Taste of Sligo Food Festival – Ireland 2025

Background & History

Launched in 2024, the Taste of Sligo Food Festival returns for its second year from September 19–21, 2025, at Queen Maeve Square, Sligo, Ireland. Spearheaded by local food hero Anthony Gray, owner of Eala Bhán and Hooked restaurants and a Sligo Food Trail founder, the festival celebrates Sligo’s rich culinary heritage and food tourism. Attracting thousands, it showcases top Irish chefs, local producers, and artisans, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sligo BID, and Fáilte Ireland. The 2025 edition expands to three days, highlighting Sligo’s vibrant food scene in a new civic space, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Event Highlights

• Cookery Demonstrations: Celebrity chefs (e.g., Kevin Dundon, Shane Smith, Sham Hanifa) and local stars (e.g., Anthony Gray, Becca Sweeney) from 12:30 PM daily, hosted by Tracie Daly of Ballymaloe fame.
• Tapas-Style Kickoff: Friday evening (4:30 PM–9:00 PM) with small plates and music.
• Artisan Food Stalls: Over 30 vendors, including Mammy Johnson’s ice cream and Lough Gill Craft Beer.
• Food Trucks: Diverse offerings, from gourmet burgers to vegan dishes.
• Live Music: Performances all weekend to create a festive atmosphere.
• Kids’ Zone: Free face painting, cupcake decorating, and cartoon character photos; paid activities like zorbing and trampolining.
• Cool Food School: Cookery workshops for 5th–6th graders, Friday at Eala Bhán.

Categories

• Food & Drink: Cookery demos, artisan stalls, and food trucks.
• Cultural & Traditional: Showcases Sligo’s culinary heritage.
• Family-Friendly: Free kids’ activities and under-12 admission.
• Music & Arts: Live music and arts/crafts for all ages.

City

• Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland: Events at Queen Maeve Square, a new civic space in Sligo’s heart, known for its vibrant food and music scene.

Main Event Address

• Queen Maeve Square, Stephen Street, Sligo, Co. Sligo, Ireland: Central venue for all festival activities, including demos, stalls, and music.

Date & Duration

• Dates: September 19–21, 2025 (Friday–Sunday).
• Duration: 3 days.
• Schedule:
  • Friday: 4:30 PM–9:00 PM (tapas-style event).
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM.
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM.

Venue / Location

All events take place at Queen Maeve Square, Stephen Street, Sligo, with distinct areas:

• Main Stage: Cookery demos from 12:30 PM (Saturday–Sunday), hosted by Tracie Daly.
• Food & Drink Stalls: Over 30 vendors, including Drumshanbo Gin Bar and Mammy Johnson’s ice cream.
• Kids’ Zone: Free and paid activities (e.g., face painting, zorbing).
• Live Music Area: Performances throughout the weekend.
• Note: Cool Food School workshops held on Friday at Eala Bhán (Tobergal Lane, Sligo, ~5-minute walk).

Contact Information

• Email: tasteofsligofestival@gmail.com (festival inquiries); trabanstrandhill@gmail.com (food tour bookings).
• Phone: +353 71 913 8591 (festival); +353 (0)87 902 8845 (food tours, Anthony Gray).
• Website: www.tasteofsligo.ie
• Social Media: Follow @tasteofsligo on Instagram, Facebook.
• Address: Queen Maeve Square, Stephen Street, Sligo, Co. Sligo, Ireland (event site, not ticketing office).
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.eventbrite.com (search “Taste of Sligo Food Festival 2025”).

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online via Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com) or at the entrance (cash/card tap). Early Bird 3-day passes (€15, ~$16.80 USD) are available until July 31, 2025. Contact tasteofsligofestival@gmail.com for group bookings or inquiries. Tickets swapped for wristbands at the entrance; no refunds (up to 7 days before via Eventbrite).
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.12 USD):
  • Early Bird 3-Day Pass: €15 (~$16.80 USD, before July 31, 2025).
  • Standard 3-Day Pass: €20 (~$22.40 USD).
  • Single-Day Admission: €10 (~$11.20 USD, Saturday or Sunday).
  • Kids (Under 12): Free with ticketed adult (supervision required).
• Inclusions: Entry to cookery demos (12:00 PM–7:00 PM), live music, free face painting, cupcake decorating, arts/crafts, competitions, and cartoon character photos.
• Exclusions: Food, alcohol, and Kids’ Zone activities (e.g., zorbing, trampolining).
• Additional Notes:
  • Tickets available online or at the entrance; advance booking advised due to expected crowds.
  • No separate tickets for parking or specific activities beyond entry.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct.

