The Ballymaloe Festival of Food Line-Up Has Us Absolutely Buzzing
The Ballymaloe Festival of Food Line-Up Has Us Absolutely Buzzing
Words: Hannah Lemass
The Ballymaloe Festival of Food sponsored by Kerrygold is back this May, returning to the stunning surroundings of Ballymaloe House in Cork.
Ballymaloe and Kerrygold are both icons of the Irish food landscape, so their collaboration is a perfect match. From Kerrygold’s family-run farms raising the grass fed cows that produce some of the world’s finest butter, to the dishes crafted in the renowned Ballymaloe kitchens, every part of the culinary journey tells a story and its one rooted in tradition, care and respect for the land. It all comes together at the Ballymaloe Festival of Food sponsored by Kerrygold. United by a legacy of trust, quality, and a shared commitment to Irish produce, it’s about more than just tasty grub. It will be an exploration into the values and vision that have shaped our food culture.
Running from the 16th to the 18th of May, this three-day celebration sees Kerrygold guiding foodies through a weekend packed with flavour, conversation, and creativity. The programme is full of experiences to savour: hands-on cookery demonstrations, thought-provoking talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and one-of-a-kind pop-up dining events.
Kerrygold is a global success story which exemplifies why Irish farming is so special. One event at the fest that delves into this is a live recording of Radio Cherry Bombe, the acclaimed podcast celebrating women in food, hosted by Kerry Diamond. Here, Kerry will be connecting with Kerrygold dairy farmers and exploring the new generation’s approach to Irish agriculture and Kerrygold’s Irish grass-fed cows.
Food enthusiasts will find plenty to dig into at the Kerrygold Butter Club stage, where panel discussions feature an impressive line-up of culinary talent. Guests include private chef and content creator Olivia Tiedemann; Thomasina Miers, co-founder of Wahaca and former MasterChef winner; food broadcaster Tim Hayward; and presenter George Lamb. And of course, the woman of the hour, Darina Allen, will be hosting the much-anticipated Butter Disco on Sunday alongside Marcus O’Laoire on the decks for a joyful morning of dancing and butter shaking.
On Saturday, cocktail expert Oisín Davis, will be mixing up bespoke Kerrygold cocktails. Expect well-balanced, inventive drinks with a rich and buttery twist.
Another highlight will happen on Sunday when Italian artist Alessandro Giannì presents an immersive art installation that explores the sensory beauty of food while paying tribute to Kerrygold’s heritage.
Unmissable Dining Experiences and Tasty Highlights
One of the biggest draws of the weekend is the series of dining experiences. Friday night kicks off with two distinctive options: a dinner with award-winning Irish chef Mark Moriarty, known for his innovative modern Irish cuisine, or a feast from chef Fadi Kattan, a passionate ambassador for Palestinian food culture.
Saturday brings a wide-ranging menu of events, including a dinner from the team behind Kinneuchar Inn, a gastro-pub known as one of Scotland’s best restaurants, or Irish favourites Conor Spacey, Erica Drum, and Barrie Quinn.
On Sunday, festival-goers can choose between a laid-back lunch with Paul Flynn of The Tannery or Jeremy Lee of Quo Vadis, or opt for a more delicate affair with a charming afternoon tea in the Walled Garden.
Of course, you don’t need to book a sit-down meal to enjoy great food. A variety of food trucks will be on hand throughout the weekend, serving everything from quick bites to full-on meals, along with plenty of produce and products to take home.
Tickets
Friday: €20
Saturday: €25
Sunday: €25
Weekend pass: €65
Children under 12 go free
Your ticket includes access to all cooking demonstrations, Drinks Theatre talks, and most guided tours. Some workshops and special events may require separate booking. Dining experiences are add-ons and range in price from €30 to €130.
