In the past, Ireland may not have been considered to be a foodie destination but in recent years we’ve been stepping up our game in the gourmet stakes. This year, Ireland is focusing on food and is delivering a veritable smorgasbord of foodie delights. Maybe it’s time you treated your MICE delegates to a trip full of terrific food experiences?


While still having a love for our famous traditional dishes such as boxty, soda bread and stew, a whole plethora of globally inspired cuisines have become part of our way of life. The rebirth of our nation’s taste buds has resulted in a vast array of tantalising temptations to the benefit of locals and visitors alike.


As part of Fáilte Ireland’s Taste the Island campaign to promote this growth in gastro gratification, there are over 600 food-related events happening throughout the country over the coming months. These events range from festivals to tasting events, walking tours to foraging classes and everything in between. The intention is to showcase the delicious food and drink produced and on offer in Ireland, along with the fun and hospitality our island is famous for.


If you have a MICE programme planned this autumn, don’t miss out on the opportunity to allow your guests the chance of sampling the fare on offer. Whether you build the Waterford Way Tapas Food Trail into your itinerary, or satisfy their sweet tooth at the Taste Tours in a Willy Wonka Edible Paradise, their tummies are sure to be thankful.

For a fun, interactive experience, delegates might enjoy discovering which seafood works best with Ireland’s most renowned beverage at the Guinness Storehouse Seafest. Adventurous souls will relish the opportunity to experience an Atlantic Sea Kayaking trip where they can work up an appetite for the artisan foods of Skibbereen.


All this delicious food might make your clients thirsty, so why not organise wine tasting in Wicklow, cider sampling in Slane or a brewery tour in Athlone. If they prefer not to drink alcohol, there is a mocktail masterclass at the Virgin Mary Alcohol-free pub in Dublin. From beer festivals to distillery tours, there are many beverage-inspired events and things to do in the country that exports pubs.
 
Take full advantage of the Taste the Island programme this autumn and send everyone back home satisfied, with a belly-full of tasty memories of a fantastic foodie time in Ireland! Contact the Meet in Ireland team today to find out how you can incorporate some of these events into your next MICE itinerary.