9 things to do at Taste of Dublin festive edition which starts tonight!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… well, it is at Taste of Dublin Festive Edition which kicks off today with more mince pies and mulled wine you can shake a holly tree at. Ho ho ho!

It’s officially A-OKAY to admit you’re in the festive spirit now that December is just around the corner.

And the showstopper of food and drink festivals in Ireland that is Taste of Dublin has only gone and had a Christmas makeover to make us shake our bellies like a bowl full of jelly.

In the convenient location of the RDS in Dublin’s Ballsbridge, Taste of Dublin Festive Edition kicks off tonight (Thursday) and runs until December 1, featuring an amazing array of workshops and demonstrations lined up over four days.

There are tonnes of things to do, like rub shoulders with some of Ireland’s best chefs, and, of course, eat until your button pops, but here are 9 things we don’t think you should miss.

Taste of Dublin Festive Edition kicks off Thursday and runs for four days in Dublin’s RDS. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

1. Masterclasses with Regina Wish
If you’re crafting, baking, butchering or putting together your dream cheese board for entertaining this winter why not pop by the masterclasses at Taste in association with Regina Wish? Pop in for all the tools, tips and tricks you need to prep for the festive season all in one place! Check out some of Ireland’s best-loved chefs as they instruct on how to stress less and prepare more for the festivities that await.

Taste of Dublin Festive Edition should get even the most humbug among your group in the Christmas mood. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

2. The Cheese Block
Sample the finest Irish cheese producers at our festive cheese bar! Some of Ireland’s top artisan cheese producers brands will be hosted at the four-day festival so it’s your chance to meet the makers. Young Buck, Corleggy, Ballylisk and Galway Goat Farm are the fantastic names popping up so don’t miss out!

Veggies are catered for at Taste of Dublin Festive Edition too. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

3. Family Friendly Sunday
Taste of Dublin are delighted to welcome families to Taste on Sunday, December 1! Gingerbread House workshops, Festive card crafting and edible gifts are just some of the great family and kid-friendly activities scheduled across the afternoon.

Get some delicious Christmas dessert inspo over the four-day festival. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

4. D.I.D. Electrical Chefs Theatre
A truly unmissable Taste experience is the D.I.D. Electrical Chef’s Theatre where you’ll spot Ireland’s top culinary talent as they slice and dice their way through all our favourite festive recipes. Learn how to cook the most succulent turkey, the crispiest roasties or the most delicious gravy. For the sweeter tooth, whip up some meringue roulades, classic mince pies and yule logs. Top chefs you can learn from here include Rachel Allen, Adrian Martin, JR Ryall, Rory O’Connell, Shane Smith, Nicola Curran, Brian McDermott, Patrick Ryan, Erica Drum, Sharon Hearne Smith, Paul Kelly, Jeeny Maltese, Aoife Noonan, Edward Hayden, Mark Moriarty, Graham Herterich, Holly White, Lizzy Lyons, Ciara Brennan, Alberto Rossi, Karan Mittal, Edward Hayden, Jack O’Keeffe & Ludovic Lantier. Wow!

All the family are catered for with a dedicated family friendly Sunday during the festival. Photo: Copyright Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

5. Festive Tablescaping and Crafting
Deck the halls (and tables!) with our festive tablescaping and crafting masterclasses! This is a seasonal special not to be missed. Whether it be a Christmas Eve dinner or a Christmas Day lunch you will come away with some incredible ideas to work with, which will WOW your guests and certainly enhance your hosting status. Maria Reidy Signature Events will be on hand to give her top tips and tricks.

Get crafty with a masterclass to fulfil all your homemade gifts and wrapping needs. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

6. Drinks Theatre
Sample a wide range of craft drinks and hear the stories behind some of the most innovative and interesting Irish, artisan brands on the market. Check out an array of artisan companies coming to Taste this November, from Hot Ciders to Merry Margaritas to Jingle & Tonics and Roe & Cosy hot whiskey cocktails there is something to satisfy every palette.

Tickets are available now for Taste of Dublin Festive Edition. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

7. VIP Experience at Taste
Looking for something just that little bit exclusive? Our Uniworld River Cruises VIP Lounge offers visitors a high-end experience at the heart of the event. Get the star treatment; starting from just €43 per person, the Uniworld River Cruises VIP ticket includes Fast track entry, a complimentary glass of champagne and a Just Eat voucher for the first 100 ticket purchasers.

Traditional and non-traditional festive food will be on display at Taste of Dublin Festive Edition. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition. 

8. SO Prosecco Masterclass
SO Prosecco will be hosting a tasting of their SO Prosecco Range including their two Cuvée Prosecco from Valdobbiadene on Sunday, November 29 at 3.15 pm at the Festive Drinks Theatre with wine journalist and broadcaster Jean Smullen, co-presenter of Newstalk’s wine slot, Movies & Booze. Come along to hear their story and taste some wonderful bubble varieties combined with Italy’s traditional Christmas cake the Panettone, a perfect combination. SO Prosecco and Christmas cake are available to purchase onsite from SO Prosecco stand 20 & 21.

Toast the festive season at the SO Prosecco Masterclass. Photo: Fanatic Creative at Taste of London, The Festive Edition 

9. Live entertainment by High on Heels
Performing live at all sessions of Taste of Dublin’s Festive Edition will be one of the UK’s top all-female music groups. High On Heels are an innovative addition to the world of live music and have performed all over the world. Mixing up the collaborations live on stage between a DJ, Percussion, Vocalist and a Saxophonist, High on Heels will specially tailor each session at this year’s Taste Festival to fit everyone’s preferred style of genre.

Tickets on sale now from tasteofdublin.ie, or at the box office on arrival.