The number of food and drink related festivals taking place all over Ireland has massively increased in the last few years, so we decided to share with you our list of the 10 best Irish food and drink festivals. From oysters to craft beer, from Dublin to Dingle, there are so many events that celebrate Irish gastronomy, make sure to check them out if you are traveling around the country.
The 10 Best Irish Food and Drink Festivals
Bloom in the Park
Bloom in the Park is technically the largest gardening festival in Ireland but because Bord Bia (The Irish Food Board) organises the event there’s a massive emphasis on Irish food. It takes place in the Phoenix Park over 4 days in late May/beginning of June. There is an Irish food village filled with stalls from Irish food brands and artisan produces. The Bloom Inn features Irish craft beer and drink producers from all over Ireland. You can also attend cooking demonstrations by famous Irish chefs.
More information http://bloominthepark.com/
Taste of Dublin
If eating in restaurants is your thing (who doesn’t love eating out?) you may want to visit Taste of Dublin in June. Probably the most famous food festival in the Irish capital, it gathers thousands of people in the beautiful Iveagh Gardens every year. Taste of Dublin consists of numerous Dublin restaurants serving tapas sized dishes for around €7-€8. It isn’t cheap since you have to pay for the entrance (€17-€30) but the atmosphere is buzzing especially when the sun is shining. There are also cooking demos and Irish food and drink brands showcasing their products.
More information https://dublin.tastefestivals.com/
The Big Grill
The Big Grill is the dream for all the meat lovers out there! Run by the guys from Bodytonic, the Big Grill is a weekend long festival of BBQ food, craft beer and music every year in August in Herbert Park. There’s also a great line up of Irish and international pit-masters cooking some seriously drool worthy food, music, demos and other fun events.
More information http://biggrillfestival.com/
Dublin Bay Prawn Festival
Dublin Bay Prawn Festival is an annual celebration of the delicious prawn (and other seafood really) in the lovely fishing village of Howth. It happens during St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend. Many of Howth’s seafood restaurants, pubs and cafés take part and serve small dishes featuring the Dublin Bay Prawn.
More information http://dublinbayprawnfestival.ie/
Irish Craft Beer Festival
If you’re into craft beer, pencil the Irish Craft Beer Festival into your diary. This is the largest craft beer festival in Ireland during which many Irish craft beer breweries exhibit over a full weekend in the RDS. With over 40 brewers and cocktail makers too, you’ll find a few Irish beers you’ll love for sure. The food offer is a bit limited but the festival is worth visiting for the drinks!
More information http://www.irishcraftbeerfestival.ie/
Whiskey Live Dublin
Our friends from Celtic Whiskey Shop run Whiskey Live Dublin, a premier whiskey tasting event that showcases over 60 exhibitors. It isn’t limited to whiskey though, they showcase Irish gins, food and drink pairings as well as masterclasses. Whiskey Live Dublin takes place every year around November in a city centre venue.
More information https://www.whiskeylivedublin.com/
Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
Galway International Oyster and Seafood festival is probably one of the longest running food festivals in the country, having launched in 1954. This festival is held every year on the last weekend of September to celebrate Galway’s oyster harvest. The festivals hosts the World Oyster Opening Championships, seafood trails, street parades, cooking demonstrations and more.
More information http://galwayoysterfestival.com/
Dingle Food Festival
Dingle Food Festival is an annual event celebrating Irish food every year in October in Dingle, Co. Kerry. It’s one of the most popular Irish food festivals during which you can attend many cookery demos and workshops, attend Irish drink tastings and buy food from over 50 market stalls.
More information http://www.dinglefood.com/
West Waterford Food Festival
West Waterford Food Festival has been running for 10 years and takes place in Dungarvan in April. It showcases local food from the West Waterford area through food and drink events such as a farmer’s market, food trails, talks, tastings. It is one of the best attended food festivals in Ireland and definitely one to add to your calendar!
More information http://www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/
Savour Kilkenny
Savour Kilkenny is a popular food and drink festival that runs during the October Bank Holiday weekend in Kilkenny. There is a food market with local food on offer and many food and drink related events occurring over the weekend.
More information http://www.savourkilkenny.com/
Have you attended one of these Irish food festivals? Let us know which one is your favourite in the comments below.
