Food festivals in Ireland?

We were thinking of trying out Taste of Dublin, where some of Dublin's finest restaurants and the country's most renowned producers bring their kitchens right to you. Or for something more intimate, maybe the Armagh Apple Blossom Festival in May? It looks like a cute festival that celebrates the humble Bramley apple in all of its forms.



When it comes to drinks, the Belfast Craft Beer Festival in April looks amazing – it showcases the very best in Irish craft beer, ciders and distilleries. Have any of the adventurous souls out there attended Féile na Mara (Festival of the Sea) held on Achill Island in County Galway? We want to sample the Atlantic's bountiful harvest while we're here!

For some rural flavour, we might try out Donegal, for A Taste of Donegal, or the Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Festival, a combination of great local seafood and swinging music! Does anyone have any experience of these?

Another great intimate food festival is the Burren Slow Food Festival in Lisdoonvarna. It takes place annually in May and showcases locally produced foods and crafts at their Farmers Market. Inspirational speakers and cookery demos by award-winning chefs from the area are the main attraction. There is also the Burren Slow Food Banquet to enjoy. 

There is an Oyster Festival over the May Bank Holiday Weekend in Carrigaholt on the Loop Head Peninsula, West Clare. Loads of fun, trad music and oysters.

As a fellow food and drink enthusiast, I couldn't resist jumping into this delicious discussion ;)
Other then the festivals already mentioned earlier, I would also recommend:

Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival: This year, it's expected to take place from Friday, September 26th to Sunday, September 28th, 2025 (still to be confirmed. Keep an eye!). It's going to be a celebration of the Atlantic's fresh bounty, packed with lively music, shucking competitions and a lot more. 
Fun fact: it's one of the world's longest-running oyster festivals, dating back to 1954!

Dingle Food Festival: Scheduled (and confirmed) this year for Friday, October 3rd to Sunday, October 5th, 2025. This festival is known to take over the town of Dingle itself! This volunteer-run, non-profit festival will focus on zero waste and will feature the famous Taste Trail, market stalls, masterclasses, kids' events, and lively street entertainment. 

Hope this got you salivating. Enjoy planning your delicious adventures, and maybe I'll see you there! :D

Would you recommend Taste of Dublin for a first-time visit, or is it more geared toward locals? Also, is the Armagh Apple Blossom Festival worth the trip for a full weekend, or is it more of a day event?

Hi,

Taste of Dublin is a fantastic choice for a first-time visit. It’s not just for locals, and tourists love it because it brings together some of the city’s best restaurants, chefs, and food producers in one place. You can sample a wide range of dishes, enjoy cooking demos, and experience Dublin’s excellent food culture without having to travel all over the city. It’s very visitor-friendly and offers a great introduction to Irish cuisine.

I would say that the Armagh Apple Blossom Festival is best enjoyed as a weekend trip. While you could visit for a day, the event is spread over several days with orchard tours, food tastings, live music, and family activities. Taking the full weekend gives you time to visit multiple venues and really soak up the atmosphere.

Maybe some of our other Community members can also chime in with their opinions, too.

Regards,
Eoin

Thanks for the tips, Eoin! Taste of Dublin sounds perfect for getting a real feel of the city’s food scene without running around everywhere.
I might plan a weekend for the Armagh Apple Blossom Festival to fully enjoy all the activities and not feel rushed.