THE DINGLE JOURNAL
Published 2 October 2026 by StayDingle. Event details checked against the organisers' 2026 information.
Planning a food weekend in Dingle? The main Dingle Food Festival runs on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026. Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, also brings producers and visitors to town, with its awards announced on Friday 2 October. Together, they make this a good weekend to leave room in your plans for tasting, browsing and meeting the people behind the food.
Here is how the events fit together, which parts visitors can enjoy and how to plan your stay. These are the 2026 dates; use the organisers' websites for future editions and any programme changes.
The volunteer-run, non-profit festival includes the Taste Trail, markets, workshops, children's activities and street entertainment. Its setting across town makes it well suited to exploring on foot. Start with the official programme and interactive Taste Map, then choose a few things you particularly want to try.
Our suggestion is to keep your route manageable. Pick an area, leave time between tastings and resist turning the day into a race to every stop. If you are travelling as a group, agree a meeting point before splitting up.
The official Taste Trail page explains the Taste Tickets used at participating trail venues and markets. It also links to ticket purchases and the map. Bring your own reusable bowl or plate, or use the festival's rental option; check the current arrangements when buying.
Online click-and-collect tickets are collected from the festival office at Saint Mary's Temperance Hall, Main Street, Dingle, V92 DV74. Check collection hours and prices through the official page before setting out. Individual workshops or other events may have separate booking requirements.
Blas na hÉireann is the Irish Food Awards, a competition for Irish food and drink judged through blind tasting. It is distinct from the town's Taste Trail. The awards and industry programme bring producers together, while designated public events give visitors a way to discover their products.
You do not need to be attending an awards ceremony to enjoy the public food programme. Look for the specific event's access and ticket information rather than assuming every Blas activity is open to everyone.
Eat Ireland in a Day welcomes visitors and locals to the Blas Village on Green Street, beside the church. It showcases food and drink from Blas finalists and winners. The organisers list these 2026 opening times:
The same page lists Meet the Makers sessions as free to attend, with tastings included. Check the current session programme before planning around a particular talk. This is a useful addition to a Taste Trail day, especially if you enjoy hearing how a product is made.
If your travel plans allow, arrive on Friday and use the afternoon to get your bearings. On Saturday, give the food events the main part of your day. Keep Sunday flexible for another visit to the markets or a quieter outing before you leave. This is a suggested itinerary, not an official event schedule.
Pack comfortable shoes, a waterproof layer, reusable tableware and a bag for purchases. Check allergens and dietary requirements with each vendor before ordering. Book any restaurant meal you particularly want, and follow local traffic and parking arrangements instead of assuming you can drive between festival stops.
When comparing Dingle accommodation, look at the walking route into town, bedroom layout and parking arrangements. A self-catering home gives you space to gather, make breakfast and bring food purchases back to enjoy later.
StayDingle has homes for two to ten guests. Explore our Dingle holiday homes and check your dates for live prices and availability. For a longer visit, combine the weekend with ideas from our things to do in Dingle guide. Staying beyond the event gives you room to enjoy the peninsula at a different pace.