West Cork’s Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival is returning on Saturday 15 June for another jam-packed gastronomic weekend.
The colourful streets come alive, as rows of tables line Pearse Street to create Clonakilty’s biggest outdoor dining experience, including live entertainment throughout the day.
The family-friendly food festival, now in its sixth year, is West Cork’s hottest meal ticket and will present another unforgettable feast, with seating for 600 people at a time.
Clonakilty’s award-winning restaurants and food producers and suppliers come together for one day a year in June to serve their seasonal dishes, for a wide range of tastes.
Served as street food, diners can choose two main dishes from multiple vendors, including anything from Indian curries to locally sourced seafood dishes.
The meals will then be topped off with a selection of wines and desserts.
Celebrity Guest Chef
The exciting weekend will include a special guest appearance by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon.
Known for his television appearances on shows such as Guerrilla Gourmet and Heat, he has cooked for the Queen, former presidents, and celebrities.
Dundon and his wife, Catherine, have managed Dunbrody Country House, in Wexford – which also houses the Dunbrody Cookery School – for over 25 years.
He will officially open the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival food tent ahead of the service, which kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 15 June.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Dundon said, “It’s a real pleasure to be a part of the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival this year.
“Clonakilty is a fabulous town, with great community spirit and a wealth of local food producers and restaurants, who will be involved in the cooking for the day.
“I’m very much looking forward to sampling the menu on offer and learning more about the culinary delights that Clonakilty and West Cork has to offer.”
‘Showcase The Wonderful Talents’
As the event celebrates its 30th year in business, managing director Diarmuid O’Sullivan said, “We are extremely excited to have Kevin Dundon with us on the day to celebrate the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Street Carnival.
“We hope to showcase the wonderful talents that Clonakilty has, shining a light on the town as a popular tourist destination, and as the country’s leading artisan food-producing region.
“We’d like to thank everyone who is involved in creating this fantastic event, from the volunteers to the talented chefs and restaurants who turn up to create a fine selection of dishes for the many diners who come out to enjoy this wonderful day in Clonakilty.”
Ticket holders will be treated to some of the region’s most-celebrated restaurateurs and food producers in Clonakilty, with dishes served from the Emmet Hotel, the Clonakilty Park Hotel, the Alley Garden Bistro, Oak Fire Pizza, and more.
Dishes will feature the finest local and seasonal produce, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Accompanying the al-fresco dining experience will be an array of entertainment, including carnival-style antics and live music.
There will also be a family fun zone – open from 11am – which includes face-painting, bouncy inflatables, giant games, and an enclosed play area for toddlers.
Attendees will be treated to music from headliners the Monks, as well as Ceomhltas, the Clonakilty Brass Band, the Water Gypsies, the Black Apple Bastards, and Andrew Whelton, on various stages.
Book Early
As the Wild Atlantic Way celebrates its ten-year anniversary this year, Clonakilty is a renowned tourist destination in West Cork, and a go-to food destination, with the event celebrating the very best that the region has to offer.
With many of Ireland’s artisanal food producers based in Cork, some of the acclaimed names from the region include Irish Yogurts Clonakilty, the Clonakilty Food Company, Shannon Vale Foods, and more.
Food will be served at the event from 3pm to 5pm, with diners encouraged to pre-book at www.clonakilty.ie.
Dinner tickets – €20 for adults and €10 for children – can be purchased online or at O’Donovan’s Hotel, Fuchsia Footwear, and Kerr’s Bookshop in Clonakilty.
Last servings are expected at 5pm, or when all the food runs out, so attend early, to avoid disappointment.
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