Sheridans Irish Food Festival

Last weekend saw the sixth Sheridans Irish Food Festival take place. It's an event we have been attended every year, rain or shine. Thankfully this year was one filled with lots and lots of sunshine! We didn't make it down till about 3.30 but there was still a steady stream of visitors making their way in. The event is well laid out so it never feels too packed especially since there is a good seating area where people can sit down, enjoy their food and listen to live music. 

October's Food Festivals & Events

Ok so autumn is officially here - me having to defrost my car for the first time in months must mean it is so! I have to say I love the cold (I will probably be shunned for that!) but there is something lovely about getting all the winter clothes out and getting all snuggled up. Now if it rains that's a different matter but fingers crossed it just stays clear and cold - perfect weather for getting out and about. Have a fantastic October.

September's Food Festivals & Events

The schools are back and the sun is gone but there are still a million reasons to love September. Long autumn walks, hearty stews and big chunky cardigans are just three off the top of my head! September also means there are loads more food events and festivals happening all around the country. Harvest time is here - Enjoy.

August's Food Events and Festivals

August always feels like the final 'big hurrah' before summer is officially over and it's back to normality for us all. There is loads happening throughout the country, so even if the weather doesn't return to the former glory of July, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the long summer days before Autumn kicks in.

July's Food Events & Festivals

 

July is my favourite month of the whole year. I swear it's not just because my birthday falls in the middle of it but that does help! It's because the days are long, autumn is still many weeks away and there is always the promise of sunshine. There are also loads of events throughout Ireland that celebrate all this too so it is a great time to get out and about. Happy July, enjoy.

November Food Festivals & Food Events

So far 2013 has seen hundreds of events happen throughout the country. November is no different and there are loads of events planned including the start of the Christmas markets. Whoop!! Hopefully you will find something of interest in there for you to attend. If I am missing an event and you would like to add it just email Kat at thepurplepageireland@gmail.com. Enjoy.

Week 1: November 1 – 10

• A Taste of Louth: Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk, 8 & 9 November
• Craft Beer and Cider Harvest Festival: Kilruddery House, Co. Wicklow, 2nd November
• Irish Farmhouse Cheese & Beer Tasting: Bull and Castle, until the 10 November
• Irish Craft Beer & Food Month: Cornstore Restaurants, Limerick & Cork, throughout the month of November

 
Week 2: November 11 – 17

• A Taste of Mexico: Dublin City Centre, 12 - 17 November 
• Fallon & Byrne Christmas Extravaganza: Dublin City Centre, 13 November
• Good Food Ireland Annual Conference: Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, 19 November
• Irish Craft Beer & Food Month: Cornstore Restaurants, Limerick & Cork, throughout the month of November
• Wild & Wicklow 2013: Brooklodge, Co. Wicklow, 16 November

Week 3: November 18 – 24

• Belfast Beer and Cider Festival: Ulster Hall, Belfast, 21 - 23 November
• Food and Wine Show Christmas Show: RDS, Dublin, 22 - 24 November
• Galway Continental Christmas Market: Eyre Square, 22 November – 22 December
• Listowel Food Fair: Co. Kerry, 21 – 24 November
• Limerick Georgian Christmas Market:  No. 1 Pery Square, 23 – 25 November 
• Irish Craft Beer & Food Month: Cornstore Restaurants, Limerick & Cork, throughout the month of November
• McCambridge's 10th Food & Wine Fair: Salthill Hotel, Galway, 21 November

Week 4: November 25 – 1 December

• A Little Taste of Christmas: Donegal Town, 30 November – 1^st December
• Galway Continental Christmas Market: Eyre Square, 22 November – 22 December
• Castlebar Christmas Market: Co. Mayo, 30 November
• Doonbeg Lodge Christmas Market: Co. Clare, 29 November – 1 December
• Lisnavagh House Christmas Fair: Co. Carlow, 29 & 30 November
• Irish Craft Beer & Food Month: Cornstore Restaurants, Limerick & Cork, throughout the month of November
• Waterford Winterval: Waterford City, 29 November – 31 December

Irish Food Festivals & Events: 12 August - 2 September 2013

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 23 until Sunday August 25. Artisan food producers 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. 

Doolin Irish Craft Beer Festival

This event takes place in Co. Clare over the weekend of the 23 - 25 August. It is a celebration of Irish craft brewing, Irish music and Irish artisan food.

Electric Picnic

If you can afford it then the Electric Picnic is on in Stradbally, Co. Laois from 30 August – 1 September. With a lineup that includes music, art, theatre, comedy, pantomime, food and holistic health it truly is an eclectic mix.

