More details have been revealed of the Taste of Sligo Food Festival, taking place on September 21st and 22nd, 2024 at Queen Maeve Square in Sligo town, the brainchild of food guru Anthony Gray and aims to showcase the rich food culture and tourism in Sligo.
The festival will feature top chefs and food producers, cookery demonstrations, al fresco dining, live music, artisan food stalls, and food trucks, all competing for attention in the new civic space of Queen Maeve Square.
Professional cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs such as Kevin Dundon and Gary O’Hanlon, as well as local stars, will be a highlight of the festival, offering a diverse range of dishes from tapas to Malaysian specialties.
Live musical entertainment will create a lively atmosphere throughout the festival, expected to attract a mix of locals, businesses, and visitors, with festival tickets available for purchase through Eventbrite at a cost of €10 per day or €15 for both days. Under-12s receive free admission with an adult. Participants include:
- Rafal Chimiak: Head Chef at Éala Bhan with numerous accolades for culinary excellence and taking the restaurant to new heights with his flair.
- Tracie Daly: Award-winning entrepreneur, qualified executive business coach, and chef who acts as an MC for top Irish food festivals and events.
- Kevin Dundon: Chef/Proprietor of Dunbrody Country House Hotel & Restaurant, a renowned chef promoting locally-sourced indigenous produce and engaging with communities through food.
- Alan Fitzmaurice: Executive Chef at The Glasshouse, Sligo, with a successful career in culinary competitions, chocolate making, and promoting local produce.
- Shamzuri Hanifa: Multi-award winning chef, owner of multiple restaurants, and proud promoter of modern Irish cooking with Asian influences using local artisan producers.
- Frankie Mallon: Owner of An Port Mór in Westport, with a background in Michelin-starred restaurants and a strong focus on Irish and Mayo-sourced ingredients.
- Gary O’Hanlon: Award-winning chef and Executive Head Chef at The K Club, with a wealth of culinary experience and a focus on locally sourced produce.
- Prannie Rhatigan: Medical doctor with expertise in sea vegetables, organic cooking, and gardening, advocating for the connections between food and health through workshops and lectures.
- Shane Smith: Award-winning Pastry Chef and creator of an Online Cookery School, dedicated to educating and guiding the next generation of pastry chefs and home bakers.
- Rebecca Sweeney: Head Chef of Hooked Restaurant in Sligo, passionate about using local and artisanal produce and advocating for Positive Kitchen environments.
