Irish Food Events
Markets, festivals, and trade shows where Ireland's independent food producers meet their buyers. Bord Bia Bloom, the Ploughing, Dingle, Galway Oyster, and every county fair in between.
Showing 37 events
Love Your Food Show
Lisburn, Antrim
Love Your Food returns to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, Co. Antrim from 6-8 March 2026 — now Northern Ireland's biggest free consumer food show after outgrowing its previous Belfast venue. Visitors can roam producer stalls, watch the Kitchen Theatre cookery demos and sample street food from local distillers, brewers and artisans, all with free entry and 4,000+ free parking spaces.
Irish Food Trade Connect Forum
Naas, Kildare
The Irish Food Trade Connect Forum 2026 ran on 26 March 2026 at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare under the theme 'Innovate, Automate, Elevate'. The day-long forum brings together food producers, brand owners, exporters, retail buyers and foodservice professionals for expert panels and showcase networking covering AI, automation and digital marketing in the food sector.
Cork Whiskey Fest
Cork
The fourth annual Cork Whiskey Fest returns 27-29 March 2026 with masterclasses along Oliver Plunkett Street and the Brand Expo & Socials moving to the grand surrounds of Cork City Hall. Highlights include over 60 distilleries, breweries and spirits brands under one roof and a coveted Distillery Day at Midleton Distillery with access to the warehouses and master craftspeople.
All-Ireland Chowder Festival
Kinsale, Cork
The All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off is the long-running competition where one chef from each of the 32 counties competes for the All-Ireland Chowder Champion title, voted on by the eating public. It is hosted by Kinsale Good Food Circle in the self-styled 'Gourmet Capital of Ireland' on Cork's south coast — typically as part of the Kinsale Street Feast weekend.
Dublin Coffee Festival
Dublin
Ireland's biggest coffee show returned to the RDS in Ballsbridge on 10-12 April 2026, gathering 50+ local, national and international roasters and exhibitors for tastings, live competitions and a Makers Marketplace. Across three days, attendees experience free samples, MCF Stage competitions, expert talks and panels and a brand-new Industry Friday evening session for the trade.
Good Food Ireland Conference
Dublin
The Good Food Ireland 20th Anniversary Conference takes place on Monday 20 April 2026 at the InterContinental Dublin under the theme 'From Local Roots to Global Connections'. Four keynote sessions explore food's role in tourism, sustainable seafood, chef-led provenance and Ireland's global reputation, capped by a farm-to-fork Showcase Dinner pairing premium Irish producers with leading chefs.
Waterford Festival of Food
Dungarvan, Waterford
Ireland's longest-running food festival returns to Dungarvan and West Waterford on 24-26 April 2026, set against the Comeragh Mountains. The three-day programme brings chefs, producers and growers together for long-table dinners, farm visits, food trails, artisan markets, cookery demos, talks and a strong slate of family activities.
Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Festival
Enniscorthy, Wexford
The Enniscorthy Rockin' Food & Fruit Festival takes over the May Bank Holiday weekend (1-3 May 2026) with 80+ artisan and speciality producers, a free Food Marquee of award-winning chef demos, and a programme of rock 'n' roll gigs across the Wexford town. Typical attendance tops 50,000 across the three days, with family activities, kids workshops and live music alongside the tastings and masterclasses.
Burren Slow Food Festival
Lisdoonvarna, Clare
The 21st Burren Slow Food Festival is a free one-day celebration on Sunday 10 May 2026 (10:30-16:00) at The Pavilion Community Hall in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Launched by Darina Allen, the day brings together cheesemakers, foragers and Burren artisans for a farmers' market, cookery demonstrations by chefs including Liam Finnegan of Ashford Castle, plus yoga, a historical walk and kids' programming.
Ballymaloe Festival of Food
Shanagarry, Cork
Ireland's premier food festival returns to Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry, East Cork, from 15-17 May 2026. World-class chefs and Irish producers gather for hands-on cookery and cocktail workshops, wine and cocktail tastings, oyster-shucking classes, walks, talks and a vibrant festival market — with live streams available for those unable to travel.
Tralee Food Festival
Tralee, Kerry
Tralee Food Festival runs 16-17 May 2026, billed as Ireland's premier family-focused food celebration. The Kerry town hosts food trails, music and entertainment showcasing local agri, dairy and coastal cuisine while supporting sustainable food tourism.
Bord Bia Bloom
Dublin
Bord Bia Bloom — Ireland's largest festival of gardening, food and sustainable living — celebrates its 20th edition across 70 acres of the Phoenix Park from 28 May to 1 June 2026. Five days of show gardens, the Quality Kitchen Stage with Ireland's top chefs, a Food Hall packed with Bord Bia Quality producers and family Budding Bloomers programming usher in the Irish summer.
Guaranteed Irish Food & Drink Forum
Dublin
The Guaranteed Irish Food & Drink Forum is the membership body's annual trade event connecting Irish producers with retail and wholesale buyers. The 2026 edition's specific date and venue have not been publicly announced at the time of writing.
