Galway Oyster Festival, September 24-27, 2009- The mythical Galway Oyster Festival takes place on the west coast of Ireland in the atmospheric and “wild” region of Connemara. This festival has been taking place annually in Galway for over 50 years and features plenty of oysters, Guinness (the classic pairing) and Irish “craic” (fun and warm spirit). The city comes alive with the influx of visitors (the event attracts over 10,000 local and international guests on average, who consume over 100, 000 oysters over the course of the festival!). This festival also features jazz bands, gala dinners and champagne & oysters VIP events.
Where to stay: We love the G Hotel with its contemporary design and FABULOUS spa (a “must” on a grey day).
Where to eat: Oyster lovers head out of Galway to the quaint 300 year old Moran’s Oyster Cottage (which attracts locals and celebrities alike, from Woody Allen to Pierce Brosnan). In Galway itself, our top choice is Oscar´s.
VIP Touring: Cellar Tours offer gourmet private tours in Galway with private chauffeured Mercedes, visits to artisan smoke houses in Connemara, private cooking classes and unique luxurious experiences.
Connemara Mussels Festival, May 1-4, 2009- also in Connemara, the Killary Mussels are celebrated in Letterfrack (County Galway), in this new seafood festival. This year´s activities include mussels cooking competitions, children´s treasure hunts, Irish music and of course plenty of great local stouts.
Baltimore Seafood Festival, May 22-24, 2009- This absolutely darling little coastal village in West Cork holds an annual seafood festival called “A taste of Baltimore”, in association with the Baltimore Wooden Boat festival (a vintage sailing fest). This year there will be dozens of local food artisans serving up stunningly fresh seafood from West Cork- crab, oysters, mussels, prawns and more; handmade local cheeses (West Cork is famous for its artisan cheese producers); and smoked salmon. There will be fun events to accompany the great food and live Irish music, like a harbor race, vintage regatta and kids crab fishing competition.
Where to stay: In West Cork, one of our favorite “hotels” is the elegant Bantry House in the lovely seaside village of Bantry (on extensive grounds with historic gardens and sea views).
Where to eat: The possibilities are endless in West Cork, but if pushed to make a few recommendations they would include: Good Things Cafe in Durrus, Island Cottage on the Heir Island, and Casino House in Kilbrittain. For charming pub ambiance, don´t miss “The Algiers” in Baltimore itself.
VIP Touring: Cellar Tours offer spectacular gourmet private tours throughout Baltimore and West Cork.
Taste of Dublin, June 11-14, 2009- The “Taste” festivals are relatively new and have been a roaring success. The Taste of Dublin festival is set in the romantic Iveagh gardens, with four days of cooking demos (by Michelin starred chefs, tv chefs and emerging culinary stars) and various seafood tasting opportunities.
Where to stay: Our top choices are the Dylan for design and style and the Merrion for old world charm.
Where to eat: Don´t miss Chapter One and L´Ecrivain!!
Taste of Cork, June 25-27, 2010- the Cork version of this fabulous food festival, Taste of Cork, will be held next year. This is the gourmet epicenter of Ireland and you can expect fresh seafood, artisan cheeses and tantalizing smoked and cured meats and fish. Check out a video from last year´s Taste of Cork:
Where to stay: Hayfield Manor is a relaxing and elegant place to stay in Cork city, our preferred choice when you want to be near the center of Cork.
Where to eat: “Must do” restaurants include the mythical Cafe Paradiso, the much loved “Les Gourmandises” and of course in nearby Kinsale, the Fishy Fishy cafe.
A Taste of West Cork, Skibbereen, September 16-21- the 2009 calendar is not live yet, so keep your eyes peeled on their web. This festival is a must for local foodies and features the creme de la creme of Irish culinary personalities, emerging chefs and boutique producers. Skibbereen is located in West Cork, see travel tips above under the Baltimore Seafood festival.
Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, September 4-6- Northern Ireland is embracing “foodie-ism”, with a culinary renaissance taking place. The north is home to many food festivals including the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival (founded 15 years ago). The nice thing about this event is apart from all of the entertainment (from gala balls, Canadian boat racing, and oyster eating competitions), the purpose is for charity (last year´s proceeds went to Action Cancer). The historic town where this festival takes place is located in County Down, travel info here.
