By Jonathan Magee
THE DONEGAL Festival of Food and Craft has already delivered two memorable days at Oakfield Park in Raphoe, but organisers have saved a treat for the Bank Holiday Monday – and there is still plenty of time to get along and enjoy it.
The festival is from 12pm to 6pm today, set against the stunning backdrop of the paddock in the upper gardens, extending down to the Allée in the lower gardens of Oakfield Park.
Enjoying the Festival of Food – Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn and his wife Sinead Ni Bhroin. Photos: Brian McDaid.
Donegal’s own Brian McDermott, whose cookbook ‘Brian McDermott’s Donegal Table’ was honoured as best in the world at the Gourmand Book Awards, is all set to give an engaging cookery demo at 3pm.
A natural host and a genuine advocate for local food culture, Brian brings warmth and familiarity to proceedings that no outside name could replicate.
Enjoying one of the cookery demonstrations on Saturday.
Celebrated chef, broadcaster and author Paula McIntyre takes the final slot for cookery demos today at 4pm, returning after rave reviews of her demonstrations last year.
Trained at Johnson and Wales University in America, Paula has led award-winning kitchens in Ireland and the UK and is a familiar face on TV and radio, including her BBC series Hamely Kitchen.
Known for her bold flavours, passion for local ingredients and down-to-earth charm, she champions seasonal Irish produce and contributes to food charities and local traditional food group ‘Slow Food NI’.
Her appearance alone makes today well worth the visit.
Katherine McGee, Johanna Boyle and Diane Adams at the Donegal Festival of Food on Saturday.
Vincent Mahon from Oysters restaurant is sure to give an engaging cookery demo at 12pm. With over 25 years’ experience in the kitchen and a graduate of Killybegs Catering College, Vincent is passionate about creating dishes that celebrate seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
The festival continues through the afternoon with Pater Campbell Catering at 1pm and the Nesbitt Arms Hotel from Ardara at 2pm.
Teresa Costello, Dolores Toner, Bernie Murphy and Ellen Tourish.
The festival finale at 5pm features a wine talk by Elaine Baxter, owner of The Counter Deli and a panel discussion.
Elaine’s journey began in 2015 working in the deli’s coffee bar, where, under the guidance of former owners Richard and Olivia Finney, her passion for coffee and wine flourished.
Artisan food and drink producers, craft stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities complete the picture.
If you haven’t made it along yet this weekend, today is your last chance – and it looks like a very good one.
Sharon, Zoe and Gregory McClean from Creeslough.