Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Rayana Zapryanova

Flavours of Fingal Festival announces spectacular line up for foodies, farmers and families

A vibrant festival in Fingal will be coming to Donabate in July.

Attracting an average of 80,000 visitors every year, Flavours of Fingal is the flagship summer event hosted by Fingal County Council. This year, they're taking the action-packed show to Newbridge House and Gardens, Donabate on the first weekend of July in July 1 and July 2.

This year’s extravaganza combines the popular farming, equestrian, music and dancing showcases with new attractions including a circus tent, the Wellness Lawn, Dog agility competitions and Dublin ’s Coast and Fields Food Market.

Speaking at today’s announcement, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said; “The eagerly awaited Flavours of Fingal Festival is a real celebration of the region's rich culinary heritage and thriving farming community. It perfectly encapsulates the Fingal motto ‘Fluirse Talaimh is Mara’, rich in land and sea, reflecting the centuries of farming, and fishing the area is famous for.

Read more: Subway launch new dishes with chef inspired Series Menu

"We are delighted to be in a position to host this fantastic event again this year. From the farmer’s field to the food market to live music, show jumping, dancing and wellness; the festival promises to have something of interest for everyone”.

Highlights of the festival include:

Dublin’s Coast and Fields food market

Explore the bustling food market from Dublin’s Coast and Fields, brimming with stalls featuring an array of delicious, locally sourced produce. From freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to artisan cheeses, seafood and bread, visitors can sample and purchase an assortment of delectable treats.

Some of the local producers taking part include An Bacus Beag, Feisty Ferments, McNally Family Farm and Country Crest. Take a seat and watch cookery demonstrations with top local chefs, including Declan McManus of the King Sitric restaurant, Howth who will showcase the wonderful seafood caught around our coast.

Aoileann Ni O’Chinneide (aged 7) and her brother Culann (aged 5) at the Flavours of Fingal Festival (Marc O'Sullivan)

Family Fun Zone

The festival is a family-friendly event, with a dedicated Kids Zone offering engaging activities for children. Activities will include theatre and circus skills, arts and crafts, magicians, puppet shows and traditional games.

There is action and entertainment for children of all ages. But there is also a quiet zone for children and families who need a little space during a busy day out.

Wellness Lawn

A new addition to the festival this year is exercise and wellness for all ages. Join local expert instructors on the lawn for free Yoga, Pilates, DanceFit, family fun fitness and strength and conditioning classes.

Equestrian Showcase

Hosted by Fingal Harriers, professional Irish horse riders will compete in top competitions including the Mervue Amateur, speed classes, RDS Dublin Horse Show qualifiers and the Joe Duffy BMW National Grand Prix. Ringside seating will be available to cheer on the fantastic competitors.

Farmer’s Field

Hosted by the Fingal Farmers Group, this area will highlight the best of farm animals including cattle classes, sheepdog trials, alpacas, sheep and pigs. It’s not all animals and tractors though as instructor Patricia will be leading social dancing with lessons in Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Line Dancing.

Live Music and Entertainment

Enlivening the festival atmosphere, there will be live music performances in the Walled Garden and Front of House featuring local talent along with Irish and ballroom dancing.

The Horticulture Tent

Fingal Horticulture Society will host Flower and Gardening Demonstrations, 80 competition classes from flowers to vegetables to home baking, seed sowing, hanging basket and container gardening, plant propagation, and a series of workshops with expert gardeners.

Admission to the event is totally free and Fingal County Council are also offering a shuttle bus option to and from Balbriggan/Skerries, Rush/Lusk, Swords, Naul/Ballyboughal and Blanchardstown. The cost is €1.50 per person for a return ticket and under 16’s go free.

All tickets must be booked in advance. If you are travelling by car, pre-book your car parking ticket for the best value. Early bird car tickets are priced at €15.00 and €20.00 or €30.00 on the day.

For more information and to book your parking and shuttle bus tickets, visit the festival's website or follow them on social media for regular updates and announcements.

Read next:

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.