  

Hilden Beer & Music Festival

The Hilden Beer and Music Festival in Lisburn, Co. Antrim is a celebration of the best beers in the British Isles alongside local musical talent. Over 30 great beers, 24 bands, an all day BBQ and a lot of craic promises to make this a great festival. The festival will take place from the 23 - 25 August.

Kilcullen River Festival

On Sunday, the 25th of August, Kilcullen in Co. Kildare will be hosting its forth 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.

Meath Food Series

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

The Lobster, Crab and All That Jazz

Dalkey Lobster Fest will take place over the weekend of the 23 - 25 August and will see lots of free events for the whole family taking place. There will be lots of seafood and music to enjoy on the day. 

Taste of Carlow

Carlow celebrates the 800^th Anniversary of the building of Carlow Castle with lots of events happening from the 22^nd – 25^th August. During the Festival the International Taste of Carlow and Craft Fair also takes place.  One of the highlights of the Taste of Carlow Festival will be the Inaugural Irish Chef’s World Culinary Challenge and this will take place on the 24 & 25 August.

The Ultimate Whiskey Battle at Kilbeggan 

On Saturday 17th August Ireland, Scotland and the USA battle it out for the title of Ultimate World Whiskey in Kilbeggan Distillery. The Kilbeggan team will whisk you back to 1757 as you discover how Irish whiskey was made in decades past and will show you how it is done today.  Transport from/to Dublin, lunch and whiskey tastings are all included in the 60 euro ticket price but space is limited!

Virginia Show 

The 2013 Virginia Show will take place on Wednesday the 21st August along the shores of Lough Ramor. There will be lots of livestock on show, arts and crafts, children's classes and cookery demos by Neven Maguire.

Youghal Mackerel Festival 

Taking place in Co. Cork from the 31 August - 2 September this festival promises lots of fun, fish and food trails over the weekend. 

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

A Taste of Leinster

Not many food events take place on the northside of the city, maybe I’m missing something, but they seemed largely confined to the southside or outside Dublin. So it was with delight that I noticed that the inaugural ‘A Taste of Leinster’ will take place near Finglas, in the Charlestown Shopping Centre on the 18^th & 19^th May. It’s also part of my daily commute home so I am very happy about not having to travel too far to visit this one! 

Over 70 businesses are exhibiting at 'A Taste of Leinster' with a wide variety of products from around the county including some of my favourites such as Burke’s Icecream, Bellingham Blue Cheese,  the Foods of Athenry and The Pieman who I recently discovered in the Honest2Goodness Market in Glasnevin. There will also be cookery demonstrations by Clodagh McKenna, Liz Moore and Rory Morahan throughout the weekend. 

There doesn’t seem to be a firm schedule as of yet except for Clodagh McKenna’s demonstration at 2pm on the Saturday but you can follow them on Facebook & Twitter for more updates.

The World Irish Stew Championship and other culinary competitions

Irish Lamb Stew - Bord Bia Images

Entries are flying in for the fourth World Irish Stew Championship which takes place in St Angela’s College in Sligo on 1^st and 2^nd May as part of the Só Sligo Food Festival. This festival takes place from 1st to 6^th May 2013 and is supported by Failte Ireland.

The 1^st of May will see professional and student chefs from kitchens and colleges all over the world demonstrate their skills to create the ultimate Irish Stew! The judging panel comprised of a team of chefs and competition judges, selected by head judge Gabriel Mc Sharry, will decide who will earn the title in two categories – professional and student chef.  Entries can be made online at www.worldirishstewchampionship.com, where there are also application forms for other culinary competitions including the Sligo Signature Dish and a Mystery Basket competition. 

It is not only professional chefs who can enter their stew!  Home cooks can enter the competition by taking a photo of their stew and uploading it along with the recipe to www.worldirishstewchampionship.com.  The best will be selected and brought to  beautiful Co Sligo to compete in the final on 2^nd May and they will also be treated to a Sligo Gourmet Adventure!   

The World Irish Stew Championship has been running since 2010 as part of Só Sligo Food Festival and this year thanks to the Gathering IBB Fund and assistance given by the Gathering initiative, it has become a global event in Co Sligo which the organisers hope will become an annual global gathering.  

St Angela’s College has also been part of the Championships since it’s inception and competitors who take part annually enjoy visiting it’s uniquely beautiful setting on Lough Gill.   Head of Home Economics Angela McCloat has assisted and encouraged the competition to date and is delighted with its huge success! 

