Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media
“FOOD tells a powerful story of the region, connects locals and visitors alike with the culture and the history of the area, and lies at the heart of truly memorable experiences.”
More than 30 members of the Food Tourism Development Network – comprised of Fáilte Ireland ‘Food Champions’ from across Ireland – are meeting with Fáilte Ireland in Limerick to discuss the road ahead for food tourism in the country.
The meeting will look at findings and insights in food tourism development and outline a future vision for the development of Food in Tourism in Ireland in the coming years. Fáilte Ireland Food Champion’s will also present a progress update on the new food tourism initiatives being undertaken by them as part of their Food Champion role.
The group are comprised of dedicated people who work with their local community to help build Ireland’s food tourism reputation. The Champions were chosen for their resounding passion and belief in Irish food, together with a commitment and drive to actively influence and shape the future of Irish cuisine and food tourism in their area.
John Mulcahy Head of Food Tourism with Fáilte Irelands said; “As we enter into the second year of the Food Champion cycle, with a number of innovative food projects delivered and underway, and a lot of energy on the ground, this network is going from strength to strength with all focused on realising Ireland’s immense food potential.
Food is now an essential part of the overall visitor experience to Ireland, impacting destination choice, so it’s important that when visitors arrive they receive a quality food experience that is representative of place throughout their stay. With visitors to Ireland spending some €2billion on food every year, it is our job in the tourism industry to ensure we put our best ingredients and flavours on the plate when it comes to giving visitors the experiences they want.”
Limerick Strand head chef Tom Flavin, is joined by fellow food champions;
Olivia Duff (Meath) – Boyne Valley Banquet at the Oxford Symposium of Food & Cookery
Jacinta Dalton (Galway) – The People’s Picnic at Electric Picnic
Claire Dalton (Waterford) – Food – The Waterford Way
Gearoid Lynch (Cavan) – Cavan Food Forum
Ruth Healy (Cork) – Cork Character Cafes
Seaneen Sullivan (Dublin) – Dublin Spirit Trail
Mark Murphy (Kerry) – “An Bord Fada” Wild Atlantic Way Long Table
Kevin Ahern (Cork) – Feast – East Corks Food & Drink Festival
Brid Torrades (Sligo) – The Wild Atlantic Salmon Route
Ketty Elizabeth (Dublin) – Howth Food Tour
Padraic Óg Gallagher (Dublin) – Brews & Stews
Chris Molloy (Donegal) – Tasting Menu of Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way
The role of a Food Tourism Development Network is to help spread the vision and values of Irish Food Tourism and the brand experiences among customers, media, food and tourism businesses, and other stakeholders. They will assist in mobilising local food and tourism businesses to help grow awareness of the importance of Food Tourism as a driver of economic growth.