Taste of Dublin
Dublin
Taste of Dublin takes over Merrion Square from 11-14 June 2026 across eight afternoon and evening sessions, pairing 50+ chefs and 15 top Dublin restaurants with 60+ artisan exhibitors. Festival-goers experience fire-fuelled chef theatre, the SuperValu Wine Experience, Teeling Whiskey Bar, O'Hara's Craft Beer Village, ST~GERMAIN cocktail bar and the Smeg Italian Adventure.
Comber Earlies Food Festival
Comber, Down
The Comber Earlies Food Festival is a free family event on Saturday 20 June 2026 at Comber Leisure Centre Car Park, Co. Down — the flagship of Ards and North Down's Taste Summer programme. The day celebrates the PGI-protected Comber Earlies potato with guest-chef cookery demos, an artisan food & drink market, vintage tractor displays, live music and children's activities, plus a new 10-11am Quiet Hour for accessible visiting.
Flavours of Fingal
Donabate, Dublin
Flavours of Fingal returns to the rolling parklands of Newbridge House & Farm in Donabate on 4-5 July 2026 — its 14th year and reimagined by Fingal County Council with a stronger family focus. Highlights include the Fingal Food Circle cookery demonstrations, equestrian show-jumping displays, a farmers' field, the Vodafone Walled Garden and free entry for anyone walking, cycling or arriving by public transport.
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival
Kilmore Quay, Wexford
The 41st annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival runs Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July 2026 in the Wexford fishing village, celebrating the local fleet's catch with four days of community-run food and entertainment. The programme blends fresh, locally landed seafood with live music, street theatre, exhibitions and a packed schedule of children's activities — and is run as a fundraiser for the Stella Maris Centre.
Wells Food Fest
Gorey, Wexford
Wells Food Fest returns to the grounds of Wells House & Gardens in Gorey, Co. Wexford on Sunday 12 July 2026 — a one-day summer celebration combining street-food trucks, live music and global cookery demonstrations in one of Ireland's most striking heritage settings. Vendors span Caribbean, Korean, Mexican, Texas BBQ, Chinese and Italian flavours alongside dessert specialists like gluten-free and dairy-free waffle makers.
Dalkey Lobster Festival
Dalkey, Dublin
Dalkey Lobster Festival transforms Castle Street into 'Cuisine de Dalkey' for a coastal weekend of lobster rolls, mussels, crab claws, oysters, paella, seafood chowder and fish and chips — joined by the Tramyard Village market and a dedicated KidZone. Backed by Guinness and Tanqueray, the family-friendly festival raises funds for Barnardos and typically draws thousands to south Dublin before the school year begins.
Cork on a Fork
Cork
Cork on a Fork Fest returns for five days of food and fun from 12-16 August 2026 — Cork City Council's takeover festival in partnership with the local hospitality scene. Almost 100 events spread across the city centre cover unique dining experiences, chef collaborations, live cookery demos, food and drink pairings, interactive workshops, bite-sized talks and family food fun.
The Big Grill Festival
Dublin
Europe's largest live-fire festival returns to Herbert Park in Ballsbridge from 13-16 August 2026. The 2026 edition's restaurant line-up pairs international pitmasters such as la Barbecue (Texas) and From the Ashes BBQ (London) with Dublin favourites Hang Dai, Hawker, Reyna and Achara — alongside craft breweries, cocktail bars, DJs, live music and a weekend kids area.
Feast of Fire (Smokin' Soul BBQ)
Wexford
Feast of Fire 2026 is Smokin' Soul's three-day live-fire BBQ festival at their Wexford HQ from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026 — an intimate, all-inclusive weekend with continuous chef demonstrations, full-service meals and hands-on cooking. Limited capacity at €350 per person, with VIP-style treatment built into every ticket, free camping for tent and van campers, and live music on Saturday evening.
Taste of Kildare
Naas, Kildare
Taste of Kildare runs Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026 at Naas Racecourse, organised by Into Kildare with the support of Kildare County Council and the LEO. Two days of live chef demos, wagyu and craft-beer tastings, hands-on workshops, a producers' market and live music — with a dedicated kids' area and children under 10 going free.
Clarenbridge Oyster Festival
Clarenbridge, Galway
The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival is the historic Galway village festival that pre-dates the Galway International event — typically held in early September each year. It celebrates the native oyster harvest with the renowned Clarenbridge Best Dressed Lady competition, local seafood tastings, music and a community parade through the village.
Taste of Sligo
Sligo
The Taste of Sligo Food Festival returns to Queen Maeve's Square in July 2026 — Anthony Gray's al fresco celebration of Sligo's chefs, food producers and food trucks, with €20,000 of Agri-Food Tourism Programme funding behind the 2026 edition. Cookery demonstrations run from 12-7pm daily alongside 30+ artisan vendors, live music and a kids' zone with face painting, trampolining and rides.
