This is descriped as a Food and Drink Literacy Festival – and yes, that’s ‘literacy’, not ‘literary’, though at its heart it is a celebration of food writing. The aim of the event is to promote a greater understanding of food, where it comes from, and how and by whom it is produced, to empower people to make more well-informed food choices.
Those are lofty aspirations, but there is no better place than Ballymaloe House, where the festival takes place, to try to meet them. It has been a centre of much that is good about the revolution in Irish food that has taken place in the last few decades and has trained and inspired legions of chefs, cooks, food writers, food producers and other over that time. As well as feeding people extremely well!
There is always a plethora of renowned food writers and restaurant critics in attendance, along with producers, cooks and those who simply are interested in and enjoy good food.
Date and details for 2024 subject to confirmation.
There are also food trails and stalls serving food both in the daytime and at night. Most stalls offer small plates, allowing you to taste a variety of food from local artisan producers. Alongside the main programme a Fringe Festival with over 60 food, drink, craft and gardening related activities and events. Many fringe events are free or very reasonably priced.
Information and Map
Most of the events are in the grounds of Ballymaloe House or Cookery School in Shangarry and are strictly ticketed, with advance purchase strongly advised – this festival has limited capacity for most venues and and they sell out fast and well before the date.
