Some ‘tasty’ things to do when holidaying in Kerry...

WE all know that Kerry has a lot going for it terms of scenery, adventure and natural beauty, but over the past decade or so the county’s reputation for quality food has really spiralled. There’s now as much to savour for the palate as there is for the eye in Kerry with farmers markets, locally produced beers and ales, chocolate makers, artisan breads, cheeses, and much more besides.

The good thing is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist or a local, the experience is new every time. There’s a king scallop festival in Valentia, an oyster festival in Ballylongford, while shellfish in places like Cromane, Glenbeigh and west Kerry is also worth a sample.

Even though the concept of twinning food with landscape is a relatively new one it’s been part and parcel of who we are for generations. Food festivals are now stronger than ever in Kerry with an annual get together of culinary enthusiasts. The Dingle Food Festival, Tralee Food Festival, Listowel Food Festival, and Flavour of Killorglin is just a sample of how this has evolved in recent years.

There’s also a vast array of Famers’ Markets dotted through the county. This is another great way for the tourist and local to sample food that has been sourced and prepared with just a little more care and pride. Most of the markets take place every Saturday or once a month. Some of the best known include the Milltown Farmers’ Market, Tralee Farmers’ Market, Listowel Farmers’ Market and Dingle Farmers’ Market.

Those of you with a sweet tooth should take note of Skellig Chocolates in Ballinskelligs, and Lorge Chocolates in Kenmare. There really is something to suit every taste in Kerry so make sure to enquire in whatever town or village you visit about local food markets and produce.