Lots on the plate for Storm Festival

WEST Kerry is well known for bad weather, but these days it’s even better known for good food and that’s probably why this weekend’s Storm Festival has a lot of cooking and eating on the agenda.

The off-season festival runs from Friday, February 1, to Sunday and over the course of the three days there are cookery classes in Dingle, a ‘stormy’ supper in Castlegregory and, in the interests of a balanced diet, a tour with a taste of the pure drop at Dingle Distillery. There will also be walks and talks the weather providing the background theme, as well as a photography tour around West Kerry where participants will be shown some of the prime locations for dramatic weather shots.

The full programme for the festival is available online at facebook. com/dingle.official or contact dinglept@gmail.com but here are some of the weekend highlights:

FRIDAY, FEB 1

People are invited to try their hand at making pottery in Louis Mulcahy’s, Clogher, from 11am. And while people are throwing pots, Louis himself will be there to offer advice and read from his latest collection of poetry, entitled ‘The Potter’s Book’.

Maurice Fitzpatrick will take part in Q&A sessions at screenings of his documentary film ‘John Hume in America’ in Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne at 11am, in Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory at 1.15pm (both are private screenings for pupils) and at a public screening in An Díseart at 7pm. For more information on this contact Linda at 066 9156229 or email linda@louismulcahy.com

On Friday night (6-11pm) an Italian Supper Club Night at Dingle Cookery School in The Wood, Dingle, will teach the essential skills of Italian cooking. Afterwards participants will feast on the fruit of their labour. The class costs €70 per person, but there’s a 10 per cent Storm Festival discount for those who quote ‘Stoirm’ when they book, which can be done via info@dinglecookeryschool.com or phone 086 8723521.

SATURDAY

A ‘whirlwind’ tour of storm locations in West Kerry, with a guide enlivening the outing with stories of great storms that battered the area. The tour leaves ingle Marina Car Park at 9am and finishes at noon. The tour costs €24 and booking is essential – phone or text 087 2504767

10am – 5pm Dingle Cookery School course on vegan cooking. This class will teach vegan cooking with an emphasis on ensuring it is sustainable as a nutritious diet. Bookings: 086 8723521 or info@ dinglecookeryschool.com

11am – 6pm, Art/photo exhibition in the Club Rooms in Castlegregory. The exhibition is also open on Sunday from 10am – 2pm.

1.30 – 4pm Photography tour around Slea Head. Participants are invited to bring any camera or phone and learn some of the techniques for taking dramatic scenery and weather photos. The tour costs €20 and booking is essential via 083 830 1788 or info@dingledarkroom.com 4pm, Tour of Dingle Distillery - with ‘tasty tipples’. Cost €15 6pm – 8pm, Village Club Rooms, Castlegregory, local produce dinner followed by a talk on efforts to protect the Maharees coastline from erosion. Cost - €15 for adults, €10 for children aged under 12, booking is essential through Oifig Eolais Chaisleán Ghriaire (066) 713 9422

SUNDAY

10AM Join Dingle Walking Club outside Garvey’s SuperValu in Dingle for a walk to Bulls Head with Gene Courtney leading the way. The walk is easy, but weather dependant, and takes about two hours. Suitable walking gear and boots are required.

1.30pm, Starting at O’Dwyer’s Mace Shop in Camp, Camp Walking Club will lead a walk up to the Dingle Way, across The Finglas and on to the 6th Century Killelton Oratory. The trail will come back down Knockglossmore, onto the beach and back up to Camp or finish at The Junction.

The festival programme may change due to weather conditions and any updates will be posted to Facebook.com/dingle.official. For enquiries email dinglept@gmail.com