Taste the Island: 6 food tours

Thanks to our talented artisan producers, incredible natural ingredients and award-winning restaurants and cafés, the island of Ireland is one of the most talked-about food destinations in Europe right now. To celebrate, we’re showcasing the flavours of Ireland until the end of November, by bringing together a host of unique experiences, food markets, tours and festivals into one unique event called Taste the Island. Here we take a closer look and some of the delicious food and drink tours you won’t want to miss.

1. Wild Taste Food on the Edge, County Donegal

The tour: This tour is all about celebrating the heritage, scenery and rich food culture of the area, from traditional boats to Viking invasions. Begin the day in Donegal’s quaint town of Moville, where local guide William McElhinney meets guests for breakfast along the banks of the River Foyle. Tuck in to a seaweed smoothie and roll up your sleeves to help bake fresh scones on a griddle as William fills you in on the history of the area. After sampling native wild oysters from Lough Foyle, the tour culminates in a trip to the stunning Inishowen Peninsula where participants will help prepare a meal at Wild Strands Caife. What’s next? Oh, just spectacular views on Banba’s Crown – complete with a Tai Chi lesson here on the northernmost tip of Malin Head!

The details: Contact Wild Strands to book your tour in advance via email: info@wildstrands.com.

2. Slow Food Adventures Ireland, County Leitrim

The tour: Like the idea of foraging for your dinner? Slow Food Adventures Ireland invites you to embark on a trail through the Northern glens of County Leitrim, taking in sights like Fowley's Falls and collecting wild morsels along the way. Tour guides teach guests how to identify wild foods and herbs growing along the forest trail – by the end of the walk, your survivalist skills are all the better for it! After a tour of The Organic Centre, relax and refuel with a meal prepared by the resident chef cooked with the day’s freshly foraged goods and local ingredients. Delicious!

The details: Book online in advance and request a preferred date.

3. Broughgammon Farm Bespoke Farm Tour, County Antrim

The tour: Visitors can explore the day-to-day life of a working farm at Broughgammon Farm in County Antrim. From farm to fork, guests enjoy a meet-and-greet with the animals, learn all about the farm's rich heritage and discover how sustainability and eco-friendly methods have forged the farm’s award-winning products. After tucking into artisan cheeses and meats, check out the farm shop for local food and crafts. You could even wow some dinner guests at home, with the help of a complimentary cookbook full of tasty Irish recipes.

The details: Book online in advance for groups of five; larger bookings can be arranged by email: info@broughgammon.com.

4. Dublin Whiskey Story, Dublin City

The tour: Whiskey Island Tours takes groups on a whistle-stop trail of Dublin’s whiskey hotspots. At the Irish Whiskey Museum, storytellers bring the legacy of Ireland’s whiskeys to life, followed by tastings in the on-site bar. Next stop is the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield where guests enjoy a special whiskey tasting in the Maturation House. And what whiskey trail would be complete without visiting one of Dublin’s newest distilleries? Roe & Co Distillery invites you on a three-part tour followed by a tutored cocktail workshop in the Flavours Room. After a bespoke cocktail in the Power House Bar, round off the day browsing bottles of liquid gold at the Celtic Whiskey Shop.

The details: Book your tour online from select dates for groups of up to 15 people.

5. Meet the Makers Tour, County Wicklow

The tour: With Brewery Hops tours, visitors can come face-to-face with the passionate producers who turned a labour of love into award-winning produce. First stop is Kilruddery House. Owner-manager Fionnuala Ardee welcomes you into her home where the Earls of Meath have lived for almost 400 years. Fionnuala brings to life the history of this great manor and its gardens with a guided tour, before you all sit down for lunch by the fire in the rustic Shoot Room. Afterwards, your next stop is a tour of the Wicklow Way Winery, followed by the Wicklow Wolf Brewery, which includes a tour of the aromatic brew-house and tasters of delicious craft beers. But don’t say sláinte just yet! Save it for the final tasting of Fercullen Irish Whiskey, accompanied by delicious food pairings, on your tour of Powerscourt Distillery.

The details: Tours can accommodate up to 16 people. Private tours dates can be arranged on request. Book online and see available tour dates.

6. Coast and Country Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, County Londonderry

The tour: Delicious local food and drink and a whirlwind trip along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route make this a foodie experience to savour. The Coast and Country experience begins in Coleraine, indulging in the tasty produce at the Causeway Speciality Market. Along the banks of the River Bann, guests are then treated to a lunch of local delicacies in Arbutus at The Crannagh – including Lough Neagh eels with Irish Black Butter. Afterwards, soak up the history and enjoy a wee dram at Ireland’s oldest working distillery – Old Bushmills Distillery. Hungry for more? Relax in the cosy surroundings of Tartine at the Distillers Arms just around the corner, where a meal full of local and seasonal delights will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

The details: Book online for the tour taking place December 14 or request a certain date by email: causewayfoodie@gmail.com.