Irish Food Festivals and Events: 2 - 11 August 2013

Bray Summerfest

This year's SummerFest will take place over 5 weekends from 5th July to the 4th August. There will be over 60 free events covering music, kids workshops, sport, the airshow and of course food. 

A Taste of Cavan

A two-day festival in Cavan Town on the 10 & 11 August which celebrates locally produced food. Discover artisan cheese, chocolate, ice-cream, bread and much much more with over 75 stands taking part. There will be lots of cookery demos, events for the kids and a jazz band to keep everyone entertained. Admission is €2 and under 16s get in free. 

Annascaul Beerfest

The Annascaul Beerfest is a charity event run by the people and publicans of Annascaul in West Kerry from the 2 – 5 August. It’s all about good beers, good music and good company — and all in aid of a good cause! There will be an Irish Craft Beer and Food Tasting, a bbq, music and lots of other events taking place.

Carlingford Oyster Festival

Taking place from the 8 – 11 August this festival has a lot to offer with a colourful Festival Street Market, lively street entertainment, Artisan Craft & Food Stalls & local restaurants offering delicious fishy dishes, chowders and local cuisine. There will also be a sailing regatta on Carlingford Lough, guided medieval tours and the opportunity to try your hand at kayaking. There will, of course, be plenty of opportunities to try out the wonderful Carlingford Oyster. The Festival also features Morgan's Ocean Fresh Carlingford Oyster Pearl Competition.

Dublin Horse Show

The Horse Show is a Dublin institution and takes place in the RDS from the 7 - 11 August. It is one of Ireland's largest events in which the best show horses and the best international show jumpers compete for honours. If you aren’t into racing though there will be plenty of food, entertainment and shopping to keep you occupied. Or get your glad rags on and enter ladies day on the Thursday.

Enniscrone Black Pig Festival

This festival takes place in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo from the 8 - 12 August. There will be a parade, live music, fireworks and a market day on the Sunday.

Meath Food Series

Throughout Meath with events running until September. Please see separate post here for more information.

 

Moynalty Steam Treshing Festival

This is one event we go as a family without fail every year. Farming traditions from the late 19th century are celebrated with displays of steam and horse threshing. There is also lots to discover with old traditions such as butter churning and metalwork being demonstrated. There is also lots for the kids to do with a funfair, a dog show and lots of animals on display. Indeed every year I have to be persuaded not to come home with a puppy! Takes place on Sunday 11th August in Co. Meath.

National Country Fair

The National Country Fair is Ireland's national countryside event. This two-day family fair is a mix of fishing, shooting, and equestrian events and competitions. Visitors can enjoy one of the country's largest food festivals with dozens of artisan producers, a crafts fair and an antiques fair on offer. The Fair takes place at Borris House in Co. Carlow over the 3rd & 4th August. 

N.B Even though the events section is updated frequently, dates and times are liable to change so please do check the websites yourself as well. If you would like to have your event added please contact Kat at thepurplepageireland (at) gmail.com

August Foodie Festival & Events: 15th - 31st

A Taste Of Donegal Food Festival

The Taste of Donegal Food Festival is a festival designed to celebrate and promote great food and drink in Ireland. This year’s festival will be held over a three day period from Friday August 24th until Sunday August 26th 2012. Artisan food froducers will be in attendance along with a large number of exhibitors from all over the Country along with a number of celebrity chef appearances. The festival will be opened with a big fireworks display on the Friday evening. 

Carrigtwohill Cultural Street Festival

This County Cork festival is being held on the 26th of August and will run from roughly 2pm until 6pm. Face painting, hook a duck, lucky dip, gymnasium and taekwondo displays, and pony rides are just some of the events lined up. In addition, a number of the usual favourites will return including tug-o-war, army obstacle course, old time kitchen, vintage cars and steam engine, Irish dancing and the all important pig on the spit.

Dublin Horse Show

The Horse Show is a Dublin institution and takes place in the RDS from the 15^th – 19^th August. It is one of Ireland's largest events in which the best show horses and the best international show jumpers compete for honours. If you aren’t into racing though there will be plenty of food, entertainment and shopping to keep you occupied. Or get your glad rags on and enter ladies day on the Thursday.

Dublin Tall Ships

As the final host port for the Tall Ships Races 2012, the Dublin Docklands will be the place to be from the 23rd to the 26th of August 2012. Lots will be happening over the four days and there will be something to entertain all the family. There is live music featuring Cathy Davey and Duke Special, Viking Demo, Family Workshops and much much more. Theatre of Food will also be at the festival with a very interesting line up. Themes per day are Thursday 23rd: International Flavas; Friday 24th: Seasonal & Sustainable & Saturday 25th: Indulgence!!

Electric Picnic

If you can afford it then the Electric Picnic is on in Stradbally, Co. Laois from 31st August – 2nd September. With a lineup that includes music, art, theatre, comedy, pantomime, food and holistic health it truly is an eclectic mix. 

Fabulous Food & Fireworks

Get down to The Pavilion Quarter, Dun Laoghaire, for fabulous food and fireworks on Saturday 18^th August. Tasty treats from the barbecue will be available and it is also the prime viewing area for the second “Summer is a Festival” fireworks display from 8-10pm with the fireworks happening around 9.30.

Kilcullen River Festival

On Sunday, the 26th of August 2012, Kilcullen in Co. Kildare will be hosting its third annual Kilcullen River Festival. The day will include Farmers Market & Craft Stalls, Family Fun & Games, River Obstacle Course and much more. Keep an eye on their facebook page for updates.

Mitchelstown Food Festival & Awards 

Mitchelstown Food Festival & Awards will take place on Sunday 26 August. Highlights include a food market, cookery demonstrations and food production demonstrations.Other  events include a food trail in a number of Mitchelstown outlets, where festival goers can sample local artisan food and The Food Producers Award 2012. There will also be a dedicated kid's area with bouncy castles and other activities in the green area outside of the Kingston Arms Hotel.

The Secret Garden Festival

On August 18th and 19th, Milk and Cookies is holding its second annual Secret Garden Festival. The Secret Garden is an outdoor festival and will take place in Martinstown House, with camping facilities provided. There will be sing-a-longs by the campfire, storytelling under the stars, clowning around in the daytime with fun activites and workshops, and of course Cookies!

N.B Even though the events section is updated weekly, dates and times are liable to change so please do check the websites yourself as well.

If you would like to have your foodie event added please contact Kat at thepurplepageireland (at) gmail.com