Retreat Chef Catering

Retreat Chef & Event Catering in Ireland | Nicky Halliday

Looking for a retreat chef or event catering with a focus on holistic health and vibrant, nourishing cuisine? Nicky Halliday is an experienced Nutritional Therapist (Irish Institute of Nutrition and Health, 2011) and qualified Natural Chef (Bauman College, 2013) specialising in healthy, flavourful food for retreats, wellness events, and special occasions across Ireland.

Nicky’s culinary journey includes founding The Fresh Food Deli and serving as head chef at the Hopsack Health Store, where her dedication to delicious, health-conscious meals earned a nomination for Best “Free From” Restaurant at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

Her passion for healing and adventure took her to Costa Rica, where she led the kitchen at Farm of Life Healing Centre, mastering raw vegan and plant-based cuisine. During this time, Nicky personally healed her own cervical dysplasia and HPV virus through natural therapies, nutrition, and holistic practices.

Nicky is also the author of “A Practical Guide to Cooking for Health,” a resource for anyone seeking easy, nourishing recipes.

For over six years, Nicky has worked as a freelance retreat chef, catering for wellness retreats, events, and private dinners for up to 60 people. Her food is a celebration of health, colour, and creativity, designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit.

In addition to event catering, Nicky offers:

  • Nutritional therapy consultations

  • Belief Coding® sessions

  • Women’s health coaching, with focus on HPV virus, and cervical dysplasia

  • Facilitation of cacao ceremonies, shamanic trance dance, meditation, and song circles at retreats and workshops

She is also a chef and facilitator at Inwardbound’s Celtic Psilocybin Retreats and continues to expand her expertise in shamanism and plant medicine.

Book Your Retreat or Event If you’re hosting a retreat, event, or private dinner and want a beautiful, health-focused culinary experience, contact Nicky today. Cookery demonstrations and classes are also available.

Rates vary based on location, group size, and menu preferences. Get in touch for a personalised quote.

A platter with sliced watermelon, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and decorative flowers.
Arrangement of sliced oranges, yellow bell peppers, and various fresh green herbs and vegetables on a wooden surface
A rectangular plate with shredded purple cabbage in the center, surrounded by blueberries on the left, and white and pink flowers on the right, on a wooden table.

Testimonials

  • *****

    Nicky is an amazing woman! Her passion for food and cacao shines through everything she does. She cooked for 17 people on a women's retreat for me in March 2024. Her food was incredibly nourishing and she was so easy to work with. She made me feel at easy and trust that she was on it, so I didn't have to worry about the kitchen at all which made a huge difference to me! Would recommend her to anyone x

    Ciara Sherlock

  • *****

    Nicky’s Service and Food was absolutely top notch from start to finish. From the beautifully laid out breakfast, lunches laden with goodness and freshness and dinners full of nourishment she makes a Great Chef for any retreat. The Guests loved the food as well as the beautiful presentation. Nikki was a pleasure to work with and executed what was required for Our Wild Owl Retreat Guests really well and with a homely and entertaining vibe. Thank You Nikki, From All of us at Wild Owl it was an absolute pleasure to work with you.

    Elena Mifsud

  • *****

    I have hired Nicky for multiple retreats. She is professional, highly skilled and always delivers wonderfully presented, nutritious & delicious meals. I would recommend Nicky's work for those wishing to have high quality food on their retreats.

    Aoife Lowden

  • *****

    Nicky is an incredible chef. She was the chef for my retreat. Not only is her food a work of art it is also delicous and healthy! She also facilitated a shamanic trance dance on my retreat and the reviews where incredible !

    Sarah Richardon

  • *****

    Nicky's creations are 2nd to none! The variety of tastes are fireworks in your mouth. Highly recommended 👌 xxx

    Ann Furgeson

  • *****

    It was an absolutely amazing experience to have Nicky chef at our retreat. Her food was absolutely sublime. Both the beauty of how it was presented and also the deliciousness of how it tasted. Our guests were thrilled with the food. It really made the weekend extra special. I can’t recommend Nicky’s impeccable culinary skills more highly!

