There’s nothing better during summer time than a nice sunny day where you can head out to snack and munch your way round a fun food festival! These family-friendly festivals around Ireland will make a great day out this summer.
There are some super family-friendly food festivals taking place across Ireland and if the weather is nice, nothing beats eating al fresco! There are often child-friendly events and workshops, great for introducing your child to new flavours and techniques.
Fun Food Festivals in 2023
Burren Slow Food Festival
Dates: May 21st 2023
The annual Burren Slow Food Festival gives visitors the opportunity to sample local artisan foods, meet the producers and growers, mix with fellow foodies, see cookery demonstrations from well known chefs and get a true taste of Co. Clare culture in the beautiful setting of the Burren.
The three day event showcases the best elements of food culture in Clare from the local growers, producers and traders that make Clare such a unique and dynamic food destination.
For more information, click here
Bord Bia Bloom, Dublin
Date: June 1st to 5th
Now in its 17th year, Ireland’s favourite gardening and lifestyle festival, Bord Bia Bloom, is back at the Phoenix Park, Dublin for the June Bank Holiday weekend.
The festival is the perfect opportunity for the public to experience the very best of Irish horticulture, food and drink directly from world-class designers, suppliers and growers, as well as engage with important topics like sustainability, biodiversity, and mental health through beautiful floral design, expert talks and family-friendly exhibits.
Tickets are available to buy from bordbiabloom.com and two children under 16 can attend for free with each adult ticket, with additional children €5.
Taste of Dublin
Dates: June 15th to 18th
Taste of Dublin takes place in the Iveagh Gardens each year, transforming it into an unmissable foodie haven.
Taste of Dublin offers visitors the unique opportunity to source essential ingredients from artisan producers, engage with Ireland’s top culinary talent, be on the front line of masterclasses from and relax in the gourmet atmosphere of the city’s finest food and drink festival.
For further information and to buy tickets, click here.
Flavours of South Dublin
Flavours of South Dublin Food Festival takes place at Rathfarnham Castle Park on the second last Sunday of June each year. This unique food and family fun festival showcases the very best cuisine from the locality, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of the food culture in the county, local community and migrant groups showcase their heritage and culture in a dedicated cultural area. The festival is free to attend and a great day out for the whole family.
At the event you can find the following:
- Demo Kitchen – amazing chefs take part with cooking demonstration on the day.
- Cultural and Craft Village
- Food Village
- Musical Entertainment from International and Local Dance Groups
- Balloon Making and Face Painting
- Free Self Guided Tours of Rathfarnham Castle
- Agri-Aware Pet Farm
- Mobiloo, amongst others…
No need to book, it’s all free.
Don’t Miss…
Are you searching for what’s on for families in Ireland? Enjoy hours of family fun with our monthly round up of exciting events and things to do.
Flavours of Fingal
Dates: July 1st and 2nd, 2023
The Flavours of Fingal County Show is a two-day event jam-packed with events, combining the sights and sounds of an agricultural show with an unforgettable food and family fun experience, all taking place within the historic walled garden of Newbridge House, Donabate, County Dublin.
At Flavours there is something for everyone, from burgers to vegan, artisan to sweet and much more in between. Take your pick from a wide variety of food stalls at Dublin’s Coast and Fields Food Market.
There is also plenty for kids to do in the family fun zone with a circus tent, music, magic, story-telling, traditional games and lots more. There is even a quiet zone for children and families who need a little space or time out during the day.
This year also sees the introduction of a Wellness Lawn and Dog agility competitions.
Just a stone’s throw from city life, the two-day event offers real value for money, unbeatable food and the ultimate farming experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Entry is free for those who walk, cycle, take public transport or use one of their free shuttle buses, more information on their website.
Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival, Wexford
Dates: July 13th to 16th 2023
Each July, Kilmore Quay, a charming and picturesque fishing village on the south east coast of Ireland, celebrates summer with delicious seafood platters, fishing and lots of fun activities for all the family.
It’s free to attend, some events may need to be booked in advance, check website for details.
Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival, Wexford
Dates: Friday 4th to Monday 7th August
The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival will be back for the August Bank Holiday weekend. You can expect a brand-new, impressive schedule of chefs, producers and special guests in the FREE Food Marquee, an impressive artisan food market with over 50 of the best local and artisan vendors, a superlative international line-up of Rock ‘n’ Roll artists for free outdoor gigs, a jam-packed program of food and drink workshops, events and classes as well as lots of FREE and exceptional value packages for younger festival goers!
Some events may need to be prebooked, programme details will be on their website.
The Big Grill Festival
Dates: August 17th to 23rd 2023
The Big Grill Festival takes place in Dublin’s Herbert Park and celebrates the art of cooking with fire and smoke!
Over 20 restaurants and 50 chefs and guests join for the weekend, with the only rule being they must cook with live fire using natural charcoal and wood only; no gas or electricity. Cue competitive fire pit builds in the lead up to the festival and plenty of theatre over the weekend!
For further information, click here.
About the Author: Jill Holtz
