First Dates favourite Fred Sirieix reveals which country he thinks makes the best butter in the world

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So, let’s talk about the most unusual part of your trip. You actually spent an entire afternoon at a butter museum?

It was really surprising, actually. As a Frenchman – and we French are known for loving butter – I always thought our butter was the best. But Irish butter is amazing! I even did a blind taste test, and Kerrygold came out on top!

Irish butter has a uniquely creamy texture, largely due to the cows’ diet. Because Ireland has lush, green pastures, the cows eat a lot of grass, which contributes to the butter’s rich, well-rounded flavor.

The museum features a lot of wooden items, but it’s really a place to learn about history, the people who lived here, and the surprising importance of butter to the local economy. You can find more information at The Butter Museum in Cork: thebuttermuseum.com.

I also made butter from scratch for the first time, which was really fun! You churn the cream with this tool that looks like a propeller, and the best part is you can eat it immediately. It definitely takes some effort though – it’s a good workout for your arms!

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Maybe making butter isn’t for you. Did you have more success trying to raise oysters instead?

It’s incredibly demanding work! I visited a fantastic oyster farm in Wexford and learned the owner had dedicated three years of unpaid labor as a young man, simply to master the craft. It’s a testament to his determination, foresight, and strong work ethic – I even told his children he was like a superhero. He now supplies his oysters to Gillardeau, a leading French company, and they’re among my favorites – plump, flavorful, and delicious.

The farm doesn’t look glamorous – it’s mostly just muddy ground by the ocean – but that’s what farming is actually like. I don’t think I could be a farmer, but I really enjoy eating fresh produce.

Did you show potential at anything you had a go at?

I always give it my all! Even when I attempted a traditional Irish singing session – despite not speaking the language – I did my best to sing along. It was at Mooney’s Pub in Dungarvan, Waterford [facebook.com/Mooneyspub], a place in a strongly Irish-speaking area where people cherish their language. Locals gather there to sing, and younger generations learn the songs, their stories, and their meanings – it’s a really enjoyable experience, especially with a pint of Guinness in hand!

So how was your singing?

I was feeling pretty confident – I thought I might even end up on a show like Britain’s Got Talent! But really, it was all just about having fun, as people say in Ireland. Everyone knew I don’t speak Irish and can’t sing, but we all had a great time anyway.

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Did you get out into nature at all?

I had some amazing experiences in Waterford! I did yoga in the forest and even swam behind a waterfall. I met a yoga instructor named Claire, who lives near Crough Woods – a place locals say is magical. She shares Irish legends, stories, and folklore with her students, and really emphasizes the special connection the Irish have with the natural world [croughwoodwellness.ie].

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Fascinating, but do I really have to jump in a waterfall to connect with all that?

Look, you don’t need to, but honestly, it’s just stunning there. This river runs right through the woods, and you stumble upon Mahon Falls – it practically begs you to jump in! It’s bracingly cold, sure, but being in that icy water, deep in the forest… it’s incredible. It feels like stepping back in time, connecting with nature on a really primal level. And no, you don’t have to go full-on Tarzan – I definitely kept my swimming trunks on!

Sounds intense. Anything more holidayish?

I visited Inchydoney Beach in West Cork, and it’s truly one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The waves are consistently good, making it a perfect spot for beginner surfers – I actually surfed there with my daughter. Plus, some of the cycling routes I completed for the show felt like I was on vacation!

The Suir Valley Railway ride to Mount Congreve in Waterford followed a lovely, flat old railway line. While we were filming, two beautiful rainbows suddenly appeared! I really hope they made it into the show – I even had to cycle the route again in the rain so the crew could try and capture them on camera.

Authors

Ed GrenbyAssociate Editor, TopMob

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2026-01-19 20:49