    Stephaine Kearney

  • *****

    Nicky’s food is real medicine & so divine. She is a natural nurturer. I bought her cookbook and it is amazing, full of wisdom on holistic health and so accessible, highly recommend 💜

    Awen Soul

  • *****

    Nicky cooked for a retreat I held in Ireland for 5 days. The food was absolutely delicious. High quality ingredients, diverse and prepared with so much love. My skin improved in a short space of time and my body and digestion felt really good. Nicky was a delight to work with and the participants were also delighted with her food and easeful company. Highly recommend this gorgeous woman!

    Olivia

  • *****

    I've hired Nicky to cook for a number of my retreats at this stage, and she is my absolute go-to. Her genuine passion and love for what she does can be tasted and felt in the food that she prepares with such an attention to flavour, texture and beauty. I always leave those retreats feeling healthier than I did when I arrived, so that should tell you something! For the kinds of retreats that I run, where holistic wellness, sensuality and embodiment are a core part, Nicky's cooking is not just a welcome addition -- it's actually is a central pillar of their success. I'd recommend her to anyone without any hesitation! :)

    Laura O’Neill

Array of colorful bowls of fruit salad, sliced tropical fruits including pineapple, orange, kiwi, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit, and blueberries, along with cereal and yogurt, on a wooden table.

  • Marinated Asian Eggs with herbed Rice or Polenta,  Greens & Pickled Red Onion

  • Blueberry Chia Pudding, Homemade Granola with a Fruit Platter

  • Fig and Apple Overnight Oats or Porridge with Toppings and Fruit Platter 

  • PinaKaleada Smoothie Bowl with Homemade Granola & Fruit Topping 

  • Spanish Style Frittata - with Mushrooms, Spinach & Tomatoes & Feta, served with a Strawberry Green Salad  

A colorful spread of Mexican dishes and ingredients on a table with green leaves and flowers, including tacos, salads, guacamole, salsa, and various toppings.

  • Homemade Seedy Falafel, Beetroot Hummus or Muhummara, Quinoa Tabouli with Olives & Gem Lettuce

  • Tarragon Puy Lentil & Rocket Salad, Tomato Miso Soup with Crispy Tofu, Fresh Irish Soda Bread Bread

  • Corn Tacos with Roasted Sweet Potato, Guacamole, Mango & Tomato Salsa, Feta, Rocket & Lime

  • Creamy Mushroom & Celeriac Soup with Kale and Sauerkraut Salad , Clonakilty Black Pudding, Irish Soda Bread 

Variety of dishes including roasted salmon, pecans, Asian noodle salad, cheese platter with strawberries, and a bowl of assorted candies on a wooden table decorated with flowers.

  • Roasted Marinated Aubergine or Squash with Sautéed Tahini Mushrooms, Candied Pecans and Baby Potatoes 

  • Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Korma, Served with Mango Pickle Yogurt, Almond Cumin Topping with Rice 

  • Roasted Segments of Red Cabbage with Creamy Leeks and Cripsy Tofu 

  • Roasted Wild Venison leg served with Colcannon, Tenderstem Broccoli & Sugar Snaps

  • Marinated Sesame Tofu Steaks, Steamed Greens with Ginger, Sweet Potato Chips with Yogurt , Garlic , Mint , Coriander Dip

