The Burren Slow Food Festival returns this May 11th, marking its milestone 20th anniversary with the theme “Taste the Atlantic.”
Organized by Slow Food Clare, Ireland’s longest-running food festival will once again take place at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna. The event is hosted by the Burren Ecotourism Network and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, bringing together food enthusiasts, producers, and wellness advocates for a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Visitors can look forward to a diverse array of artisanal delights, with local producers showcasing their high-quality offerings and sharing the stories behind their creations. From handcrafted cheeses and local honey to distilled spirits and freshly caught seafood, the festival highlights the best of the Burren region. Additional attractions include an artisan farmers’ market, crafts, cookery demonstrations, and yoga sessions.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events, the Burren Slow Food Banquet, will be held on the evening of Saturday, May 10th, at the Burren Storehouse. Chef Peter Jackson and his team from the Roadside Tavern will craft a spectacular three-course meal featuring locally sourced ingredients, offering guests a true taste of the region’s bounty.
Festival organiser Birgitta Hedin Curtin emphasises the vital link between food and well-being: “An essential part of wellness is the food we eat. The Burren region produces high-nutrition, small-batch foods grown in pristine limestone soil and Atlantic coastal waters. Many of these products will be available directly from the producers at the festival, who can share their knowledge about the origins and health benefits of their food.”
A prime example of this commitment to sustainability and nutrition is GEOfood, an initiative launched at the festival in 2022. Now boasting 12 local producers, GEOfood is part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks initiative, promoting the environmental, economic, and health advantages of locally produced food.
Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, highlights the importance of supporting local food systems:
“Supporting local producers not only benefits the local economy but also promotes gut health, reduces food miles, guarantees freshness, encourages seasonal eating, and strengthens food security. Promoting this brand will inspire more producers to develop and grow, while encouraging local shops, markets, and restaurants to feature their products.”
A Rich Culinary Heritage
The Burren’s food story dates back centuries, to the 12th-century Cistercian monks of Corcomroe Abbey, who farmed the land. Today, the region is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting its continued excellence in food production and gastronomy.
A Focus on Wellness
This year’s festival will also feature yoga sessions hosted by Limestone Yoga in the festival marquee. Attendees can experience the health benefits of yoga through nine sessions running throughout the day.
A Collaborative Celebration
Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with Slow Food Clare:
“The Burren is renowned for its exceptional food and its wealth of wellness activities. This festival is a fantastic platform to showcase the region’s food producers and hospitality businesses. Over the past three years, the event has expanded to highlight wellness offerings such as walking, surfing, cycling, seaweed baths, and yoga—reinforcing the connection between food and well-being.”
For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.slowfoodclare.com.
The Burren Slow Food Festival was founded over 20 years ago by Slow Food Clare Convivium, led by Birgitta Hedin-Curtin of the Burren Smokehouse.
The Burren Ecotourism Network is a collective of tourism enterprises committed to establishing the Burren as a leading sustainable tourism destination. The network ensures the economic and social growth of its communities while preserving the region’s environment and heritage.