Cultural Significance

The Taste of Sligo Food Festival, initiated by Anthony Gray, celebrates Sligo’s culinary heritage and boosts food tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way. It unites local producers, chefs, and artisans, showcasing regional specialties like oysters and craft beer. The festival fosters community pride, supports Sligo Food Trail members, and attracts national and international visitors, enhancing Sligo’s reputation as a foodie destination. Its expansion to three days in 2025 reflects its growing cultural and economic impact.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Stalls: Over 30 vendors offering artisan produce (e.g., Mammy Johnson’s ice cream, ~$3–$5 USD), Lough Gill Craft Beer (~$4–$7 USD), and Drumshanbo Gin Bar cocktails (~$8–$12 USD). Food trucks serve burgers, vegan dishes, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine (~$8–$15 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Eala Bhán: Tobergal Lane, Sligo (modern Irish, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Hooked: Rockwood Parade, Sligo (seafood, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Funké Restaurant: Wine Street, Sligo (Afro-Caribbean, $12–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at festival bars (e.g., Drumshanbo Gin Bar); no outside alcohol permitted.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free entry for kids under 12 with a ticketed adult (supervision required).
  • Kids’ Zone offers free face painting, cupcake decorating, and cartoon photos; paid activities include zorbing and trampolining (~$5–$10 USD).
  • Cool Food School workshops for 5th–6th graders (Friday, Eala Bhán, free, pre-booked).
• Accessibility:
  • Queen Maeve Square is wheelchair-accessible; flat, open layout.
  • Buggies allowed, but baby carriers advised for crowds.
  • Contact tasteofsligofestival@gmail.com for specific accommodations.
  • Free kids’ entry and low ticket prices enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC, 55 km, 45-minute drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 471 to Sligo Bus Station (5-minute walk to Queen Maeve Square).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Sligo MacDonagh Station (10-minute walk).
• By Car: No parking at Queen Maeve Square; use nearby lots (e.g., Quay Street Car Park, ~€2/hour, $2.24 USD). See sligococo.ie/parking/ParkinginSligo/.
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from NOC (~$50–$70 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events:
  • Tapas-Style Kickoff: Friday, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM, Queen Maeve Square (small plates, live music).
  • Cookery Demonstrations: Saturday–Sunday, 12:30 PM–7:00 PM, main stage, with chefs Kevin Dundon, Shane Smith, Sham Hanifa, Alan Fitzmaurice (The Glasshouse Hotel), Becca Sweeney (Hooked), Anthony Gray (Eala Bhán), Aisling Kelly (Sligo Oyster Experience), Funké Egberongbe (Funké Restaurant), Dr. Prannie Rhatigan, and Sarah Browne (Oysome).
  • Kids’ Zone: Free activities (face painting, crafts) and paid (zorbing, trampolining), Saturday–Sunday, 12:00 PM–evening.
  • Live Music: All weekend, enhancing the festival atmosphere.
  • Cool Food School: Friday workshops for 5th–6th graders at Eala Bhán, pre-festival.
• Expected Events:
  • Artisan Stalls: Over 30 vendors daily, featuring local produce and drinks.
  • Spanish Armada Ireland Weekend: Dr. Prannie Rhatigan’s demo, tying to local history.
• Note: Full chef bios and schedule announced August 2025; check tasteofsligo.ie.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Inaugural event with Kevin Dundon and local chefs; vibrant food stalls and music drew thousands.
• 2025 Chefs: Kevin Dundon, Shane Smith, Sham Hanifa, and Sligo Food Trail members, ensuring a mix of national and local talent.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Sourcing: Emphasis on Sligo produce reduces transport emissions.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at Queen Maeve Square; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Community Focus: Supports local businesses and the Sligo Food Trail.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check tasteofsligo.ie.

Educational Impact

• Cool Food School: Free Friday workshops at Eala Bhán teach kids healthy eating.
• Cookery Demos: Free with ticket, offering culinary education for all ages.
• Sligo Food Trail: Promotes local food culture, educating visitors on regional produce.

Cultural Activities

• Taste of Sligo Food Tours: 2.5-hour tours (€89, ~$99.68 USD, groups of 4+, max 50) visiting 5–7 venues, sampling oysters, craft beer, wine, and whiskey. Book via trabanstrandhill@gmail.com or +353 (0)87 902 8845.
• Cookery Demos: Free with ticket, showcasing local and celebrity chefs.
• Kids’ Zone: Free crafts and face painting; paid zorbing/trampolining.
• Live Music: Free performances daily, reflecting Sligo’s music scene.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Early Bird 3-day pass ($16.80 USD) until July 31, 2025, saves ~$5.60 USD; book via Eventbrite.
• Weather Prep: September in Sligo (50–60°F) is mild but rainy; pack waterproofs.
• Explore Locally: Visit Sligo Abbey (5-minute walk, $5.60 USD) or Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (10-minute drive, $5.60 USD).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for Bus Éireann/rail.
• Festival Info: Check tasteofsligo.ie for schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• Sligo Abbey: Abbey Street, Sligo (5-minute walk, $5.60 USD).
• Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery: Carrowmore, Sligo (10-minute drive, $5.60 USD).
• Yeats Memorial Building: Hyde Bridge, Sligo (5-minute walk, free).
• Strandhill Beach: Strandhill, Sligo (15-minute drive, free).
• Benbulben: 15 km, 20-minute drive (free, hiking).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Glasshouse Hotel: Swan Point, Sligo ($90–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
  • Sligo Park Hotel: Pearse Road, Sligo ($80–$140 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Hostels: Sligo City Hostel (Markievicz Road, $20–$50 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Sligo apartments ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the September peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Queen Maeve Square; nearest hospital is Sligo University Hospital (5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks for safety; Garda presence.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for crowded areas.
• Weather Preparedness: Tents for demos; bring rain gear for outdoor areas.