Thinking of heading to a food festival? Well, you couldn’t have picked a better time, as the month of September is buzzing with food festival activity. Here’s the run-down of what’s coming up.
Cliff Townhouse Oyster Festival, all of September, Dublin 2
Now in its 8th year, the Cliff Oyster Festival pays homage to the oyster with a range of special offerings to celebrate throughout the month. With some delicious oyster offers, a Jazz and Oyster Lunch on the 29th September and a series of ‘Oyster Sessions’ bringing together oysters, celebratory drinks and terrific live music in perfect harmony, there will be lots going on throughout the month at Cliff Townhouse. For more info go to www.clifftownhouse.ie.
Waterford Harvest Festival, 6-15 September, Waterford City
From the farmers’ market and cooking demonstrations to street feasts and live music, this annual city-wide festival draws on the pagan ritual of taking time to celebrate the harvest, with families and friends relaxing to enjoy the fruits of their labours. For all the details head to www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie.
A Taste of West Cork, 6-15 September, Co. Cork
The 10-day festival features over 230 culinary and adventure events across the region’s 36 towns and villages and eight islands. Visitors can enjoy culinary-themed feasts in local restaurants, food tastings al fresco, foraging walks, open-air markets, seminars, cook-offs, masterclasses and intimate evenings with local artisan food producers. For the full lineup of activities go to www.atasteofwestcork.com.
Airfield Estate Festival of Food, 7-8 September, Dundrum, Dublin 14
This is an extravaganza of artisan food, cookery, gardening, workshops, wellness, live music and kids’ activities all at Wicklow’s Airfield Estate. Don’t miss the Backwoods Demos, showcasing skills like fire pit cooking, willow weaving and green wood shittling. For all the details head to www.festivaloffood.ie.
Mayo Street Food Festival, 8th September, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
The third annual Mayo Street Food Festival returns to tantalise the tastebuds in Castlebar. The event showcases the very best of Mayo’s food scene, highlighting the fantastic artisan produce the county has to offer, as well as the culinary expertise of local chefs, with plenty of music and entertainment along the way. For more information about the event go to www.facebook.com/MayoStreetFoodFest.
Clarenbridge Oyster Festival, 9-15 September, Clarenbridge, Co. Galway
Now in its 65th year, the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival is a celebration of the native oyster and the vibrant community and its traditions. The festival marks the beginning of the new oyster season with a week of food, fashion, music and a black-tie Oyster Ball Marquee. Go to www.clarenbridge.com for all the details.
Armagh Food and Cider Festival, 19-22 September, Armagh
Apples, orchards and cider are all celebrated in the iconic city of Armagh and its surrounding fruit-laden orchards. Famed for its spectacular food, top-notch artisan ciders and an agile band of inventive and enthusiastic chefs, this year’s festival promises to be a hot ticket this Autumn. For more information including event schedule, head to www.visitarmagh.com.
Galway Oyster & Seafood Festival, 27-29 September, Co. Galway
This feast of live entertainment, gourmet food, fine wine and, of course, oysters and Guinness draws around 10,000 people each year. Seafood trails, oyster shucking championships, cooking demonstrations and foodie talks make this a must-visit for any seafood lover. For all the details go to www.galwayoysterfestival.com.
Dublin Veg Fest, 28-29 September, Griffith College, Dublin
You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this celebration of vegan food and plant-based living! Everyone is welcome to try new foods, take a talk by an inspiring speaker or expert in diet and nutrition or just hang out in a super friendly environment. Go to www.dublinvegfest.com to find out more.