Summer may be over but festival season is certainly not finished yet. Discover these food festivals, with star chef speakers, delicious exhibitors and a guaranteed great day out around Ireland to book now …
September 3-8: fEast Food Festival, Midleton, Cork
fEast Cork 2024 will take place in the market town of Midleton in south-east Cork. Midleton itself has a rich food heritage and the festival will share a focus on the wider region. The festival takes place at harvest time which is, of course, the appropriate time to collect what the area has to offer, and enjoy it all together. The festival will feature exciting events of all kinds from an opening quiz night, to traditional music, a farmers’ market, a mixology experience, a long table dinner, food markets and lots of delicious dining. As part of the festival, the storytelling event Craicly will take place on Thursday September 5 in Ballyvolane House. The stories will be on the theme of “Our East Cork Food Rebels” and will feature Rory O’Connell as one of the storytellers. Check the order of events here; www.feastcork.ie/events.
September 20-22: Taste of Kildare, Naas Racecourse
The 2024 Taste of Kildare Festival will be held at Naas Racecourse and is gearing up to be a fantastic weekend of food, music and entertainment. This festival will be the biggest Taste event held in Kildare and the harvest season will inspire many of the dishes and seasonal produce on offer. This event has been created by Into Kildare, the County Kildare tourism board, and is supported by Ballymore and Kildare Co Council’s Local Enterprise Office, which will also feature a rich tapestry of local food producers with over 100 different market stalls. A selection of twelve of Ireland’s top chefs will showcase their culinary prowess over the weekend and will hold various demonstrations in the Calor Gas Chef’s Theatre. The star-studded line-up includes Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, Gary O’Hanlon, Ross Lewis, Martin Shanahan, Natalie Collins, and Jordan Bailey. Workshops and various talks will also take place over the weekend and the audience will have the chance to hear from some of the best producers, food photographers, tablescapers and culinary talents in the country. The Bord na Móna family fun day takes place on Sunday and will have face painting and baking masterclasses for children. Tickets are now on sale and are priced from €15 for general admission. www.tasteofkildare.ie
October 4-6: Dingle Food Festival, Kerry
Set in the charming fishing town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way, the town will celebrate from Friday October 4 to Sunday October 7 for a celebration of flavours and a focus on zero waste. Events will include the popular Taste Trail, market stalls, masterclasses, workshops, children’s events, street entertainment, a farmers forum and more. All of the events are organised by local volunteers on a non-profit basis. This weekend is definitely one to book in for, there is a real feeling of community as the town and visitors alike gather together to celebrate this festival of food. Find out more information on the events coming up here. www.dinglefood.com
October 21-22: Food On The Edge, Galway, October 21-22
Food on the Edge is a two-day symposium for those who are interested in all things food. Chefs and food enthusiasts from all around the world come together for the weekend to listen, talk, debate and network. It is also open to the public, and if you have a serious interest in food and chefs this is a great event for you. The event involves 15 minute talks from the leading names of the food industry and there will be panel discussions as well as masterclasses. Don’t miss the artisan food village that will showcase Irish food produce, coming this year. Speakers will include Ebru Baybara Demir, winner of the 2023 Basque Culinary World Prize (BCWP), Mark Donald, chef at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant who was recently awarded a Michelin Star, a first for a Scottish distillery. Palestinian Chef Fadi Kattan will speak about his recently published book Bethlehem: A Celebration of Palestinian Food, other speakers include Gary Usher of Suesey Street, Erica Drum and more … Book in now from some good food and tips from the food experts this year. www.galwaytourism.ie
October 25-28: Savour Kilkenny Food Festival
Savour Kilkenny is back for its 16th year, and it promises to be a vibrant celebration of food and culinary excellence. The festival takes place in Kilkenny city over the October bank holiday weekend and this year the festival boasts a seriously impressive line-up of international and local culinary stars, including Rachel Allen, JP Mac Mahon, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon, Rory O’Connell, and Edward Hayden and Anne Neary will share their share their expertise alongside new Graignamanagh residents James Kavanagh and William Murray.
Savour Kilkenny 2024 is set to host over 100 market stalls which feature artisan food producers and street food vendors from across Ireland. The festival will offer a great variety of experiences suitable for everyone in the family – these include live cookery demonstrations, dining events, though-provoking talks, workshops and entertainment suitable for all ages. The food festival will also explore crucial topics such as food waste, the circular economy and the future of food in Ireland. There will also be a special event celebrating the legendary women who have transformed Kilkenny’s food scene. Entry to the Savour Market, cookery demos and talks on Saturday 26 and Sunday October 27 are free. Dining events and special events are individually priced and need to be booked in. For the full schedule of events and dining event tickets, see www.savourkilkenny.com or @savourkilkenny.