North-east food and brewing to be showcased at festival

LOCAL food and craft brewing will be showcased at this year’s Irish maritime festival, which takes place at Drogheda Port on 9 and 10 July next.

The award-winning festival, now it its 4th year, will feature a fabulous artisan food and craft beer zone, showcasing produce from across the north-east.

‘I’m thrilled to see so many producers from across the region taking part. There are gorgeous ingredients for me to work with throughout the weekend,’ said TV chef Tara Walker, who runs the East Coast Cookery School in Termonfeckin, and will be hosting free cookery demonstrations.

She also spoke of the maritime chef of the year competition, which takes place over the weekend.

‘Chefs taking part are using only local produce. The competition will be fierce as they battle it out for the title by creating a ‘surf and turf ’ dish, with a twist.’

Heats will take place on Saturday and Sunday with the winner being announced on Sunday evening.

The artisan food and craft beer zone, hosted by Glanbia, gives visitors the chance to meet local producers such as the Rooneys from Derrycamma rapeseed oil and Geoff Fitzpatrick from Jack Cody’s.

The craft beer zone is a new feature of the festival, explains co-ordinator Bronagh Conlon.

‘Brewing and distilling in the Drogheda area is growing fast. Jack Cody’s range of craft beers and Dan Kelly’s Ciders will be joined by Cockagee from Slane, the Boyne Brewhouse and Listoke Distillery.

‘On Friday night, we have a very special event, a relaxed evening of tasting craft beers, pairing them with tasty food and chilling out with live music.’

For more details see www. Facebook.com/IrishMaritimeFestival

‘Supporting local producers is so important. We know from experience that visitors love to meet them, taste their products and get to know them.

‘ The festival is a great opportunity to connect local people to local produce,’ she continued.

In addition to the artisan food and craft beer zone, the event features a host of favourites such as ice-cream, crepes and burgers.

‘With the festival going from strength to strength each year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to show off our local food,’ Bronagh concluded.

The Irish maritime festival is hosted by Louth county council and Drogheda port company, in association with Maxol. It is also supported by Virgin Media and Fáilte Ireland.