Waterford Harvest Festival
Waterford
Waterford Harvest Festival returns to Ireland's oldest city from 4-6 September 2026 with a renewed focus on Ballybricken Green, debuting a new festival area called The Old Quarter at the historic Bull Post. The city-wide programme covers food demos and talks, fine dining experiences, a Harvest Tea Cruise on the River Suir, the Beats, Bites & Bubbles street dining event, a curated Food Trail through Waterford's restaurants and free family entertainment.
A Taste of West Cork
Skibbereen, Cork
A Taste of West Cork is Ireland's largest food festival — ten days of more than 250 events running 6-15 September 2026 across 41 towns, villages and 8 islands from Bantry to Beara, Baltimore, Bandon, Courtmacsherry, Clonakilty and Skibbereen. The programme combines long-table dinners with food trails, farm visits, markets and producer showcases, headquartered in Skibbereen.
Cromane Seafest
Cromane, Kerry
Cromane Seafest runs 12-14 September 2026 in the Kerry fishing village of Cromane, celebrating its centuries-old links between land and sea. The maritime festival showcases locally landed Cromane oysters, mussels and salmon with chef demonstrations, oyster-shucking championships, live music, sand sculptures, SUP boarding, boat tours and family water activities.
National Ploughing Championships
Tullamore, Offaly
The 94th National Ploughing Championships run 15-17 September 2026 at Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly — drawing 225,000+ visitors to Europe's largest outdoor agricultural and food event. Highlights include 350+ ploughing competitors across vintage, conventional and reversible categories, the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena, 500+ trade exhibitors, the National Brown Bread Baking Championship and livestock competitions.
Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
Galway
The world's oldest oyster festival returns to Galway City 25-27 September 2026, celebrating the native oyster season opening and 70+ years since its 1954 launch. The programme spans the Irish and World Oyster Opening Championships, the Oyster Trail through the city's pubs and restaurants, 'Taste the Atlantic' oyster farm tours, the RNLI Charity Ball and live music throughout — voted Best Food Festival in Ireland and named by The Sunday Times as 'one of the 12 greatest shows on earth'.
Applefest Abbeyleix
Abbeyleix, Laois
Applefest Abbeyleix is a community-run autumn harvest day in the Co. Laois heritage town, traditionally held in late September or early October at the Abbeyleix Community Garden / Market Square. Highlights include traditional apple pressing into fresh juice, hot spiced apple drinks, a wood-fired pizza oven, basket-making demonstrations, junior baking competitions and live music.
Dingle Food Festival
Dingle, Kerry
The Dingle Food Festival takes over Daingean Uí Chúis on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026 — a non-profit, zero-waste celebration drawing 10,000+ visitors. The famous Taste Trail of small bites runs across 70+ market stalls, paired with masterclasses from award-winning chefs, hands-on workshops, children's events and street entertainment.
Food Retail & Hospitality Expo
Dublin
The Food, Retail & Hospitality Expo is a one-day Dublin trade show for food retailers, foodservice operators and hospitality providers, with a 2026 edition scheduled for 5 October at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown. The programme showcases technology, sustainability solutions and operational best practice while addressing recruitment, attracting new customers and changing consumer health and convenience preferences.
Savour Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Savour Kilkenny celebrates its 20th anniversary 22-26 October 2026, set against the medieval backdrop of Kilkenny Castle and The Parade. The 2025 edition drew 74,500+ visitors; in 2026 a 100-stall artisan market combines with free live cookery demos, a Brewers & Distillers Marquee, family entertainment, and a Savour Monday slate of Health & Wellness talks, the CISE inclusive-dining celebration and Madra Monday.
Samhain Festival of Food & Culture
Kells, Meath
The Samhain Festival of Food & Culture returns to Kells, Co. Meath from 5-8 November 2026 — a weekend programme combining food and drinks tastings, cookery demonstrations, food safaris, farm visits, kids' workshops and panel discussions with Ireland's foremost culinary experts. The iconic Samhain Long Table Supper is the dining centrepiece, and the festival is co-presented with the Sheridans Irish Food Fair.
Sheridan's Irish Food Festival
Kells, Meath
Sheridans Cheesemongers' annual Irish Food Festival runs 7-8 November 2026 at their HQ in a converted 19th-century railway station in Carnaross, north Co. Meath. Now part of the Boyne Valley Food Series and run in partnership with the Samhain Festival of Food & Culture, the weekend draws 7,000+ visitors to a strictly Irish-only line-up of 100+ producers, workshops and family entertainment.
Kerry Drinks Festival
Killarney, Kerry
The Kerry Drinks Festival is held at Killarney Racecourse on Saturday 15 November 2026, bringing 65+ Irish distilleries, breweries, cidermakers and other drinks producers together for a day of sampling, masterclasses and live demonstrations. The day starts with a 2:30pm Trade Expo for hospitality professionals before opening to the public, and every attendee takes home a branded Kerry Drinks Festival glass.