Dining
Taste is all around you... so tantalize your taste buds! A holiday to the South East wouldn't be complete without sampling the region's fine food.
The counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford are home to some of the country's finest cuisine establishments.
With the mighty Atlantic washing our coastline, the region offers incredible seafood from the small pubs in seaside villages such as Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay, to the many larger, friendlier restaurants in the towns and cities across the region.
The South East is also renowned for its bounty of soft fruits in high summer and the early summer crops of peas, courgettes, asparagus and salad leaves.
Rich ripe strawberries take centre stage at special events held in the region each year, most notably the famous Wexford Strawberry Festival in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford - a county which is also famous for its potatoes!
Of course, when in Waterford, don't forget to try the great tasting blaa, a small bread roll unique to this county.
There are also many types of restaurants such as Thai, Chinese, Steakhouses, Italian, Indian and the more traditional restaurants where you can sample top quality Irish food.
Food festivals
To sample the best food and wine, combined with a great day out, why not visit one of our food festivals taking place this year.
Highlights include:
- Waterford Festival of Food – Food and wine tastings, lectures, demonstrations and open air food and craft market in Dungarvan.
- The Waterford Harvest Food Festival 11th -13th September.
- Savour Kilkenny Food Festival – Kilkenny’s food festival will serve up a feast of delights. It is a celebration of food from the local producer to the table.
Cookery Schools
Expert tuition, the best of ingredients and stacks of warm hospitality are features of the South East’s cookery schools.
- Ballyderrin Cookery School, Tullow, Co. Carlow Tel: 059 9152742.
The cookery school includes a series of day, weekend and evening courses to suit all tastes and abilities.
- Tasteworks Cookery School, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow Tel: 059 97 22786
Innovative cookery workshops and demonstration classes for adults and children, embracing the diversity of Irish cuisine.
- Tannery Cookery School, Church Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford Tel: 058 45420 www.tannery.ie
Paul Flynn and guest chefs will provide a wide range of courses from beginners to more advanced and adventurous cooks.
- Dunbrody House Cookery School, Arthurstown, Co. Wexford Tel: 051 389600 www.dunbrodyhouse.com
Under the care and guidance of Masterchef Kevin Dundon, Dunbrody Cookery School has been designed to cater for all levels of cooking, from budding enthusiasts to the experienced gourmet.
- Dunbrody Abbey Cookery Centre, Campile, Co. Wexford Tel: 051 388933 www.cookingireland.com
Small, long established, exclusive cookery school with accommodation. Courses available all year round.
- Phelim Byrne Cookery Academy, Wexford Town Tel: 053 9184995
With a variety of different themes, Phelim Byrne’s cookery courses offer classes to cover all tastes.
- The Country Cookery School, Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford Tel: 053 9130423.
This cookery school offers a complete cookery course that will enable you to cook for family and friends with ease and enjoyment.
Farmers’ Markets
Take in the atmosphere of our farmers’ markets, by browsing around and sampling the local and organic produce such as farmhouse cheeses, salmon, meats and a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables.
Carlow
Carlow Farmers Market Potato Market, Carlow. Saturday 9am - 2pm
Askea Country Market Askea Parish Centre. Friday 10am to 12 noon
Kilkenny
Kilkenny Farmers Market The Market Yard, Kilkenny. Thursday 9.30am - 2pm.
Tipperary
Cahir Farmers Market beside The Craft Granary. Saturday 9am - 1pm
Carrick-on-Suir Farmers Market Heritage Centre, Main St. Friday 10am - 2pm
Clonmel Farmers Market, Kickham Street. Saturday 10am - 2pm
Waterford
Ardkeen Artisan Market Ardkeen Shopping Centre Car Park. 2nd & 4th Sunday
Dunhill Farmers Market Parish Hall, Dunhill. Last Sun of month 11.30am - 2pm
Dungarvan Farmers Market The Square, Dungarvan. Thursday 9.30am - 2pm
Kilmacthomas Fridays 9.30am – 2pm
Lismore Farmers Market Blackwater Valley. June - October Sundays
Stradbally Community Market Stradbally. 1st Sat of month 10am - 12.30pm
Waterford Food & Craft Market George’s Street, Waterford. Saturday 10am - 2pm
Wexford
Gorey Farmers Market Esmonde St, Gorey. Saturday 9am – 2pm
Wexford Town Farmers Market Church Lane Carpark. Friday 9am – 2pm
New Ross Farmers Market Conduit Lane, New Ross. Saturday 9am – 2pm
Enniscorthy Farmers Market The Abbey Square Carpark. Saturday 9am – 2pm
For more information on food markets log on to:
www.bordbia.ie/aboutfood/farmersmarkets