The most significant gathering in Irish food at the Samhain Symposium on Friday, November 7th.
Over 6,000 visitors are expected in 2024, growing to 20,000 in the next three years. Includes cookery demonstrations, storytelling, cultural performances and workshops. Speakers include Darina Allen, Graham Herterich and John & Sally McKenna, Dr JP McMahon and Jess Murphy.
This November, two gastronomic titans unite in Kells, County Meath, for the Samhain Festival of Food and Culture with Sheridans Irish Food Fair, promising a spectacular celebration of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture. Both festivals are highlights of Ireland’s foodie calendar and now combine to harness the growing interest in celebrating our nation’s food culture and producers in the Boyne Valley at the end of the harvest season, in the region recognised as one of the world’s best food destinations.
On Friday, 7th November, food networks nationwide will join forces for the Samhain Symposium for the first gathering of Ireland’s food communities
Confirmed speakers throughout the weekend include chef and journalist Darina Allen, baker and author Graham Herterich and John and Sally McKenna, curators of the 100 Best list of Irish Restaurants and Places to Stay Guidessince 1992. Chef, writer, restaurateur, painter, playwright, Dr JP McMahon and Jess Murphy, Chef Patron of KAI Galway are also on the bill.
“The Boyne Valley was home to Ireland’s first farmers over 5,000 years ago and remains synonymous with farming, food and drink production to this day,” said Ella Ryan, Development Manager for The Centre of Food Culture, Boyne Valley. “This year’s programme will showcase, celebrate, share and preserve the many traditions and skills that make up our Irish food and culture to safeguard them for future generations. The culture of cheesemaking celebrated by Sheridans is one example of ancient knowledge and modern techniques.”
“Over 6,000 visitors are expected to attend Samhain Festival 2024,” said festival curator, hotelier and Kells Gin producer Olivia Duff, “for a programme that focuses on celebrating our food and culture through cookery demonstrations, storytelling, cultural performance, workshops, farm visits, masterclasses, tasting events, long table suppers and much more. This marks the festival’s ambitious plans to grow its audience to 20,000 visitors within three years, attracting domestic and international tourists to the region, drawn by the unique cultural experience.”
Kevin Sheridan said of the partnership: “Sheridan’s Irish Food Festival has grown significantly since its inception 15 years ago; joining forces with Samhain Festival is a natural progression, and we are delighted to share our wonderful audience with the attendees for Samhain Festival, allowing visitors to engage directly and support Ireland’s greatest food producers.”
The Boyne Valley was recognised as one of the World’s Best Food Destinations in 2019 by the National Geographic Traveller, alongside Cusco in Peru and Bologna in Italy. Samhain festival began life in 2019 as a Discover Boyne Valley Flavours initiative. Boyne Valley Food Business Development Officer, Emma Gillsaid, “The partnership with Sheridans and its highly-regarded Irish food fair is a perfect evolution of the Samhain festival’s origins to showcase the fantastic food and craft drink products of the region and provide producers with a platform to reach new audiences.”
On announcement of the festival programme, tickets will be available to book online at www.foodcultureireland.ie with ticket prices starting from as little as €5 per person.
Original article available on The Centre of Food Culture, Boyne Valley
Samhain 2023 memories:
