A quick look at County Monaghan’s first of its kind showcase, Summer of Foods!

County Monaghan’s food businesses and producers take centre stage this summer, in a first-of-its-kind showcase. 

The Monaghan Summer of Food Series will highlight 20 of the county’s leading food businesses, with a particular emphasis on what’s new, innovative and unique about each.    From the ‘world’s best duck’ in Emyvale, North Monaghan, and one of Ireland’s foremost experts on gin in Monaghan Town, to Brehon Brewhouse, a micro-brewery set on a working dairy farm in the heart of Patrick Kavanagh Country, the Monaghan Summer of Food Series will focus on the fascinating stories behind the county’s stand-out ‘food heroes’.

There is be plenty to see on Monaghan Tourism’s social media channels with travel and recipe ideas, as well as mouth-water food and drink prizes to be won! There will also be ample opportunity to learn about each of the featured producers with individual profiles, photos and videos released on social media throughout this campaign!

We’ve got a closer look at just a few of these wonderful businesses here:

Brian Birdy, Awesome Coffee Beans (Carrickmacross)

Meet Brian Birdy, former Irish Cup Tasters Champion, and proprietor of buzzing Main Street café and micro-roastery, Awesome Coffee Beans. Brian is an alumnus of Antwerp’s Cafenation and 3FE – as well as co-founder of full Circle Roasters in Dublin. It is little wonder Brian is now roasting some of the finest coffee in the country.

Kevin Redmond, Gin Expert (Monaghan Town)

Kevin honed his craft at The Savoy in London, and his mixology skills can now be savoured at Andy’s Restaurant & Bar in Monaghan Town. One of Ireland’s leading experts on gin, Kevin hosts fascinating and highly entertaining tasting masterclasses here at the family restaurant. Andy’s stocks over 100 different brands and types of gin, including Kevin’s own homemade gins flavoured with seasonal, local ingredients such as rhubarb, sloe and elderflower. 

Aprilanna Barker, Dinkin’s Bakery (Various Locations)

Celebrating 50 years in business this year, this family-run bakery chain is very much part of the fabric of the Monaghan food scene. Dinkins was started by Anthony and Margaret Dinkin, initially as a wholesale operation. Sons Darren, Kristen and Damian, along with daughter-in-law, Aprilanna, all play an active part in the business, which has grown to include five sit-in bakery/café locations. Dinkin’s has numerous awards under its belt, including a Great Taste Gold Award for its wheaten bread, and a Tiptree World Bread Award-winning sourdough.   

Each ‘hero’ business is accessible to the public, with dine-in premises, a visitor experience or otherwise, and collectively they serve to enhance the overall Monaghan visitor experience. 

For further details on ‘Summer of Food’ and to view a full list of participants, visit Monaghantourism.com.

Follow Monaghan Tourism on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), @MonaghanTourism, and join the conversation by using the hashtags, #MyMonaghan #SummerofFood