So we’re nearing the end of summer, and before we know it we’ll be looking forward to Halloween and Christmas markets. But before we get there, here’s a round-up of must-see Food Festivals. If any of you go to one, take a few pics and let us know what you thought of it!
First up is in my home county of Donegal with the Taste of Donegal Food Festival taking place in Donegal Town between August 22nd and 24th. Admission on the door is €4 per adult and €1 per child. If your planning a weekend there you can get a €10 weekend pass. I’ve been to this before and can highly recommend it, it really is a while day event. As with all food festivals go hungry, really hungry and you won’t be disappointed. I’ll be trying to make this one and am most looking forward to seeing Ethna Reynolds – “The Burlesque Chef” and mixologist Kalem McLaughlin.
For more information, click on the link: http://www.atasteofdonegal.com/
If your a tea or coffee die-hard then the Dublin Coffee and Tea Festival on 12th-14th September is for you. It takes place in Industrial Hall in the RDS and one day tickets are €8.40 or Coffee Addict 3 Day Passes are €15.40, including booking fee. They will be holding a Home Barista competition to allow those who experiment in roasting and brewing at home to showcase their talents. They will also have a People’s Stage which will be a platform for farmers, importers and green bean traders to offer presentations on the coffee growing and harvesting process.
For more information, click on the link: http://www.dublincoffeefestival.com/
Next up is the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, held in the Spanish Arch, Galway on 25th – 28th September. Festival tickets range from €40 for the opening night to €100 for the Masquerade Mardi Gras. This is one of the biggest food festivals in Ireland and this year they celebrate their 60th festival, it’s sure to be a memorable one.
To get your tickets, click here: http://milestoneinventive.com/store/
The Doolin Craft Beer Festival will take place in Doolin, Co Clare between August 22nd and 24th and intends to celebrate not only the craft beer industry, but also Irish music and Artisan Food. The event will be run from a marquee in the gardens of Hotel Doolin and this event would make the perfect adult weekend away! Tickets are €10 for a Thursday, Friday or Sunday admission and €20 for a Saturday admission, but this included two free half pints.
For more information: http://www.hoteldoolin.ie/doolin_festivals_2014
Last but by no means least is the Westport Food Festival taking place in Co Mayo from 5th -7th September. They have such a great list of events planned and this one in particular would be a great event to bring children. For €10 you can enrol your child in a pizza making class, and for €20 you could take the family mushroom foraging. If you’d prefer an adult event at this festival, my money would go on a secret supper – a “come dine with me event with a twist”. Tickets for this event are €35.
To book, click here http://www.westportfoodfestival.ie/