If you would like more information on any of these competitions please contact Brid Torrades sosligo13@gmail.com.

November's Food Festivals & Events

Castlebar Indoor Christmas Market 

Castlebar Christmas Market in Co. Mayo, will take place on Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 November in the Events Arena at Breaffy House Resort from 10am-5pm. With lots of new traders taking part this year it will be a great start to the festive season and a chance to pick up Christmas gifts, crafts, tasty treats and more.

Food and Design Winter Fair at Belvedere 

The 2012 Winter Fair will take place in Belvedere House in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on the 24 & 25 November. The Winter Fair at Belvedere features contemporary collections of jewellery, interior products, gift ware, textiles, cards, ceramics as well as local food producers all indoors in the Courtyard at Belvedere.

 

Food & Wine Magazine Christmas Show

The FOOD & WINE Magazine Christmas show 2012 is back from the 30th November to the 2nd December  in the RDS Main Hall in Ballsbridge. It will be a three-day food and drink extravaganza, that will show you how to recreate world class dishes in the comfort of your own home!  There will be a Chef's Kitchen, the Artisan Market, a Wine Experience Theatre and a whole host of free masterclasses. Tickets to the event cost €20 but there is an early bird option for €15.

Galway Continental Christmas Market

The third annual Galway Continental Christmas Market will take place from 23 November – 22 December in Eyre Square. A jam-packed schedule comprising of a whole host of different events is promised for the Market’s duration, including  entertainment from Galway’s top live bands and DJ’s, performers, puppet shows, storytelling, school choirs and carol singing. Santa’s Grotto will be run by local charities and the popular Bier Keller will play host to various events throughout the duration of the market alongside offerings of festive treats, artisan food products and Christmas gift ideas.

Listowel Food Fair 

Taking place in  Co. Kerry from the 31 October to 4 November this fair promises to be better than ever. Some of the events on offer include a Food & Literary Taste Trail, a Herbal Medicine Trail and an Organic Gardening Class. There will also be a Food Village and Craft Fair, a Saturday Kitchen Live Demonstration and a Farming Seminar with Minister Simon Coveney and lots more.

Limerick Georgian Quarter Christmas Market 

This Christmas market takes place for 3 days only in Limerick City from 23 - 25 November. Visit the the stalls located throughout No. 1 Hotel & Spa & Pery Square which will include local artisan food producers, arts & crafts, Christmas gifts with a difference and much more.

Taste of Louth 

On 10 & 11, November Taste of Louth takes place in The Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth. There will be demonstrations from Neven Magurie, Clodagh McKenna and Brian McDermott and a  big Taste of Louth Cupcake Challenge. Tickets are €10 for the cookery demonstrations and you can buy them through the Taste of Louth website.

Wild and Slow – Wild Food Harvest Festival:

Slow food Ireland presents Wild & Slow 2012, a unique festival that celebrates everything that is good about Irish food: fresh, local, traditional and wild. It takes place in Macreddin, Co. Wicklow on the 10 & 11 November. There is a huge of range of workshops and events on offer including curing, pickling, foraging, stalking, bee keeping which is just for starters. There will also be a food village offering visitors a chance to sample homemade foods.

Waterford Winterval 

Throughout Waterford City from 30th November to the 23rd December a big winter festival will take place with a huge range of events happening. There will be storytelling, Christmas markets, movies, craft workshops, an ice rink and lots lots more. There really is something for everyone at Winterval 2012.

May Foodie Festivals & Events: 14th - 20th May

Burren Slow Food Festival

The Burren Slow Food Festival is held in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare from the 18th –  20th May. Beer tasting, Seafood Foraging and Food Camp are some of the events taking place. The main programme will be held at the Pavilion Theatre in Lisdoonvarna. The daily entrance fee to the Pavilion grounds is only 5 euro for over 18s.  This gives you access to all events at the Pavilion all day.

Inishfood Festival

The Inishfood Festival on May 18th - 20th, a food blogger event initiated last year, is a weekend filled full of demonstrations, talks, storytelling, and eating on the Inishowen peninsula in Co Donegal.

Rathmore Taste of Kerry Food Fair & Family Day 

This event will take place on Sunday 20th May in aid of Air Ambulance Ireland. There will be cooking demonstrations, set dancing, children's entertainment and lots of other activities taking place on the day.

Só Sligo 

The third Só Sligo food festival takes place from the 18 - 20th May. There will be a food village, cookery demonstrations, talks, films and tastings and a whole range of competitions, one of which is the Radisson Blu Great Family Cookoff. Top chef Edward Hayden will also be in attendance.  

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