Dingle Food Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Dingle Food Festival, held annually in the picturesque fishing town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way, is a premier celebration of Irish food, culture, and sustainability. Scheduled for October 3–5, 2025, it attracts over 10,000 visitors and offers approximately 150,000 tastings across 60+ businesses.

Organized by local volunteers on a non-profit basis, with profits donated to charity, the festival features the popular Taste Trail, market stalls, cookery demonstrations, and family-friendly events. Renowned for its commitment to becoming Ireland’s first “Zero Landfill Waste” festival, it emphasizes sustainable practices like reusable tableware and micro biodigesters, earning accolades for its community-driven ethos and culinary excellence.

Event Highlights

• Taste Trail: Sample local cuisine at over 60 venues (pubs, cafes, galleries) using Taste Tickets.
• Street Markets: 50+ stalls offering artisan foods, from seafood to cheeses.
• Sustainability Focus: Zero-waste initiatives with reusable bowls and biodigesters.
• Family-Friendly: Children’s events, including food waste workshops at Dingle Town Park.
• Culinary Events: Cookery demos by chefs like Conor Spacey, showcasing sustainable seafood and local produce.
• Cultural Activities: Street entertainment, Ceiliúradh Bídh Chorca Dhuibhne, and Blas na hÉireann awards.

Categories

• Music & Arts: Features street entertainment and food-related art exhibits.
• Cultural & Traditional: Celebrates Dingle’s fishing heritage and Irish culinary traditions.
• Family-Friendly: Includes children’s workshops and free events.
• Food & Drink: Focus on local seafood, artisan cheeses, and craft beverages.

City

• Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland: Events span Dingle’s vibrant town centre, pubs, cafes, and streets, set against the scenic Wild Atlantic Way.

Main Event Address

• Various venues across Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland, with key activities at Dingle Town Centre, Main Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 Y058: Central hub for Taste Trail, markets, and street entertainment.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 3–5, 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 3 days, with Taste Trail and markets on Saturday–Sunday (1:00 PM–5:00 PM, some venues extended).

Venue / Location

The festival spans Dingle’s town centre, with events in diverse settings.

• Key Venues:
  • Main Street, Dingle: Street markets, entertainment, and Taste Trail outlets (e.g., Fish Factory Restaurant, Murphy’s Ice Cream).
  • Dingle Town Park: Children’s workshops, food waste demos by Jennifer Attard.
  • Goat Café (Festival Office): Goat Street, Dingle, for Taste Ticket collection.
  • Pubs & Cafes: Marina Inn, Harrington’s Restaurant, and Strand House Café for Taste Trail.
  • Galleries & Shops: Greenlane Gallery, Dingle Chocolates for artisan tastings.
• Note: Full Taste Trail lineup (60+ businesses) announced August 2025; check dinglefood.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@dinglefood.com (general inquiries; contact Martin for sustainability info).
• Phone: +353 87 9177700 (Martin, sustainability, and general inquiries).
• Website: www.dinglefood.com
• Social Media: Follow @dinglefoodfest on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook; linktr.ee/dinglefoodfestival.
• Bank Details for Sponsorship: Account Name: Dingle Food Festival; IBAN: IE26BOFI90570775080498; BIC: BOFIIE2D.

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy Taste Tickets online (click-and-collect at Goat Café, dinglefood.com) or in-person at ticket outlets (TBD). Present your own bowl or rent one at the festival office.
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD):
  • Bring Your Own Bowl: €20 (~$22.40 USD) for 6 Taste Tickets (€3/~$3.36 USD each), €2 supports the festival.
  • Rent a Bowl: €27 (~$30.24 USD) total, including €2 (~$2.24 USD) rental, €5 (~$5.60 USD) refundable deposit, and €20 (~$22.40 USD) for 6 Taste Tickets.
  • Other Events: Masterclasses and workshops (~$11.20–$28 USD, €10–€25 EUR, estimated); many events (e.g., street entertainment, children’s activities) are free.
• Notes:
  • Tickets required for Taste Trail and markets; book early via dinglefood.com (available August 2025).
  • Free events (e.g., street performances) require no tickets.
  • Refunds for bowl deposits at Goat Café; no refunds for tickets.

Cultural Significance

The Dingle Food Festival is a cornerstone of Ireland’s culinary scene, celebrating Dingle’s fishing heritage and artisan producers. Hosting the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, it showcases Ireland’s finest produce, from seafood to cheeses. Its zero-waste mission, with initiatives like reusable bowls and biodigesters, sets a national standard for sustainability, engaging 10,000+ visitors in community-driven events. By highlighting local chefs like Conor Spacey and traditional skills, it preserves Kerry’s cultural identity while attracting global food enthusiasts to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Food & Drinks

• Taste Trail (60+ Outlets): Sample dishes like seafood chowder (Marina Inn), Dingle Bay fishcakes (O’Flaherty’s Bar), or artisan hot chocolate (Dingle Chocolates), ~$3.36 USD (€3 EUR) per taste.
• Street Markets (50+ Stalls): Offer local seafood, cheeses, and craft beers (e.g., Dick Mack’s Brewhouse, ~$3.36–$6.72 USD for half/full pints).
• Nearby Dining:
  • The Fish Box: The Wood, Dingle (smoked salmon mousse, $10–$15 USD).
  • Ashe’s Restaurant: Main Street, Dingle (pulled beef sliders, $12–$20 USD).
  • Doyle’s Restaurant: John Street, Dingle (seafood, $15–$25 USD).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at licensed venues (e.g., Dick Mack’s, Marina Inn); no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free children’s events at Dingle Town Park (e.g., food waste workshops by Jennifer Attard).
  • Stalls with kid-friendly options (e.g., Murphy’s Ice Cream, hot waffles at Koolscoops).
  • Under-16s require adult supervision for evening events.
• Accessibility:
  • Main Street and Dingle Town Park are wheelchair-accessible; some pubs/galleries may have steps.
  • Rinse stations and sanitation for rented bowls support hygiene.
  • Contact info@dinglefood.com for specific venue accommodations.
  • Free events enhance financial accessibility.

