Ireland's food festivals

It started with just 34 guests in its first year; now, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival sees more than 22,000 visitors descend on Galway to celebrate one of Ireland’s biggest food events. During the weekend, the festival holds the Irish and World Oyster Opening Championships, which sees top-class oyster shuckers (openers) go head to head for the titles of Irish and world champions. Watch the professionals in action as you sample succulent oysters and taste delicious seafood dishes. You can take your time, though; no need to rush when the flavours are this good!

Armagh is known as the island of Ireland’s “Orchard County” owing to its bounty of apple-laden orchards. So it’s fitting that each September, the city celebrates with a Food & Cider weekend right in the middle of harvest season. Against a backdrop of beautiful orchards, you can enjoy great local dishes, foraged lunches and cider tasting, as well as tours, talks and lots of fun.

September brings the Waterford Harvest Festival, a foodie extravaganza for a city with its very own bread (blaa – a fluffy bread roll). This is one of Ireland’s top food festivals and every year they show the world why Waterford is a food destination to be reckoned with. With its rich food culture and heritage, quality restaurants and eateries, and passionate food producers, the event is a showcase for everything good about food in Ireland’s southeast.

Like a bit of food to go with your music? Or a bit of music to go with your food? The Eats & Beats Festival celebrates both! Set within the town of Newcastle, in the beautiful Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, this lively and upbeat event combines great food, excellent music and beautiful scenery to perfection. Wander through the festival, and you can enjoy an exciting mix of local food producers, street food and tasty treats, alongside live performances that bring the town to life.

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival brings together two of the region’s great culinary traditions: the incredible flavours of locally caught salmon, and the rich heritage of Irish whiskey. At this buzzy festival set in the gorgeous County Antrim village of Bushmills, you can get to experience the diversity of the area’s great food scene, from brewers to artisan producers – with food and drink tastings, cookery demonstrations and unique food experiences. Add to that a lively programme of live music, street entertainment, craft activities and artisan markets, and you’ve got a food weekend made in heaven.

With County Kerry’s wild and wonderful Dingle Peninsula as the backdrop, the Dingle Food Festival is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. The epitome of wild Atlantic charm, Dingle is a seaside haven with ocean-fresh seafood and welcoming locals. One of the highlights of this foodie festival is The Taste Trail, a smorgasbord of tasty dishes offered up in pubs, cafés, restaurants, art galleries and shops throughout the town. Pair that with wine tasting, gastronomy workshops and live music, and you’re onto a winner.

The gorgeous seaside town of Kinsale is a go-to for foodies at any time of the year. But in October, things go up a notch with the renowned Kinsale Gourmet Festival. There are events all over town, but the highlight is the Mad Hatter’s Taste of Kinsale – a food tour around the members of Kinsale’s Good Food Circle, so you can enjoy the very best the town has to offer.

In Kilkenny city, medieval and modern meet to create an urban area bursting with culture, creativity and charisma. At Savour Kilkenny, devour mouthwatering food at an outdoor market in the shadow of the impressive riverside Kilkenny Castle. Or immerse yourself in the spirit of the festival with masterclasses, talks, demos and more. It’s a popular one, too, with more than 74,000 visitors attending previous events.