Nenaghgal - Hunting the Elusive Wild Garlic

I was down in Cork last week visiting Ballymaloe Cooking School and on the drive to Shanagarry the wild garlic was growing in big swaths along the roadside. Let's just say I had a bit of wild garlic envy. It's impossible to buy in markets and I know it's in the Nenagh area but I had yet to find it myself. So on the bank holiday Sunday, my parents headed off to Shannon Airport to fly back to Boston and I decided that was it - I was jolly well going to find some wild garlic. I told Sophia we were on a mission and I put a small hand trowel in the car along with some gloves and a bag and we headed off to Puckane where I heard we might find some. 

 We actually did find some in Puckane quite quickly but it was a tiny cluster in a very awkward spot right where all the passing cars could see. Determined to find a more isolated spot we ventured along several small lane ways.

We found these guys down one such lane way and pulled over to say hello. Sadly we could not get closer to them as there was a gate in front of us - and they all came straight over to us - obviously wanting a good old pet. But they did look like they were in pretty good health - since my many visits to the Donkey Sanctuary in Cork -Sophia and I feel it is very important that we do our duty and make sure that the donkeys we come across are all well taken care of.

At another turn in the road, this was the view that greeted us. But most of the lane ways ended in dead ends into farms or lovely homes overlooking Lough Derg.

As you can see, in the end we did find what we were looking for and although I feel slightly guilty for digging out a cluster of these from their natural habitat,  I only too a tiny bunch. I know they grow and spread but I've planted some in a mini-border in my back garden and will add more in the front.

 I think a chive and wild garlic border would be particularly beautiful in my garden and certainly will be enjoyed in the dishes I conjure up.

Has anyone else had success transplanting Wild Garlic from the wild? Do let me know. And I'd also love to hear additional suggestions for cooking with them in addition to making wild garlic pesto.