A tray filled with sliced and whole fresh fruits including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, honeydew, and orange slices, decorated with sprigs of herbs and flowers on a wooden surface.
A carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and topped with shredded carrots and walnuts on a white plate, surrounded by yellow and pink flowers on a wooden surface.
Colorful vegetable and fruit platter arranged on a long wooden table with various greens, tomatoes, passion fruits, grapes, oranges, fennel, radicchio, and kiwi slices, set indoors.
Close-up of stuffed peppers topped with cheese and nuts, on a black plate in front of a colorful display of various sliced fruits and vegetables.
A variety of colorful fruit desserts and bowls of yogurt, garnished with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and cantaloupe, arranged on a wooden table with decorative flowers and a pineapple.
Colorful vegetable rolls on a wooden plate garnished with a large pink flower.
Halved papayas filled with diced fruit, topped with white edible flowers and small green leaves, arranged on a leaf-lined surface.
Plate of tacos with guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, and grilled meats on a woven surface.
A bowl of sliced tomatoes topped with shredded cabbage and onions, with accompaniments of fried croquettes on a plate in the background.
A woman in an apron stands behind a large, colorful flower and fruit arrangement on a kitchen counter, smiling and extending her arms outward.
A breakfast spread including bowls of fresh fruit, chocolate pudding topped with strawberries and purple flowers, scrambled eggs, pancakes, chocolate drinks, and a green juice on a granite table.
Colorful smoothies and fruit drinks in clear glasses arranged on a table with fresh fruits and decorative leaves.
Plate of small baked goods topped with sugar and dark fruit jam, surrounded by bowls of chopped bananas, cluster of white flowers, and sliced pineapple on a green banana leaf.
Close-up of a colorful vegetable salad with purple edible flowers in a wooden bowl, with a person in the background preparing food.
A woman preparing a colorful salad in a cozy kitchen with a window view of green foliage. The counter has bowls of stuff, a pot of soup or sauce, slices of bread, and decorative flowers.
A cookbook titled "A Practical Guide to Cooking for Health" by Nicky Halliday, a vibrant salad with cherry tomatoes, edible flowers, and greens, a glass carafe of pink juice, fresh herbs, and wooden salad utensils on a rustic wooden table.
A wooden table with various bowls of fresh fruits, dried fruits, seeds, and a large berry smoothie or ice cream topped with fruits, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and flowers.
Stacked cookies on a white plate with green leaves, surrounding bowls of baked eggs with tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese.
A table with a fruit platter of orange slices, a bowl of mixed nuts, bananas, and various desserts including chocolates with a pink flower and purple accents, surrounded by a colorful tablecloth and a flower arrangement with white, purple, and yellow
Colorful vegetable salad with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, carrots, and sprouts, garnished with a yellow flower, accompanied by green bean and beet salads in separate bowls.
A colorful table spread of fresh fruits, including strawberries, grapes, bananas, kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, and melons, with bowls of berries, a bowl of the fruit salad, eggs, and a vase of flowers, set against embroidered rugs and c
Fresh spring rolls filled with colorful vegetables served on a white plate with a yellow flower in the center.
A woman smiles in a kitchen with a wooden table laden with various bowls of fresh fruit and desserts, including sliced watermelon with kiwi and grapes, mixed berries, and a berry gelatin dessert, while she prepares food.
Chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, fresh figs, raspberries, blackberries, orange slices, and a whole fig in the center, with colorful flowers in the background.
Colorful table spread with a large salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and sprouts in a terracotta bowl. A glass bowl of potato salad with herbs and cherry tomatoes, a plate of chocolate granola bars, and a small bowl of refried beans wit
Assorted bowls of cereal, yogurt, and a large tray of sliced strawberries, kiwi, green and red grapes, apples, and blueberries on a wooden table.
Variety of fruit salads and desserts on a wooden table, including a large bowl of mixed fruit with grapes, strawberries, apples, and kiwi, a purple berry smoothie decorated with strawberries, blueberries, and grapes, an almond and cranberry snack mix
A spread of fresh fruit, desserts, and toppings on a wooden table, including a large watermelon display with slices and kiwi, a berry fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and kiwi, a chocolate dessert with strawberries and raspberries,
A woman with curly red hair wearing a black t-shirt and a white apron with vegetable illustrations, smiling and holding a wooden tray with bread topped with yellow spread, strawberries, and small pumpkins, in a kitchen with wall art, plants, and patt
