A Fiesta of Summer Food!

Ireland is a virtual 'Smorgasbord' of food festivals from April through to September with most taking place during the high summer months.

Food festivals are not only a great chance to see those fabulous celebrity TV chef's we all secretly lust after, (there's nothing like a man with a pan to get the fires burning).... demonstrating their talents in the food theaters, but they are also the perfect opportunity to meet and sample the wares of the established and newly emerging food artisans of each region.
There is a thriving scene of small producers in this country, many who may not have made it into the big supermarkets yet, but are beavering away on a smaller scale plying their wares at the weekly local farmers market and online. The local food festival is a prime place to meet these hard working entrepreneurs and there is nothing they enjoy more than talking about their creations with pride and passion.

Every county at some point during the summer will have a food festival and of course nearly every large town now has a weekly farmers market which will also be held during a food festival. These markets are definitely worth checking out, you might be pleasantly surprised at what is being created a short distance from your own front door and it is nobler to support your local producer!

Ballymaloe Litfest

Some festivals of note are not just about food......the now famous Ballymaloe Litfest  taking place from May 20th - 22nd is about more than just the wonderful food of Cork. It brings together world renowned food writers and serious foodies for a weekend of Irish and International food, drink, demonstrations, talks and tastings....a food lovers heaven!
you can find out more HERE!

Other festivals of note are the International Oyster Festival taking place in Hillsborough Co. Down, the Burren Slow Food Festival in Lisdoonvarna Co. Clare, A Taste of Cavan, A Taste of Dublin,
Street-fest 2016 and 'BLOOM' both taking place in Dublin city.... and my favorite....but then I am biased.....A Taste of Donegal, taking place in Donegal Town near the end of August.

So it looks like we have a fine summer of food ahead of us with something for everyone at each of these festivals, and, you never know what you might find!

Click for more info on this years Food Festivals