The Burren Slow Food Festival returns this May 10th, celebrating an impressive 21 years as Ireland’s longest-running food festival and it will be launched by Darina Allen, former Slow Food Ireland President now Slow Food East Cork.
Set in the heart of The Burren, the event will once again take place at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna, bringing together food lovers, local producers, artists, and wellness practitioners for a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and sustainability.
Organised by Slow Food Clare and hosted in partnership with the Burren Ecotourism Network and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the festival shines a spotlight on the vital role small businesses play in sustaining the region’s economy, heritage, and way of life.
Visitors can expect a rich and diverse programme celebrating the best of the Burren. Local producers will showcase artisanal foods—from handcrafted cheeses and local honey to distilled spirits and freshly caught seafood—while sharing the stories behind their work. The festival will also feature an artisan farmers’ market, crafts, art, cookery demonstrations, and a range of wellness activities including yoga sessions.
A highlight of the weekend is the much-anticipated Burren Slow Food Banquet, taking place on the evening of Saturday, May 9th at the Burren Storehouse. Chef Peter Jackson and his team from the Roadside Tavern will present a carefully curated long table style meal celebrating locally sourced ingredients and the unique flavours of the region.
Celebrating Wellness Through Food
Festival organiser Birgitta Hedin Curtin highlighted the deep connection between food and well-being.
“The Burren region produces high-nutrition, small-batch foods grown in pristine limestone soil and Atlantic coastal waters. At the festival, visitors can meet the producers directly and learn about the origins and health benefits of their food.”
Carol Gleeson, Manager of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, emphasises the broader impact of supporting local producers.
“Supporting local food systems strengthens our economy while promoting healthier lifestyles. It reduces food miles, ensures freshness, encourages seasonal eating, and contributes to food security. This festival plays a key role in inspiring both producers and consumers,” she said.
The Burren’s food story stretches back centuries, with roots in the agricultural traditions of the 12th-century Cistercian monks of Corcomroe Abbey. Today, the region is home to a thriving food culture, with outstanding producers and restaurants continuing this legacy of excellence.
In addition to its culinary offerings, the festival will again feature wellness experiences, including yoga sessions hosted by Limestone Yoga. These sessions, along with activities such as walking and seaweed baths, reflect the festival’s holistic approach to well-being.
Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network, said: “This festival is a celebration of everything that makes the Burren special—its food, its people, and its landscape. It continues to grow as a platform that highlights not only exceptional produce but also the strong sense of community and sustainability that defines the region.”
The Burren Slow Food Festival invites visitors from near and far to experience a unique blend of food, arts, and wellness in one of Ireland’s most distinctive landscapes.
For more information and ticket bookings, click here.