The humble Killary mussel will take centre stage once again for the eleventh running of an event once voted Best Food Festival in Ireland by the acclaimed McKennas’ Guides.
The Connemara Mussel Festival has established itself as a must attend event in the west of Ireland – and this year’s event, from April 29 to May 1, sees a host of culinary delights in the beautiful village of Tullycross, Renvyle with the back drop of the Connemara Mountains.
“The 2016 festival programme has been designed with families, children, artisan producers and food enthusiasts alike in mind,” said chairperson Gerard Coyne.
“We have endeavoured to offer a diverse range of events with something for everyone and look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to scenic north-west Connemara,” he added.
Topping the liar Of attractions will be the food programme developed by the School of Culinary Arts at GMIT, with demonstrations from award winning chefs Jess Murphy of Kai Restaurant, Tim O’Sullivan of Renvyle House Hotel, Jonathan Keane of Ashford Castle and Michael O’Meara of Oscar’s Seafood Bistro who will also sign copies of his book “Seafood Gastronomy” which has been shortlisted for the “Best in the World Gourmand Cookbook Awards 2016”.
The students at GMIT will also showcase their skills with a seafood recipe competition.
Galway Bay FM’s morning star Neil Molloy and Connacht Tribune editor Dave O’Connell will vie for the title of Celebrity Chef – always a very entertaining competition.
Every bit as entertaining is the Amateur Chef competition, which is still open for entries if you fancy your chances at preparing a mouth-watering mussel dish.
One of the most popular events for children is the ‘Kids in The Kitchen’ workshops.
This year’s theme is ‘Sugar Crush’ and Failte Ireland Food Champion Jacinta Dalton, who is also a lecturer at College of Tourism & Arts at GMIT, alongside her colleague Cait Noone, head of GMIT’s College of Tourism and Arts, will focus on healthy treats and lunch-box snacks without the use of sugar.
This is a topic of conversation taking place around Ireland – so early booking is essential.
The weekend will also be choc-a-bloc with fun activities for all ages; including talks on beekeeping, organic gardening, Oscar Wilde’s Connemara Connections, artist William Evans’ watercolours of pre-famine time Connemara, local heritage as well as guided walks exploring the surrounding area.
In the evenings, there will be concerts by Sean Keane and Cois Claddagh Choir and the local pubs will offer traditional music, dancing and entertainment and much more!
For more information visit www.connemaramusselfestival.com
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