Bake

As the sweet scent of summer rolls into Cullohill, so too does one of the Folly Festival’s most cherished traditions — The Great Folly Bake! This year, our beloved baking competition gets an extra dusting of magic, as we honour 600 years of Cullohill Castle.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a young cookie creator, Saturday, July 5th is your chance to rise to the occasion in the Main Castle Marquee, where bakers from across Laois and beyond will bring their very best to the table.

🍰 This Year’s Categories:

• Plate Tart – Let those pastry skills shine.

• Traditional Brown Bread – A staple of Irish kitchens, done your way.

• Children’s Cookies – A chance for our youngest bakers to get creative.

• 600-Year Celebration Cake – A special category for 2025! Bake a showstopper worthy of Cullohill Castle’s six centuries of history.

🎂 A Slice of History

The winning Celebration Cake will take centre stage during the official 600th anniversary ceremony and be sliced as part of the festivities. But that’s not all…

🏆 The Prize:

The baker of the winning 600-Year Celebration Cake will receive a lunch for two followed by an afternoon cookery course at the world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork — a true dream for any culinary enthusiast.

🕛 Key Info:

• Entries must be submitted by 12 noon on Saturday, July 5th in the Main Castle Marquee.

• Judging will take place shortly after, with winners announced on stage.

• Open to all ages and abilities!

So preheat those ovens, dig out your grandmother’s old recipe book, or try something entirely new. The Great Folly Bake is about community, creativity, and a generous helping of fun.

Let’s celebrate Cullohill’s 600th birthday the sweetest way we know how — with cake.