Samhain Festival to feature 100+ food suppliers
Pictured: Ruth Finegan, 10, at her family farm in Co Meath for the launch of Samhain Festival of Food and Culture with Sheridans Irish Food Fair
The biggest names in Irish food and arts will gather in Kells, Co Meath, from 7-10 November for the Samhain Festival of Food and Culture with Sheridans Irish Food Fair, celebrating Ireland’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture.
Over four days of feasting, storytelling, and gathering, the festival will explore Ireland’s relationship with food and drinks.
The lineup features George Lamb, Dr Detta Melia, Philip Boucher Hayes, Dr. Mairtin Mac Conimaire, Eibhlin Colgan, Max Jones, Susan Boyle, Deirdre Kinahan, and musician Steve Wickham.
Culinary broadcaster Ali Dunworth, sustainability advocate Conor Spacey, cookery icon Darina Allen, critics John and Sally McKenna, and pastry innovator Graham Herterich are also set to appear.
Held in the Boyne Valley, Samhain celebrates the harvest season with a focus on local producers and storytelling.
The popular Long Table Supper on Saturday 9 November will highlight the best of Irish seasonal fare.
This year’s festival expects 6,000 visitors and more than 100 local food suppliers, including artisan producers of apple brandy, blue goats’ cheese, Irish charcuterie, and more.
Olivia Duff, festival curator, hotelier and Kells Gin producer, said: “Ireland’s relationship with food and drinks continues to evolve, as we have seen this year with the expansion of hot school dinners; the sober curious cohort driving the launch of non-alcoholic spirits; growing awareness about gut health and an appreciation of the aesthetics of our meals through social media.”
Ella Ryan, Development manager, The Centre of Food Culture, said: “We care where our food comes from, and want to support our local farmers and producers with an interest in the old artisan ways.”
Ryan notes that Samhain is not only a snapshot of Ireland’s food culture, but an immersive sensory celebration of it through cookery demonstrations, storytelling, cultural performance, workshops, farm visits, masterclasses, tasting events and long table suppers.
To look at the full programme of events, click here.
