The Taste of West Cork Festival begins today, bringing ten days of workshops, walks, chef dinners, historical tours, food trails and more to the south west of the country.
Celebrity chefs like Rachel Allen, Martin Shanahan and Derry Clarke will be at the festival again this year, each taking part in various events. They will be joined by newcomers in Dani Berry, Ireland’s only female Michelin-starred chef, and Takashi Miyazaki, who is currently the McKenna’s Guide Chef of the Year 2016.
Start your Saturday with a Jazzy Brunch Buffet at the Kingfisher Bar in Rosscarbery from 11am, or opt to wander around the Skibbereen Farmers Market. An extravaganza of food tastings are promised at the Theatre of Food in Clonakilty, or get the 1pm ferry to take a Taste Tour of Bere Island.
Learn to cook seafood with confidence at Poachers Cookery School, or learn to cook for one at Good Things at Dillons Corner in Skibereen. Booking is essential for these two events.
Finish your Saturday with the Taste of West Cork Tasting Menu at the Gulfstream Restaurant at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa from 7pm. On Sunday, take a trip to Ireland’s most south westerly point to take advantage of the Mizen Experience Lunch Special, or experience the Taste of West Cork Seafood Platter at An Sugan in Clonakilty.
Sunday Street Market, SkiberreanThe festival aims to showcase food creators in West Cork, bringing together a mix of food markets, cooking demonstrations, and food tastings. Chef Clodagh McKenna says it's the perfect place for such a festival.
“West Cork to me is the capital of food in Ireland. So much of the best food being grown and produced in Ireland comes from West Cork. From the farmers, to the producers to the farmers markets and restaurants, it is a haven for foodies,” she said.
It’s one of the longest running food festivals, attracting many local producers and chefs who showcase their wares. Certainly a tasty way to spend a weekend. A full programme of events is available here.