A platter of mixed fruit salad with sliced cucumbers, radishes, and orange slices, garnished with chopped nuts and herbs, on a green rectangular plate.
A table filled with various dishes including a fresh green salad, a bowl of chickpeas, roasted eggplant, a vegetable stew, and other Mediterranean-style foods, with apples, oranges, a candle, and a vase of tulips as decorations.
A large bowl of mixed greens salad with orange slices, purple edible flowers, shredded carrots, and microgreens on a grassy surface.
A colorful fruit platter with sliced melon, grapes, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, raspberries, and banana slices on a white tray, surrounded by bowls of granola, yogurt with pink swirl, and toasted coconut flakes, decorated with sprigs of herbs and fl
Assorted breakfast foods including a fruit salad with berries and kiwi, a bowl of mixed granola, a plate of deviled eggs, a coconut-covered dessert, a yogurt or pudding, and a breakfast casserole topped with fruit.
A wooden table with a variety of Mexican dishes including a large taco salad, bowls of queso cheese, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped green herbs, and edible flowers, surrounded by decorative leaves and flowers.
Colorful table spread with a large bowl of mixed salad topped with cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cheese, several small vegetable tarts with cherry tomato toppings, spring rolls on a plate, and two bowls of soup, all decorated with pink flowers.
A colorful spread of various dishes including a large bowl of mixed salad with edible flowers, multiple small bowls of dressings and toppings, a bowl of sunflower seeds, a bowl of butter, and a plate of hummus with garnishes.
A white plate with grilled plantains, a scoop of guacamole, scrambled eggs, and seasoned ground meat with vegetables, garnished with a pink flower, on a table with floral décor in the background.
Halved papayas filled with fruit and toppings, decorated with colorful flowers and green leaves.
Two zucchini breads topped with strawberries, pecans, orange zest, and orange slices, with decorative gourds, a cup of pecans, and half an orange on a wooden table.
A wooden table set with a variety of fresh fruit, including strawberries, kiwi, grapes, and apple slices, arranged on a large serving platter. There are bowls of granola, yogurt, and other toppings, along with a bowl of fresh fruit salad, and a bowl
Colorful arrangement of sliced and whole fresh fruits including strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, oranges, and apple slices on a large tray, decorated with greenery and flowers.
A variety of fresh salads and dips on a wooden table, including a large leafy green salad, carrots, apples, lemon slices, and various bowls of dips and spreads, with a lit candle, ferns, and a decorative plate of olives with orange slices.
A wooden dining table with a variety of foods including salad, lemon slices, frittata, round sesame seed coated energy bites, and large green leafy vegetable, decorated with flowers and greenery.
A table with an abundant floral arrangement and various plates of fruit and artfully decorated small canapés with sliced vegetables, berries, and edible flowers.
Chocolate truffles decorated with dried flower petals on a pastel-colored plate with blueberries and a yellow flower in the center.
A woman is sitting on a wicker couch in a sunlit room with large windows. A wooden table in front of her is filled with various dishes, bowls, flowers, and a book, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Three bowls of salads with boiled eggs, noodles, vegetables, and flatbread on a wooden table, along with a candle decorated with pinecones, a magazine, a basket with small bottles, and a piece of paper.
A wooden table set with a colorful salad, a bowl of what appears to be hummus garnished with herbs, a plate of stuffed or coated ball-shaped appetizers, a plate of lettuce-wrapped finger foods, a bowl of feta cheese cubes, and a pink beet or berry di
Several bowls of smoothie bowls topped with sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, chopped nuts, seeds, and possibly granola, arranged on a wooden table.
A large serving platter of assorted fresh sliced fruits, including strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, oranges, grapes, and blueberries, arranged in a colorful pattern. Surrounding the platter are bowls of butter, jam, and peanut butter, along with banana
Decorative breakfast table featuring bowls of granola and berries, sliced watermelons and peaches, green and black grapes, strawberries, and flowers.
A plate with three falafel balls on lettuce and pink hummus, surrounded by bowls of salad, beet dip, and other appetizers on a wooden table.
Multiple plates of colorful vegetarian or vegan dishes with vegetables, rice, hummus, and garnishes on a wooden table.
Colorful salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced red peppers, shredded purple cabbage, and crispy fried chicken pieces in a white bowl.
A table set with two large plates of assorted fresh fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwi, oranges, and apples, with a small jar of yogurt nearby and other dishes in the background.