Kinsale, Co. Cork: Ireland’s foodie paradise. Fishy Fishy, Crackpots, The Bulman’s… There’s no shortage of renowned restaurants in this small fishing village, just 25 minutes from Cork City.
Starting Friday, there’s another great reason to visit Kinsale, with the 10th annual Kinsale Arts Festival kicking off. There’s a packed programme, including theatre, visual arts, music, comedy, various workshops, family events and food. Lots and lots of food. Some highlights:
- TV Dinners: A night of food inspired by classic TV shows, and promising interactive entertainment, short films and tasty treats (think Fresh Prince of Blini Air, Generation Game Sushi Conveyor Belt) – September 25-27, Long House Quay, 6.30pm, 90 mins, €42 including two glasses of wine
- The Breakfast Review: British writer Seb Emina – author of The Breakfast Bible, will be joined by food writer and journalist Joe McNamee for a morning of banter and brunch with a contemporary take on the Irish breakfast thrown in for good measure – September 20, The Black Pig Wine Bar & Cafe, 11.30am, 60 mins, €18
- The Domestic Godless Canaliculus Purgamentorum: This one is a bit nuts, but sounds wonderful. A series of dishes, afloat on rafts and boats, will drift along the canal for visitors to sample. The dishes offer “a nostalgic reminiscence of both the best and the worst of seaside holidays replete with humour and a sense of the absurd.” So, expect caviar toothpaste, jellyfish jellies, hot dogs transformed into baked beans. The Domestic Godless have performed throughout Ireland, with an anarchic disregard for current culinary trends. This show involves eating and tasting but is not a full meal. Unfortunately, special dietary requirements cannot be accommodated – O’Herlihy’s Townhouse, September 20-24, 7pm, 60 mins, €20
For the closing weekend, journalist Jim Carroll of The Irish Times returns with Banter, a weekend of chats and conversation about film, music and food. Kieran Murphy of Murphy’s Ice Cream, Sully of Cully & Sully fame, and an in-depth interview with chef Rory O’Connell about his work and views on Irish food and culture are among the highlights. I’ve never attended a dull Banter event, and these sessions look promising. Continue Reading →