Blas na Gaillimhe - A Taste of Galway food network and festival that celebrates Galway's unique year-round hospitality is kickstarting a month of deliciousness in May.
Blas na Bealtaine will celebrate people and food from across the globe, right here in the west. Through festivals, events, and collaborations, A Taste of Galway celebrates the diversity, creativity, and passion that define Galway's food culture.
The festival has a diverse line-up of workshops, talks, and events designed to introduce and ignite people’s passion for what is here on our doorstep. From traditional feasts to innovative wine explorations, there is something for every palate and every curiosity.
Enjoy the flavours of Brazil in Salthill with one of the highlights of the festival - the Feijoada weekend at Chef Laura Rosso. Prepare to indulge in the rich flavours of Brazil with a slow-cooked pork and black beans stew, served with all the traditional accompaniments. Meanwhile, in Galway’s Westend on Dominick Street, Aniar celebrates Blas na Bealtaine and oysters from the west coast of Ireland with a pop-up oyster bar. Expect an array of Irish oysters, delicately accompanied by wild, foraged, and preserved garnishes. As a result of the abundant plankton, the west coast provides ideal oyster growing conditions. Daróg Wine Bar are focusing on Fíon, where you will go on an exploration into the world of wines.
For those eager to roll up their sleeves and get hands-on, Jess Murphy and Pasta Tony are joining forces to teach the art of pasta making, accompanied by Italian salads and fine wines in Massimo Bar. For the curious souls craving a deeper understanding of Irish cuisine, Galway Food Tours and Fable Tours offer immersive experiences that delve into the heart of Ireland's culinary heritage. There will be a taste of Galway cheese & wine at Sheridan's Cheesemongers, where you will be tasting some of Galway’s finest cheeses including Galway Sinan, Killeen goat cheese and Kylmora alpine style cheese. Each of the Galway cheeses will be carefully paired with a selection of European wines, Irish cider and accompaniments.
Join POTA Café, in Baile na hAbhann, to go on a culinary and cultural journey from Connemara through Loch Lurgan (the ancient name for Galway Bay ) to the Aran Islands and back. Loch Lurgan, an evening of food and folklore will have you feasting on a seven-course tasting menu interspersed with the history and mythology of Loch Lurgan. Then it is onto Trieste Café and Wine Bar for a celebration of bubbles, rosé and light reds. Tasting all the ideal wines for the perfect summer evening. Think Cava, French Rosé, Vinho Verde & Pinot Noir, and lots more, paired with Charcuterie and cheese from Colm Jordan from the iconic Galway Saturday Market.
Cava Bodega welcomes Javier Murúa of Bodegas Muriel for an evening of talks, tapas, and wine, while Garavans hosts an award-winning Micil Tasting that explores the rich distilling traditions of Galway. A neighbourhood favourite, Tom Sheridans, will host Bia Bites: A celebration of local produce, with a wine pairing. For those seeking a truly unique dining experience, Aniar presents the Chef Swap series, where guest chefs collaborate to create once-in-a-lifetime menus.
Founder, Jp McMahon is passionate about the network, he believes Blas na Gaillimhe is a wonderful opportunity for the Galway restaurants and producers to showcase the best of what they do; “The network is focused on developing strong relationships and a vibrant food community in Galway thus benefiting people working in the industry and the diners.“
Get into Galway throughout May to celebrate the vibrant spirit of this internationally acclaimed food scene at Blas na Bealtaine. For more information and bookings, visit https://atasteofgalway.com/events/ or get social across Facebook and Instagram.
