- The Ballybunion Bean Festival is taking place on 22-23 August 2026 in County Kerry
- The event celebrates beans, food production, biodiversity, and climate action
- Activities take place at The Barna Way wildlife sanctuary and in Ballybunion town
- Workshops cover seed saving, soil health, plant-based nutrition, and sustainable food
- The festival supports local businesses and community-led sustainability initiatives
The annual Ballybunion Bean Festival is underway this weekend from Saturday 22 August to Sunday 23 August 2026, celebrating beans, local food production, community engagement, and climate action in County Kerry. The festival explores themes including soil protection, biodiversity, seed saving, nutrition, and plant-based food through a programme of workshops, talks, and community activities. Local artists, performers, growers, chefs, and community members have contributed to the event, which takes place at The Barna Way wildlife sanctuary and organic farm just outside Ballybunion, as well as in the town itself.
The festival programme includes guided walks through The Barna Way’s organic farm and wildlife sanctuary, showcasing local food production methods and regenerative agricultural practices. Chefs are conducting cooking demonstrations featuring bean-based dishes and locally sourced ingredients, while workshops on seed saving, soil health, and biodiversity conservation form part of the educational programme. The event highlights Ballybunion’s connection to the local food movement and its commitment to sustainable community development.
Climate action features prominently in the festival’s programming, with discussions on plant-based nutrition, food miles, and sustainable food systems integrated into the schedule. The festival supports local businesses through food stalls, craft markets, and community gatherings in Ballybunion town centre. The event complements Kerry’s broader tourism offering, attracting visitors interested in food, sustainability, and community-led initiatives.
Aoife Ní Mhurchú, a festival organiser, shared: “The Ballybunion Bean Festival brings together growers, chefs, artists, and community members to explore the role of beans in sustainable food systems and celebrate our local food heritage.”
