Launching the Tralee Food Festival at the Island of Geese earlier this month were organisers John McCarthy, Ken Murphy, Mary McQuinn, Ken Tobin and Oliver Hurley. Photo by Dermot CreanTHERE’S just two days to go until Tralee Food Festival kicks off with loads of events going on over Saturday and Sunday.
The event promises a packed weekend of free entertainment, family fun and culinary excellence. For more information and the full programme of events visit https://traleefoodfestival.com/
A highlight of this year’s programme includes a lively cook-off featuring social media stars Doireann O’Connor and her father Charlie, taking place at 3pm on Sunday in the demo tent in the town square.
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Expect plenty of laughter, some questionable cooking and entertainment, with Chef Max Bagaglini keeping the action in check.
The festival also proudly hosts the Schools Cook-Off Competition on Saturday from 2pm, featuring teams from Presentation Tralee, Mercy Mounthawk, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí and Causeway Comprehensive, judged by comedian and múinteoir Julie Jay.
Families can enjoy a wide range of children’s activities throughout the weekend, including sensory workshops, a funfair, puppet shows, a Children’s Disco and a Calm & Creative Corner hosted by Kosycubs for children of all abilities.
The Music Generation people providing the tunes in the Abbey Car Park at last year’s Tralee Food Festival. The Abbey Car Park marquee returns this year. Photo by Dermot CreanStreet entertainment from Pots and Pans clowns will add to the festive atmosphere and Lee Strand’s Mighty Mikey Milk will also be around keeping children entertained.
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Music lovers can look forward to a diverse lineup of free live performances, from traditional Irish music to jazz, drumming and even salsa dancing workshops.
A special highlight is “Trad and Treats” with the Michael O’Brien Band, taking place on the Sound Bite Stage in the Abbey Car Park at 7pm on Saturday evening.
The Taste Trail, a key feature of the festival, invites visitors to sample a wide range of offerings from local restaurants and bars.
Supported by Cara Credit Union, Taste Trail tokens are available in bundles of five for €20 at The Tech Co. on Dominic Street (V92 XDR6), with participating venues offering tasting portions for one or two tokens.
This year’s festival will also shine a spotlight on the businesses that make Tralee’s food scene so special. Supported by Entára Group, three award categories will recognise excellence across the weekend: Best Restaurant, Best Stall/Vendor, and Best Shopfront.
A distinguished judging panel will be on hand throughout the weekend, including renowned chef Max Bagaglini of Convivium, Councillor Mikey Sheehy and multimedia presenter Jamie Ó Flannúra.
Judges will visit stalls, explore the Taste Trail, and assess shopfront displays, encouraging businesses to bring their creativity and showcase their best.
Food remains at the heart of the festival, with a bustling market featuring vendors offering everything from Texas BBQ to Asian and Latin street food, artisan coffees and whiskey tasting experiences.
Additional attractions include a vintage clothing market in McCaffrey’s Bar and a comedy taster from Ronan Grace.
In a community-focused initiative, all funds raised through recyclable cans and bottles collected in Re-Turn bins will be donated to Meals on Wheels Tralee.
