Westport Food Festival programme hits the sweet spot
SOMETIMES a festival gets the balance just right – and that’s exactly what has happened with Westport Food Festival, which takes place this weekend, from Friday (June 29) to Sunday (July 1).
From the stylish Midsummer Banquet to the fun filled Food Village on The Fairgreen with tours, talks and demonstrations, it’s a jam packed programme.
The Banquet
The undisputed highlight is the gala Midsummer Banquet in the glorious environment of Westport House. It’s a glittering black tie affair with a seven-course tasting menu created by seven talented local chefs: Eoin McDonnell (Wyatt Hotel), Xavier Blondel (Westport Plaza), José Barroso (Sol Rio), Linda Rogers (Hotel Westport), Rosario Dias (Westport Woods Hotel), Emma Jennings (Pantry & Corkscrew) and Fergal Colleran (Hotel Westport).
The date is Friday, June 29, and if you’re lucky you’ll get one of the last few tickets (book via Hotel Westport on 098 25122).
Foraging on land and sea
Take a walk on the wild side on a seaweed or mushroom foraging walk with expert guide Will Williams. Learn to identify what’s safe and tasty to eat – and what’s not!
Mushroom foraging is on Saturday morning at 10.30 a.m. and seaweed foraging on Sunday at 1 p.m. The cost is €15 per person (kids go free) and bookings are with Maria on (086) 1012066. She’ll give full details on meeting points and what to wear – wellies and wet gear folks, don’t take any chances!
Learn about gin, wine and beer
Choose your tipple – or take advantage of clever timetabling and attend all three of these entertaining and educational events.
First up is Come Wine With Me on Saturday at 3 p.m. in The Gallery. Taste natural wines accompanied by fine cheeses and relax in good company. Tickets (€30) from Tom on (083) 1091138.
From there move to the Gintastic gin appreciation session at 7 p.m. in The West with Lough Mask Distillery – Mayo’s newest distillery. It’s a juniper packed evening including gin making, gin demos and of course gin tasting. Tickets are €15 and can be booked with Maria on (086) 1012066.
It’s time for some Mescan magic on Sunday afternoon at 2.30 p.m. when the craft brewery opens its doors for a special food festival tour at Cartoor, Kilsallagh. Find out how local vets Cillian and Bart became professional brewers and learn about their range of beers, styles and flavours.
Tickets cost €15. To book, email mescanbrewery@gmail.com or text (086) 8320320.
Flex your mussels
Take a tour of Croagh Patrick Seafoods mussel and oyster farm in Kilmeena led by mariculturalist Padraic Gannon. This is a once-off opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of shellfish farming. It takes place on Sunday at 3 p.m. and tickets (€15) can be booked with Maria on (086) 1012066.
Gourmet kayak picnic
How good does this sound? Paddle your way across Clew Bay to a deserted island where your guides will use bushcraft cooking techniques to create a gourmet picnic using local and artisan produce. Heaven! It’s on Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be supplied. Book with Clew Bay Bikes on (098) 24818 (cost €65).
The Food Village on The Fairgreen
The public face of Westport Food Festival is always the bustling Food Village on The Fairgreen. It takes place from 11 a.m. with a fabulous selection of artisan food stalls – and be warned, the early bird gets the worm!
You’ll find something hot and tasty to eat immediately, Mescan beer and barista coffee to wash it down with, sweet treats for afters and lots to take home too.
The festival marquee hosts a busy programme of events including chef demonstrations and children’s workshops all day long. Outside the popular kids ‘Fast Food’ Race held in conjunction with Westport Athletics Club runs twice (1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m). Entry is free and fun is guaranteed.
The two children’s workshops are Cup Cake Decorating (11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.) which costs €8 and Pizza Making (12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m.) which is €10 per child. These always sell out so advance booking is recommended. Contact Maria on (086) 1012066.
Bookings
Bookings will also be taken at the Midwest Radio’s outside broadcast which takes place on Friday, June 29, outside SuperValu. It’s from 9 to 11 a.m. and the festival pop up tent will be there to take bookings and give information. Any remaining event tickets will be on sale at the festival stall inside the Festival Marquee on Saturday. Be warned though, many events will sell out early.
Westport Food Festival truly has something to tempt everyone’s tastebuds. Check out the website www.westportfoodfestival.ie for full details.