Celebration of family, food and fun
ONE of the Dingle Food Festival committee’s greatest triumphs is that it broadened the festival’s appeal to a wider audience. It recognised the advantages of catering for families and casual culinary enthusiasts - as well as committed food lovers – all of which now makes the perfect recipe.
The festival kicks off on Friday evening with ‘ The Farmers Forum’ where this year’s topic is Dingle Salted Grass Beef and Lamb - a unique flavour of the Dingle Peninsula. This will consist of a tasting and information evening about grass fed cattle, reared on the Dingle Peninsula, to produce beef with a unique and special flavour.
For families and children, the Dingle Town Park will be transformed into wonderland as children get to enjoy a bumper line up of activities, including the Finding Nemo Workshop, Kingdom Falconry, Maperath Mobile Farm, Dingle Bumper Ballz, face painting, bouncy castle, and Zumba with DJ Nat - all free of charge
Street entertainment is also a major part of the festival as live music stages and The Dingle Carnival Band help keep revellers on their toes. Other event highlights include, The Great Daingean Uí Chuais Bake Off, The John Browne Féile Bia Slea Head Cycle, Craft Workshops, a walk in the Dingle Mart, Sheep dog trials, book launches and, of course, the annual Blás na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards.
Reducing plastic waste is also a priority of this year’s festival. With this in mind, a plate, bowl, cup and cutlery made from durable and reusable eco-friendly bamboo, in an organic cotton carry bag, is available for just €10.
“The very fact we’re now celebrating The Dingle Food Festival’s 11th year speaks volumes for its continuing success. It remains a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike. It’s a celebration of all that’s good about Dingle and west Kerry. And what’s not to celebrate about that?” said Niamh O’Kennedy.
Full details of all events including times and locations can be found on the festival’s new look website www.dinglefood.com. For more info please contact Niamh at: Niamh@niamh. com. Or call: 087 9550649.