Food Fleadh Ballina makes a welcome return for its fifth year, with an expanded four-day programme planned from Thursday, September 27 to Sunday, September 30, to coincide with Other Voices Ballina.
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a packed programme of foodie events. As well as the flagship Food Fleadh Market on Saturday September 29, this year’s expanded programme sees a renewed focus on the Moy Estuary and the local seafood offering, as well as live cooking demonstrations, children’s cookery classes and food and art inspired workshops celebrating a taste of the Wild Atlantic Way in North Mayo.
Known for its intimate friendly atmosphere, the Food Fleadh Market in the historic Old Military Quarter offers the best of Mayo, with locally produced artisan foods, cookery demonstrations by local chefs, tastings, a Ready Steady Cook-Off with special guests and the Bank of Ireland Lifestyle Marquee, with guest speakers and the ever-popular children’s cookery sessions.
The Yeast Meets West Craft Brew Fest also returns to the Food Fleadh Market with a Craft Brew Wall featuring ten Irish-made beers, ales, lagers and ciders. Live music will play at the market throughout the day, to make for a real festival atmosphere, featuring the Local Voices Stage in conjunction with Other Voices. The market will take place under Ballina’s unique canopy cover ensuring that no matter what the weather, a great day and a great atmosphere is guaranteed.
Over the four days the festival will include seafood foraging trips incorporating a Killala historical tour, with certified guide, Denis Quinn, of Wild Atlantic Cultural tours. Suitable for all ages, the trips will incorporate a walk to Bartra Island, where attendees will forage for cockles, mussels and samphire, returning afterwards to Killala to cook up their catch.
Connacht Whiskey Company will offer Discovery Tours outlining Ballina’s unique distilling process, while the world-famous Clarke’s Salmon Smokery opens its doors to share its story of 70 years and the secret to sumptuous smoked salmon. Local restaurants and hotels will also feature Food Fleadh Ballina specials on their menus.
New this year is the Courtyard Trilogy Experience, as Dillon’s Bar and Restaurant, Luskin’s Bistro and the Everest team up to offer a three-course food trail adventure, featuring a specially created menu celebrating Irish, Indian and Nepalese food fusion across the three venues.
By night, the Ballina Music Trail running in conjunction with Other Voices Ballina, means that over this special weekend, visitors will be able to avail of the very best live music from up-and-coming new acts – many of them local - for free in multiple locations around the town.
A limited number of stalls are still available and interested businesses are advised to call (096 ) 72800 or email [email protected] immediately to reserve a space.
