@tinet.ie; http://www.indigo.ie/ipress/heir
