What not to miss at this year’s Taste of Dublin festival

It’s time to get excited again for Taste of Dublin, the highlight of every foodie’s summer. Set in the beautiful Iveagh Gardens, from the 14th to the 17th of June, it’s a must-visit festival for the best of Irish food and drink. This year’s event promises to be a food lover’s playground, with surprising delights from an entirely pink menu to cocktails served atop a wooden tram. With world-class chefs, top restaurants and over 120 masterclasses at the event, there’s a jam-packed schedule. Here are just a few of the highlights we’re looking forward to.

Incredible Chefs

A special line-up of celebrity chefs is set to descend upon Dublin for the event, so head to the Neff Taste Kitchen to see them work their magic. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall of River Cottage is known for his seasonal approach to food and is the first must-see on our list. Fans of The Great British Bake-off will also be delighted to hear that Candice Brown will be taking to the demo stage. Others sharing recipes and tips include Rachel Allen of Ballymaloe, Masterchef judge Robin Gill, and Aoife Noonan of Glovers Alley, to name just a few of a star-studded list.

Artisan Drinks 

Top class food needs equally great drinks to go with it, and there’ll be no shortage of choice on this front. Roe & Co will be giving masterclasses and serving speciality whiskey cocktails on the top floor of a wooden tram. O’Briens will be hosting wine-tastings, and Ketel One Vodka will be serving Bloody Marys by day and Espresso Martinis by night. The World Class Bartender of the Year Competition will also bring its Irish final to Taste of Dublin with the winner being crowned live on Sunday the 17th.

Small Producers

Ireland’s small-scale growers and makers are having a real moment, and as part of the Neff Producer’s Table, food journalist Dee Laffan will interview Irish start-up producers. Brands such as Irish Atlantic Sea Salt, Sadie’s Kitchen Bone Broth, Glenilen Farm and Newgrange Gold will be telling their stories of how they produce quality food as well as giving their entrepreneurial tips.

Style Afternoon 

A brilliant excuse for you and your friends to get dressed up, the Connacht Gold Style Afternoon will see judges pick the most glamorous guest on Friday the 15th. The lucky winner will receive a Sony Xperia XZ2 phone, a Sony PlayStation Plus 12 month membership, 2 tickets to wellness coach Alison Canavan’s 360 Series event, a €100 voucher for The Port House Restaurant, a €250 Brown Thomas voucher and 2 tickets to return to the Taste of Dublin 5.30-9.30 session on Sunday 17th June, so it’s an event not to be missed.

World Dining

As well as the best that Irish producers and chefs have to offer, you can try tastes from all over the world from the many international restaurants and producers at the festival. Sample Japanese sushi, learn to cook Korean cuisine, taste the delights of Indian city Jaipur with an entirely pink menu, and treat yourself to some Spanish chocolate.

To get details of everything on offer at this year’s Taste of Dublin and to purchase tickets on sale from €15, go to tasteofdublin.ie