Embrace the season and nab your spot at one of these fabulous food events this month …
October 12: Mad Hatters Taste of Kinsale, Co Cork
This Saturday, don your maddest of hats and join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the March Hare at the Mad Hatter’s Taste of Kinsale for an escorted foodie walking tour, which takes you to the eleven member restaurants of Kinsale’s Good Food Circle. These restaurants will be preparing some delicious dishes, showcasing the immense culinary skills of the chefs of Kinsale. Each dish will be accompanied by some fine wines, beer and water, courtesy of the festival sponsors. www.kinsalegoodfoodcircle.ie
October 17: A Celebration of Burgundy wine at Ballymaloe House, Co Cork
Harriet Tindal of Tindal Wines will host an exclusive burgundy wine dinner prepared by executive chef, Dervilla O’Flynn, and her team. Harriet will regale diners with stories of her vineyard visits and her journey to becoming a Master of Wine, while guests enjoy dishes such as Rossmore oysters, Ballycotton catch of the day, Ballymaloe Farm pork and a Cork cheese board, finishing with dessert from the now world-famous trolley. Dinner tickets are €160 per person and overnight stays are €325 per person sharing. www.ballymaloe.ie
October 19: Irish African Food Festival, Co Meath
The Irish African Food Festival will take place from 1pm-6pm in Dunboyne. The festival strives to be a unique culinary event that showcases the best of both African and Irish food, music and entertainment. Entry is free. www.eventbrite.ie
The following day, Black Eats & Treats Dublin celebrates Black History Month, with free entry for children.
October 25-28: Savour Kilkenny Food Festival
This October bank holiday weekend, pack your bags and head straight to Kilkenny for the 16th annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival. The weekend’s festivities will include over 80 events, 24 cookery demos, 100 food stalls at Savour Market, and a range of talks and workshops for the whole family. Th’s year’s line up includes food celebs such as Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, James Kavanagh, William Murray, JP McMahon and Gary O’Hanlon, plus pumpkin picking and a teddy bear picnic for the small fry. On Saturday October 26, Rory O’Connell will join forces with past students and the head pastry chef at Ballymaloe House, JR Ryall, to create a delicious and convivial evening in the heart of Kilkenny. www.savourkilkenny.com
November 8: The Ranji Centenary Dinner at Ballynahinch Castle, Co Galway
On Friday, November 8, Ballynahinch Castle will be celebrating a special moment in its history with a culinary collaboration to mark 100 years since, Ranji, Prince of Cricketers as he was known, fell in love with Ballynahinch. A guest of the Irish government, Ranji stayed in Dublin before heading west to Ballynahinch for a private fishing holiday where, throughout his two-week stay, he fell in love with Connemara and its people. As a result, he made the impulse decision to purchase the house and estate. To mark the anniversary, chef Sunil Ghai of Pickle Restaurant will join forces with Ballynahinch Castle’s Danni Barry for a unique dining experience, bringing North Indian flavours to The Owenmore Restaurant. This is a residents only experience, prices start at €620 to include accommodation for two, dinner and wine pairings. www.ballynahinch-castle.com
See more: 5 Cosy Restaurants To Visit This October