Dublin’s Food Festivals – A Feast For All The Senses | Ireland

Ireland has always been known for its food exports, so it should come as no surprise that the country is becoming one of the world’s top destinations for foodies. With a growing number of celebrity chefs and a burgeoning artisan food industry, the country is leading the world when it comes to authentic and exciting homemade produce.

The good news for the visitor to Dublin is that much of this new produce is finding its way to one of an increasing number of food festivals that are popping up around the capital. What’s more, since the rise and fall of the Celtic Tiger, Dublin has transformed into a veritable melting pot of nationalities and that cultural shift has left its mark on the food scene too.

You can experience this culinary renaissance first hand by visiting one of the many food festivals now happening throughout the year in the nation’s capital.

Taste of Dublin, festival, Ireland by William Murphy

A Taste of Dublin

One food festival in Dublin has been responsible for attracting more attention and more big names than any other, and deservedly so. A Taste of Dublin has become a seriously popular and eagerly awaited event in the gastronomic calendar and is host to cheffy superstars such as Jamie Oliver and Jean Christophe Novelli.

Snuggled in the glorious setting of Iveagh Gardens in the centre of the city, Taste of Dublin usually occurs over four days in June and is attended by over 100 producers, including big brand names, as well as artisan producers, so there’s sure to be something to suit every taste.

Be warned, however, because it’s so popular tickets don’t come cheap. Once you’re there, the in-site currency is Florins, which can be used to buy food samples, drinks and products from exhibitors. You can buy a special ticket in advance that comes pre-loaded with Florins to get you started.

However, if it you do find that this celebration of all things foodie is up your epicurean street, you might consider returning in December for its sister event, A Taste Of Christmas.

Bloom

Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s most historic and magnificent parks, is the location for Bloom. This event is a little different in that the focus is on gardening, as well as food.

Taking place during the bank holiday weekend in June, Bloom is coming up to its seventh year in existence and has grown hugely over the last couple of years with over 90,000 visitors at the last event. As a result, space allocated to the event has increased proportionately.

The activities and entertainment up for grabs are distinctly biased towards families (children can attend for free), but with cookery, craft and gardening demonstrations galore, as well as live entertainment, there really is something for everyone.

Dublin Bay Prawns festival, Ireland by Simon Pielow

Dublin Bay Prawn Festival

While you’re browsing through the ‘Street Food Fair’ in the picturesque fishing village of Howth, it’s hard to imagine you’re just 20 minutes from the centre of Dublin. Here, as you might expect, the emphasis is on seafood, with the delectable Dublin Bay prawn acting as the centrepiece.

There’s every possible facility you could need for a short break in Howth and it’s not far from Dublin Airport, so you might even consider basing yourself in one of the many hotels and guesthouses in the area for your stay. That way, you’ll have more time to peruse the displays of freshly caught fish in the seafood shops, pop in for a lazy lunch and some traditional Irish entertainment at one of the many seafood bars and restaurants, or simply take in the party atmosphere and street performances. From wine tasting and cookery demonstrations to prawn shelling competitions, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Don’t miss the Mystery Dine Around for a real taste of what Howth’s eateries have to offer. All in all, the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival is a real treat for seafood lovers everywhere.

Food And Bev Live

February mightn’t appear to be the best time of year to visit Ireland, but Food And Bev Live makes a great excuse for an action packed weekend of food and drink in Dublin. And the opulent Citywest Hotel is the ideal venue.

This is the event where the big guns in the food and drink industry get to go head-to-head in a number of high profile events such as The National Barista Championships, the Gastropub Chef Of The Year awards and the National Cocktail Championships. It’s these competitions that will select the talent to represent Ireland in the world championships.

Of course, there’ll be plenty of exhibitors and demonstrations going on too. And if you’re staying at the Citywest, well, you can forget about what the weather’s doing outside, because in the evening, you’ll probably be basking in the warmth of a peat fire in one of Citywest’s great little bars.

Festival Of World Foods

Marlay Park, usually reserved for big concerts, is the venue for the Festival of World Foods. Held in October, this is a truly epicurean exploration where you can sample the best speciality foods from around the world. Bratwurst from Germany, Baba Ganoush from Lebanon, sushi from Japan, curries from the Caribbean, the list of international eating opportunities is endless. In fact, the Festival of World Foods can be liked to taking your tastebuds on a round-the-world taste trip.

One of the big highlights from previous years has been the Hoe Down with a hog roast and live music provided by Bluegrass and Cajun bands. But the big focus here is on international food, so you can expect stalls from virtually every country in the world from Algeria to the US of A.

As with any event in Dublin, simply ask at the Nova Car Hire desk when you pick up your hire car at Dublin Airport and someone will be glad to help you with directions to any of the above events.

Happy eating!

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Category: Festivals, Ireland