Summer 2018 Food Festival Guide
Summer is fast approaching (apparently, in Ireland you never know what’s in store), which can only mean one thing – festivals! Yes the festival season is just around the corner and we’ve put together some of our top picks for the best food festivals over the summer months ahead, so whether vibing out at Body & Soul is your jam or eating all the foods at Taste of Dublin sounds good, then take a look at some of our top picks for this year.
May
Connemara Mussel Festival
Friday, 4 May – Sunday, 6 May | Galway, Ireland
This festival has been around since 2005 – attendees can choose from a range of different events from cooking classes for all the family to surf and turf tastings and even the odd dance workshop if that’s your flavour. There’s definitely something for everyone. Pick up your tickets soon though, the festival starts just one week from the end of this sentence! You can grab tickets here.
While you’re exploring the fabulous city of Galway check out Woozza Wood Fire Pizza and Xi’an Street Food.
Burren Slow Food Festival
TBC, May | Clare, Ireland
If you feel like soaking up some knowledge from special talks and food demos from the amazing chefs attending this year then book your tickets quick. This year’s festival motto is “Taste the Atlantic – a Seafood Journey” which no doubt will lead to some amazing talks on this cooking style and you certainly won’t want to miss the final banquet event. More information on this festival can be found here.
While you’re in the banner county you should try Chinatown Express and La Strada.
June
Bloom
Thursday, 31 May – Monday, 4 June | Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
Coming back for its eleventh installment of the city center festival, Bloom graces the grounds of the Phoenix Park once again. Food lovers can meet Ireland’s top food and beverage producers, gain a fun but educational insight into the food industry, and sample some of the best of Irish food and drink in the renowned Food Village. Tickets are still available and you can pick up yours here.
If you need a break from all the festival fun why not check out My Meat Wagon and Silver Cafe.
Westport Food Festival
TBC, June | Westport, Mayo, Ireland
This festival over three days features artists from all over the world with masterclasses and workshops to boot! All focusing on the finest contemporary bluegrass, old-time and folk music. With workshops specifically for kids, this is a festival that creates an atmosphere that is welcome to every generation – if you feel like going west and exploring the beautiful town of Westport then this is the festival for you! Grab tickets here.
You can check out West Kebabs and Danollas Westport nearby.
Body and Soul
Friday, 22 June – Sunday, 24 June | Westmeath, Ireland
Defined as a celebration of life, diversity, music, culture, food and the arts across three days and nights, Body and Soul 2018 looks to be the best one yet. The line up this year includes Dowry, Barq, Saint Sister, Mama Snake, Roe, Who Made Who and Fever Ray – all along some amazing food what more could you ask for. Tickets can be found here.
Pick up or order some takeaway from nearby restaurants Soho Asian Street Food and Hungry Monk.
Taste of Dublin
Thursday, 14 June – Sunday, 17 June | Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, Ireland
We couldn’t do a summary of food festivals and not mention Taste of Dublin! Taking place in Iveagh Gardens, this year’s theme is titled ‘Food Lovers Playground’ so this will no doubt offer an exciting twist this year. This is the ultimate foodie’s dream, creating your own bespoke tasting menu from some of the hottest restaurants and chefs in town. Keep an eye out for the Just Eat Waiters who will be on hand to take your order and deliver it right back to your seat!
Enjoy 10% off Taste of Dublin tickets (exclude Friday/Saturday Evening tickets) before the 31st of May with the code JUSTEAT10. Get your tickets here.
July
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
Thursday, 11 July – Sunday, 15 July | Kilmore, Wexford, Ireland
This is a really great festival as proceeds from the weekend are used to fund community developments in Kilmore – a food court offers an amazing selection of seafood to discover and learn about. Set in the scenic marina it really is the perfect fun family day out. Ticket information is still to be released but you can check for updates on their website here.
While in Wexford why not check out Ramen Wexford or Lotus.
August
The Big Grill Festival
Thursday, 16 August – Sunday, 19 August | Dublin, Ireland
Europe’s largest BBQ festival returns for its fifth year this summer! Celebrating all things fire and smoke with over 20,000 visitors to discover, learn and most importantly eat all kinds of BBQ goodness. You can get up to date information on the festival and tickets here. Also, the Just Eat Waiters will be on hand to take festival goers orders and deliver it back to their seats. How sweet is that!
Should you find yourself keeled over from jigging the night away, order some takeaway from New Kitchen Legend and Peking Asian Street Food.
Taste of Cavan
Saturday, 11 August – Sunday, 12 August | Cavan, Ireland
Returning for its eighth installment of the popular food event, Taste of Cavan brings over 120 stalls of artisan food and craft producers for this fun-filled weekend. There’s plenty of demonstrations and delicious food to try – definitely a good shout for a family day out. Ticket information hasn’t been released yet but you can keep an eye out here.
While you’re in the exploring you should try Spicy Chef and Saffron Indian Restaurant.
September
Irish Craft Beer Festival
TBC, September | RDS, Dubin, Ireland
Ireland’s largest celebration of Irish craft brewing returns to the RDS this summer. Enjoy fabulous Irish artisan food, a choice of 200+ beers, ciders and cocktails, live music and some exciting panel discussions. Tickets aren’t yet released but there should be word soon on what to expect this year. Keep an eye out here.
Need a post-recovery feast? Get started with Delhi Lounge or maybe some Thai goodness from Mango Tree.
Now – off with you and happy food festival season!