A taste of things to come - Donegal Food Festival

After the recent success of last week’s Taste of Donegal Food Festival, discussions are already underway for next year’s event. Over the three days of the festival it is estimated that 10,000 people visited the marquees that were erected on the pier in Donegal Town.  40 exhibitors offered visitors a taste of what they had to offer – from cheese to chocolate and cups to cookers there was something for everyone. Children were busy icing their buns at Sian Breslin’s cookery stand while Harvey’s Point treated everyone to their delicious crepes. Celebrity chefs Catherine Fulvio and  Clodagh McKenna were among the many that gave demonstrations and entertained the crowds with their culinary skills.

The festival, an initiative from the Tourism Action Group of Donegal Town Community Chamber,  began when some committee members came together in early 2009,  with the idea after visiting the Taste of Dublin Food Festival. Speaking afterwards, chairperson of the food committee Ernan McGettigan said “this is  another example of a community coming together and hosting a successful festival, I want to thank everyone who made the festival possible, the County Council and all their officials, our sponsors and exhibitors, all the volunteers who gave their services and time and everyone who kindly donated towards the cost of running the event” he added “I also acknowledge the thousands of people who visited the marquees over the three days, there was a buzz and a terrific atmosphere, a place where old and new friends met. We will build on the success of this years festival and look forward to organising the next one”.

Donegal Town and the surrounding area is home to some of the finest hotels, restaurants and food establishments in the country, a compliment  to the spectacular scenery. It is also emerging as a region with high quality Artisan Food Producers.  The festival encouraged support towards this sector in Donegal, sharing the ethos of good quality food produced locally which in turn supports the local economy.  The event showcased everything that is good about food and hospitality in this region and the aim was to put Donegal Town and the whole Northwest Area on the map as a Food Destination.