This October, I had the pleasure of attending the renowned Dingle Food Festival, held from October 3rd to 5th in the picturesque town of Dingle, County Kerry. Nestled along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle transformed into a vibrant hub of culinary delights, celebrating local produce, sustainability, and community spirit.

Taste Trail

The festival’s centerpiece, the Taste Trail, was an absolute highlight. With over 70 participating venues  from pubs and cafés to restaurants and galleries it promised a true gastronomic adventure. I booked our tickets online and kept up to date with the Dingle Food Festival website, which clearly announced where to collect tickets and whether you had rented or bought bowls. You could also bring your own bowl from home, which made things even easier.

Armed with a booklet of Taste Tickets, six tickets per booklet, we set off on our flavorful journey, sampling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. Six tickets were plenty, but if you ran out, you could easily purchase from the stalls, meaning the tasting could continue long after the initial booklet was gone. Every stop revealed a new slice of Dingle’s rich culinary heritage, and some dishes truly deserve a special shoutout:

  • The Dingle Butcher — a heavenly sausage roll filled with beef and pork, curry sultanas, and tangy tomato chutney. Truly a savory masterpiece.

  • Mug Shot — a Vietnamese-inspired iced coffee that was the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and a refreshing treat for wandering festival-goers.

  • Murphy’s Ice Cream — their classic sea salt ice cream is a must. Creamy, indulgent, and unforgettable.

  • Dobey’s Fresh Crab Roll — absolutely unreal and one of our top picks of the day, delicate crab, fresh bread, and pure seaside magic.

  • Dingle Bay Hotel — their signature mixed seafood Marie Rose on baby gem lettuce was a gorgeous, flavour-packed starter. Followed by Vegan Sushi provided by Dingle Sushi and Vegan Nachos from Púca, proving that plant-based options can be just as sensational.

  • Little Italy Restaurant — serving up perfect slices of comfort with margherita pizza, mushroom arancini, and delightful canolis.

  • The Little Cheese Shop Dingle — a cheese lover’s dream with Irish raclette, homemade pickles, and freshly baked Bacus bread.

  • Fresh Oysters — when sourced so locally, you simply can’t pass them up. The taste of Dingle’s coastline in every bite.

Each of these dishes wasn’t just food, it was a story, a moment, and a memory. The Taste Trail wasn’t just about sampling; it was about truly immersing ourselves in the flavours and culture of Dingle.

Masterclasses and Workshops

The Dingle Food Festival offered an incredible lineup of masterclasses and workshops for those eager to learn everything from cheese and wine pairings to culinary demonstrations by world-class chefs. I had really hoped to attend the Cheese and Wine Tasting, but unfortunately missed out this time.

Some of the highlights on offer included:

  • Cheese and Wine Pairing sessions, exploring local Irish cheeses with expertly selected wines.

  • Seafood Masterclasses — led by top chefs, showcasing the best of Dingle’s catch.

  • Baking Demonstrations — from artisan breads to decadent pastries.

  • Whiskey Tastings — discovering the nuances of Ireland’s finest whiskeys.

  • Vegan Cooking Workshops — creative plant-based dishes inspired by local produce.

  • Bee Keeping Workshops — Tadhg Leahy has kept bees for 16yrs, starting with a small nucleus (starter hive). He now keeps between 20 & 25 colonies in different locations west of Dingle where the bees forage whitethorn, blackthorn, fuchsia, blackberry and heather.

Even though I didn’t get to join a workshop this year, simply knowing such unique experiences were available made the festival even more exciting and it’s definitely on my list for next time.

A Commitment to sustainability

One of the most commendable aspects of the Dingle Food Festival was its commitment to sustainability. The festival continues its mission to be Ireland’s first “Zero Landfill Waste” festival. Attendees were encouraged to bring their own reusable bowls, cups, and cutlery. For those without, stainless steel bowls were available for rent, and bamboo sets were on sale. This initiative, supported by Transition Corca Dhuibhne, aimed to minimize waste and promote eco-friendly practices.

Attending the Dingle Food Festival was an unforgettable experience. It was a perfect blend of culinary exploration, cultural immersion, and community celebration. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or someone looking to experience the charm of rural Ireland, this festival offers something for everyone. I left Dingle with a full belly, a happy heart, and a promise to return next year.

I had the absolute pleasure of staying with Stay YNA  during my weekend in Dingle, and I couldn’t have chosen a better spot than Shepherd’s Rest. Located just a short 9-minute drive outside of town, it offered the perfect balance of peaceful countryside charm and easy access to all the fun of the Dingle Food Festival. Even though it was one of the busiest weekends of the year, getting in and out of town was no hassle at all  I was able to find parking by the harbour on both days!

Shepherd’s Rest in Dingle is a beautiful, family-friendly home with a cosy, welcoming feel. Each bedroom looks out onto either the rolling mountains or a field of sheep, creating that quintessential Dingle backdrop that makes you instantly unwind. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee while watching the mist lift off the hills or settling in after a day exploring the peninsula, this home makes you feel truly at ease.