Getting There

• By Air: Kerry Airport (KIR, 50 km, 50-minute drive) or Shannon Airport (SNN, 130 km, 2-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann routes 275, 276 to Dingle (Main Street, 5-minute walk to festival hub); extra services during festival.
  • Local Link: Connects Dingle to nearby towns; check locallink.ie.
• By Car: Parking at Údarás na Gaeltachta (Milltown), Harbour Car Park, or Kerry County Council Marina (~€2/hour, $2.24 USD); note Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne closes at 7:00 PM.
• Rideshare: FreeNow from KIR (~$50–$70 USD) or SNN (~$120–$150 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Expected 2025 Similarities)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Taste Trail: October 4–5, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, 60+ outlets (e.g., Fish Factory Restaurant: vegetable dumplings; The Boatyard: crayfish tartlet).
  • Street Markets: October 4–5, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, 50+ stalls with artisan foods.
  • Cookery Demos: Conor Spacey’s sustainable seafood and lesser-known cuts demo, venue TBD.
• Expected Events:
  • Children’s Workshops: Food waste education at Dingle Town Park, free.
  • Blas na hÉireann Awards: Announcing Ireland’s top food producers, venue TBD.
  • Ceiliúradh Bídh Chorca Dhuibhne: Cultural food celebration, free or ticketed (~$11.20 USD).
  • Micro Biodigester Demo: MyGug converts food waste to gas for cookery demos.
• Note: Full program announced August 2025; check dinglefood.com.

Past Notable Performances

• Taste Trail (2024): Highlights included Dingle Bay oysters (Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne), Korean BBQ sliders (The Dillon Gallery).
• Cookery Demos: Conor Spacey’s sustainable seafood (2023), Darina Allen’s local produce showcase (2022).
• Blas na hÉireann: 2024 winners like Rustic Boowa (Polish pastry) and Annie’s Delights (preserves).
  These reflect the festival’s focus on local and sustainable cuisine.

Sustainability Initiatives

The festival aims to be Ireland’s first “Zero Landfill Waste” festival with the following practices, expected to continue in 2025:

• Bring Your Own Bowl: Encourages reusable tableware; €20 (~$22.40 USD) for 6 Taste Tickets.
• Stainless Steel Bowl Rental: €2 (~$2.24 USD) with €5 (~$5.60 USD) refundable deposit; 4,000 bowls/sporks available.
• Rinse Stations: For cleaning utensils, the sanitation crew washes them via the hotel dishwasher.
• Micro Biodigester: MyGug converts food waste to gas for demos, supported by LEO grants (up to €10,000).
• HVO Generators: Ethically sourced fuel for market stalls.
• Waste Management: Staffed bins for sorting; compostable liners permitted.
• Green Transport: Extra Bus Éireann services to reduce car use.
• Digital Resources: Most printed materials (e.g., programs) moved online.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Free children’s sessions by Jennifer Attard on food waste at Dingle Town Park.
• Cookery Demos: Conor Spacey’s focus on sustainable seafood and lesser-used cuts, free or ~$11.20 USD.
• Sustainability Talks: MyGug biodigester demos educate on waste-to-energy solutions.
• Community Engagement: Partnerships with Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland promote sustainable practices.

Cultural Activities

• Street Entertainment: Free live music and performances on Main Street, October 4–5.
• Ceiliúradh Bídh Chorca Dhuibhne: Free or ticketed cultural food event, celebrating Kerry’s heritage.
• Blas na hÉireann Awards: Free public announcement of Irish food winners, venue TBD.
• Food Art Exhibits: At Greenlane Gallery, showcasing culinary crafts, free or ~$3.36 USD.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Taste Tickets sell out; purchase via dinglefood.com in August 2025.
• Weather Prep: October in Dingle (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Visit Dingle Aquarium (5-minute walk, $15 USD) or Slea Head Drive (scenic route).
• Public Transport: Use Bus Éireann multi-trip tickets (~$10 USD) for savings.
• Festival Info: Check dinglefood.com for digital schedules (no dedicated app).

Local Attractions

• Dingle Aquarium: The Wood, Dingle (5-minute walk, $15 USD).
• Gallarus Oratory: 8 km from Dingle (15-minute drive, free entry).
• Slea Head Drive: Scenic coastal route, starts in Dingle (free, self-guided).
• Dick Mack’s Pub: 46 Green Street, Dingle (5-minute walk, craft beer, $5–$8 USD).
• Blasket Islands Centre: Dunquin, 15 km (20-minute drive, $10 USD).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Dingle Skellig Hotel: Beenbane, Dingle ($120–$200 USD/night).
  • Dingle Benners Hotel: Main Street, Dingle ($100–$180 USD/night).
• Hostels: Dingle Gate Hostel (Annagary, 10-minute drive, $20–$50 USD/night).
• Airbnb: Apartments in Dingle town centre ($80–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for October peak season.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Dingle Town Park and Goat Café; nearest hospital is Kerry University Hospital (Tralee, 50 km, 50-minute drive).
• Security: Garda presence at Main Street; bag checks at ticketed venues.
• Health Protocols: Rinse stations and sanitation for bowls; optional masks for indoor events.
• Weather Preparedness: Tents for markets; bring umbrellas for outdoor transitions.