Festival of Tipperary Food Announced for Clonmel

An exciting festival of Tipperary food will take place in Clonmel on the last weekend in August.  Organised by the South Tipperary Heritage Forum and the Tipperary Food Producers Network, it is a celebration of Tipperary’s wonderful traditions of food production and farming plus a much needed showcase for the feast of local produce available.   The free family fun events will take place on Sunday August 30th in the heart of Clonmel with a ticketed Long Table Banquet launching the festival on Saturday evening, August 29th.

Chairperson of the Bord Bia Taste Council and renowned artisan food producer Peter Ward, a native of County Tipperary, has endorsed the event and is very much looking forward to it.  Peter told us, “I’m delighted about this initiative.  Any event that promotes Irish farm based or local artisan produce is to be welcomed.  We often don’t know what’s available on our own doorsteps and festivals like this highlight it in a way the whole family can get involved.”

The courtyard of the historic Kickham Barracks is the chosen venue for the Long Table Banquet and a real showstopper is promised.  An entire meal will be created using only locally produced meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables.  Last year’s Long Table Dinner in Cahir Castle was a huge culinary success that resulted in renewed national and international media interest in Tipperary food.  The 2009 menu is set to be even more tempting with the added bonus of after dinner entertainment and the unique military inspired backdrop. 

On Sunday August 30th the focus will be on Clonmel’s Main Guard and the narrow streets and lanes behind it.  Stroll amongst the food and drink stands and enjoy workshops and demonstrations associated with the traditional food and farming heritage of South Tipperary.  A mobile farm with live animals and a real town centre allotment with growing vegetables will form the centre piece at the Friary Car Park.  The much anticipated straw boys are lined up to provide entertainment on the street with plenty of child centred activities also.

Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers said, “This festival is really about bringing together the huge range of high quality food and other artisan products from Tipperary.   When you see them showcased together it’s very impressive.  I really hope it will create a renewed interest in local produce which is really positive for Clonmel and the entire County.  The event also has the potential to become an annual fixture with a possible tourism spin off”.

Tickets for The Long Table Banquet are available from: Chamber of Commerce Clonmel, Sarsfield St. Clonmel, James Whelan Butchers, Oakville Shopping Centre, Clonmel 052 6122927 and The Holycross Good Food, Holycross, Co. Tipperary  0504 43257, O'Dwyer's Butchers, Main St. Cashel, and Country Choice, 25 Kenyon St, Nenagh, 067 32596.