Flavours of Fingal, Dublin’s biggest and most vibrant county festival, is proud to announce the line-up for this year’s action-packed show in Newbridge House & Gardens, Donabate on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd 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’s extravaganza combines the popular farming, equestrian, music and dancing showcases with new attractions including a circus tent featuring performers from the Broken Theatre Company, 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 ‘Flúirse Talaimh is Mara’, rich in land and sea, reflecting the centuries of farming, and fishing the area is famous for. 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:
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. Traditional farming methods and techniques will be demonstrated alongside some of the most modern, state-of-the-art farm machinery. It’s not all animals and tractors, join our instructor Patricia for social dancing with lessons in Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Line Dancing!
The Horticulture Tent organised by Fingal Horticulture Society will host Flower & Gardening Demonstrations, 80 competition classes from flowers to vegetables to home baking, seed sowing, hanging basket & container gardening, plant propagation, and a series of workshops with expert gardeners including Christopher White, multiple medal winner at Chelsea Flower Show and Bloom.
Dublin’s Coast & Fields: Explore the bustling food market from Dublin’s Coast & 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 Bácús 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.
Family Fun Zone: The festival is a family-friendly event, with a dedicated Kids Zone, in partnership with Keelings, 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: another 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.
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.
John Quinlivan Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development of Fingal County Council added; “Sustainability is always a key consideration when it comes to large events like Flavours of Fingal. As part of our Sustainable Fingal campaign, we’re doing all we can to encourage people to use public transport, where possible. We are delighted to offer free admission to the event for visitors who arrive on foot, by bike, shuttle bus or on public transport. So don’t miss out. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating Fingal’s food and farming culture”.
In addition to free admission to the event, 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 www.flavoursoffingal.ie or follow us on social media for regular updates and announcements.