Belfast-native shares story of relocating on #LoveDonegal Day

Helen O’Hagan discovered the beauty of Donegal on a short visit and was so inspired that she decided to relocate. 

Originally from Belfast, Helen was working as a pastry chef in the city. Her family owned a holiday home in Gortahork, so when the time for change came, it felt natural to travel to Donegal. 

Helen opened a pop-up cake shop, intending to only have it for the summer, but that was 10 years ago. She never returned to Belfast, having settled in Falcarragh.  

“There was a demand for fresh homemade bakes when I arrived, so it was the perfect spot for a pastry chef to settle down after the fast pace of city kitchens,” Helen told DonegalLive. 

Helen, who owns An Panc Pattesserie, loves what rural life has to offer. “There is a great sense of community and always something to do. I can’t imagine anywhere more perfect to settle. The people, landscape, ceol agus bia are awe-inspiring.”

An Panc Pattesserie is a Gortahork-based supplier serving a wide variety of cakes, tray bakes and pastries for all occasions to various businesses such as Cafe go Leor and Revive. 

A cake made recently for a wedding at The Rusty Oven

Helen does her baking, whipping up sweet creations from the comfort of her home. As her younger sister, Lucy O'Hagan,  is a forager, Helen’s favourite way to spend the afternoons and evenings is gathering blackberries at the foot of Errigal.

“Lucy has inspired me to include indigenous Donegal ingredients in my baking, such as nettle, wild honey, fig and wild blackberries. I love the relaxed pace of life here, the warm welcome of the people, the landscapes and the food scene.”

A full menu, as well as the ingredients used and allergen information, is available on the An Panc Pattesserie website.