- Filming for the RTÉ documentary took place at Ballymaloe House Hotel in August 2026 during the 40th-anniversary celebration
- Myrtle Allen established the Irish chapter of Euro-Toques in 1986 with three co-founders
- The documentary explores the organisation’s role in shifting Irish food culture toward local sourcing
- Camera crews captured the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards for the programme
- Another Avenue is producing the documentary in collaboration with RTÉ
An upcoming RTÉ television documentary has been filmed in collaboration with Another Avenue to explore the history, key people and legacy of Euro-Toques Ireland over the last 40 years. The special programme is slated to broadcast on RTÉ and will celebrate four decades of the organisation’s influence on Irish food culture.
The Irish chapter was established in 1986 by iconic chef Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House, who joined forces with co-founders John Howard, Declan Ryan and Gerry Galvin. In August 2026, chefs, producers and current chair Conor Halpenny returned to Ballymaloe House Hotel to film centrepiece moments for the documentary during the official 40th-anniversary celebration. The camera crews also captured the Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards, spotlighting traditional craft skills, local millers and regenerative farming.
The organisation continues to protect Irish food culture, support artisan producers and nurture young culinary talent. The documentary chronicles how the group shifted the national mindset toward local sourcing and honours pioneering leaders alongside the new generation driving the organisation forward.
Myrtle Allen shared “The vision for Euro-Toques Ireland was always about building bridges between those who grow food and those who cook it, and that connection remains as vital today as it did in 1986.”
Conor Halpenny shared “Returning to Ballymaloe for this anniversary filming felt like coming home to where our story truly began, and the documentary captures that spirit perfectly.”
