NI Food Festivals
August
Auld Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, Co Antrim – Ireland’s oldest traditional market fair. Sample the local specialities, ‘dulse’ a dried edible seaweed, and the deliciously sweet chewy ‘yellow man’, made from a closely guarded secret recipe.
For further information visit www.moyle.council.org.
Hilden Beer Festival, Lisburn, Co Antrim – With more than 30 international beers on offer, this weekend event should whet the whistle.
For further information visit www.hildenbrewery.co.uk.
The Festival of Fish, Co Down – Seafood tasting, competitions and festive menus, the four fishing villages of Kilkeel, Annalong, Ardglass, Portavogie celebrate seafood over the bank holiday weekend in August.
Belfast Taste And Musical Festival - Northern Irish chefs create a four day al fresco fair in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens while staged live music will provide the entertainment.
For further information visit www.belfasttasteandmusicfest.com.
September
Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, Hillsborough, Co Down – Held every first weekend in September in the historic village of Hillsborough, the festival features local food and light hearted events such as the World Oyster Eating Championships.
For further information visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.
Larne Oyster Festival - Friday 10th September 2010, Carriages Restaurant, Winebar, Dan Campbells, Thatch Bar, Eagle Bar, Station Bar, Olderfleet Bar, Billy Andy's all serving Oysters and some also putting on live entertainment!
Glenarm Harvest Festival - Glenarm Castle, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September 2010.
For further information visit www.glenarmcastle.com.
Belfast Food & Drink Festival, Belfast, Co Antrim – A month long celebration of all things gastronomic across the city of Belfast.
For further information visit www.gotobelfast.com/foodanddrink.
Garden Gourmet, Botanic Gardens Belfast, Co Antrim – This vibrant and colourful event combines Northern Ireland’s largest flower show with an entertaining food and drink festival.
For further information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events.
Lough Neagh Food Festival, Co Londonderry - Enjoy Irish cookery masterclasses, sample artisan food and wine and shop in the speciality food street market at this unique one day event.
For further information visit www.loughneaghfoodfestival.com.
Novemeber / Decemeber
Continental Market at Belfast City Hall, Co Antrim – This vibrant market offers a fusion of tempting continental and speciality foods as well as some local delights.
For further information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events.
St George's Christmas Fair and Market, Belfast, Co Antrim – Enjoy the best local seasonal food, tastes and smells brought by local producers in Northern Ireland’s best food market.
For further information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket/events.
May
Balmoral Show - When the country comes to the city! The NI Food Pavilion is a must see (and taste!) with over 30 local suppliers giving away tasters of their top class produce - Mid May at the King's Hall, Belfast
Apple Blossom Festival, Co Armagh – Celebrate the beautiful apple blossom season in County Armagh.
For further information visit www.armagh.gov.uk.