The annual Dingle Food and Wine Festival takes place from 1-3 October. Although only in its fourth year, the event has become a must for Irish foodies.
By Robert Carry
Now in its fourth year, the Dingle Food and Wine Festival has become a key event on the Irish culinary calendar.
Events
The festival includes a series of cookery demonstrations, special menus in restaurants, a food market, lectures, wine seminars, symposiums, and culinary trails. It will also include the third annual Blas na hÉireann National Irish Food awards.
Cookery demonstrations will be given to the public via a mobile kitchen in which local and national chefs will demonstrate how to prepare various dishes. Local restaurants meanwhile will create tasting menus on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival. Â The event features a host of other events including tutored wine tastings and seminars and a food and wine market.
Other attractions
Fungi
Fungi, the male bottle nose dolphin who inexplicably took up residence in Dingle Harbour around 20 years ago, is something of a local celebrity. You can catch one of the frequent boat trips which operate from Dingle if you want to catch a glimpse of the attention-seeking cetacean. If the mood takes you , you can rent a wet suit and take a dip with fungi. Trips are even refundable if the dolphin fails to make an appearance.
Fishing
There are a range of spectacular fishing spots around the Dingle Peninsula both for costal fishing and for those wishing to rent out vessels. Click here for more information.
Golf
The Dingle Golf Club is the most westerly course in Europe. Its stunning design incorporates elements of the dramatic surrounding region and is known as a challenging links with interesting hazards. Click here more information.
Accommodation
Hotels.com have a series of special offers on accommodation in the town from 1-3 October.
Dingle Benners Hotel (***)
Located beside Dingle Harbour, the Dingle Benners Hotel is an intimate property with just 52 guestrooms. Guests can make use of the lounge area complete with an open fire or enjoy a hot whiskey in the hotel bar. Prices start from €114 per room per night.
The Old Anchor Inn (***)
Situated in the heart of Dingle village is the Old Anchor Inn, a quaint family run property. The Dingle Peninsula walking trail is just moments away offering breathtaking views of the bay. The hotel tavern serves some of Ireland’s finest seafood such as the famous Cromane Mussels, which are well worth a try. Prices start from €60 per room per night.
Gorman’s Clifftop House (***)
Positioned on the northwest of the peninsula, this hotel provides a truly relaxing stay for guests. The hotel restaurant serves a wide range of local specialties and bike hire is available from the hotel reception. Prices start from €120 per room per night.
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