Over 40 food events in boyne valley series

The Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland, was the backdrop today for the launch of the 2015 Boyne Valley Food Series – a fitting setting for this innovative calendar of events throughout summer and early autumn weaving the region’s exciting food produce and cooking into its rich heritage.

Chefs, farmers and food producers gathered at the historic site today to celebrate all that this fertile river valley has to offer in terms of food produce and cooking. They were joined by John McKenna, author of the McKenna Food Guides, who launched this year’s programme of events.

Over 40 unique experience led food events will take place over a five-month period from May to September across almost 50 venues and locations throughout the Boyne Valley region, which stretches across counties Meath and Louth to the Eastern seaboard.This initiative, supported by Failte Ireland and Meath County Council, brings together almost 50 businesses working to create a food tourism offering based on visitor experience and quirky, authentic events rooted in the unique history and landscape of the area. The series will include foraging, farm walks, beer tastings and tapas trails, but also some more unusual events, such as a Mad Hatter’s Dinner Party, Braveheart Banquet and Gourmet Electric Bike Tour, and no less than six festivals.

“We are a group of businesses – restaurants, hoteliers, food producers and visitor attractions – who are passionate about food, keen to celebrate its journey from producer to the table, and to link it to the rich heritage of this region,' says chairperson of the group and Failte Ireland Food Champion Olivia Duff of the Headfort Arms Hotel and Maperath Farm.

“We have great farm produce and seafood, as well as incredible emerging artisan food producers and talented chefs, but what makes this series so special is the great bunch of like-minded people working together to tell our food story in a way that is fun and engaging.”

 John Mulcahy, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Hospitality, said: 'As overseas visitor numbers continue to grow, food tourism is becoming a very important component in the visitor experience with the amazing quality and authenticity of our food offering in Ireland. You’ll find some of the best raw ingredients in the world, expertly prepared then served simply and fresh… it’s as if you can really taste the place. I am delighted to see so many food businesses in the Boyne Valley showcasing their food offering in a collaborative way to promote the variety of food related events taking place in their region.”

The events kick-off May Bank Holiday weekend with Blossom walks in the orchards of Boyne Grove Farm, with apple juice and cider tasting with Dan Kelly’s cider, and from there you can munch and taste your way through the months ahead with events every week until the end of September.

So if you are heading to the Boyne Valley Region or just looking for something fun to do make sure you check out www.boynevalleyfoodseries.ie for the full calendar of events and map.