Now that we have consumed enough chocolate to feed a small island (Innisfree is relatively compact), we’re waving farewell to Easter and biding our time until the next bank holiday weekend. Thankfully, May is only a short spell away, so open that Google Calendar and slot dates in the diary before someone tries to drag you on another foggy hike. Next month is all about markets, wine fairs, and a congress dedicated to celebrating the humble potato.
1) The Hen's Teeth Monthly Market, Dublin 8
In typical Hen’s Teeth fashion, their monthly market pairs the best in material culture with great food and wine. Treat yourself to that Pearl Reddington geansaí you’ve been ogling over and tuck into food by the killer kitchen team, plus an Irish Craft Cocktail or two. BLK Dog Bakery will also be in-store to ensure that your pup is well-fed, which is always a plus in a dog-friendly diner.
When? Saturday 30th April & Sunday 1st May, 12:00 - 18:00
Where? Hen’s Teeth, Blackpitts, Dublin 8
How much? Free
2) Bahay at Hen's Teeth, Dublin 8
And in even more Hen's Teeth related news, Filipino street food providers Bahay, who finished their pop up at The Glimmerman last month, are coming to the Dublin 8 diner on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May. Commended by Katy McGuinness as “ones to watch” in 2022, the mobile operation run by Richie Castillo and Alex O’Neill, is guaranteed to fill up.
When? Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th May, 12:00 - 17:00
Where? Hen’s Teeth, Blackpitts, Dublin 8
Menu? TBC
3) The Eatyard Monthly Market, Dublin 9
The Eatyard programme is jam-packed with events from weekly bingo on Fridays to Drag Brunch on Sundays, but their monthly market is our highlight. The next one features a variety of makers and vendors selling everything from vinyl to freshly-made pasta.
When? Sunday 1st May, 12:00 - 17:00
Where? The Bernard Shaw, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
How much? Free
4) Stillgarden Gin Tasting, Dublin 8
Dublin 8 has become the unofficial home of Irish spirits and beer. The original Power’s Distillery reclaimed its roots at the National College of Art and Design’s Red Square, one of Ireland’s biggest tourist attractions, Guinness, is a stone’s throw away, and Teelings and Roe & Co have also made it their home. In 2020 the Stillgarden Distillery joined the crew, and you can sample some of their concoctions at their next gin tasting on Sunday 8th May.
When? Sunday 8th May, 15:00 - 16:00
Where? Stillgarden Distillery, Dublin 8
How much? €55 (+ €4.58 booking fee)
5) Fermentation Workshop: Kimchi & Kefir, Glenageary
Researchers have uncovered an abundance of information on the benefits of friendly gut bacteria in maintaining a healthy digestive system and mind - try chicory root for prebiotics and kimchi and kefir for probiotics. Learn to make kimchi and sample homemade kefir at Helen Cassidy’s Fermentation Workshop - your gut microbes will thank you.
When? Saturday 14th May, 11:00 - 12:30
Where? Foodhugs Kitchen, Glenageary, Co. Dublin
How much? €48
6) Grow Your Own Gourmet Veg, Dublin 9
Today's youth claim to be on a quest toward culinary transparency, but nothing is more local or sustainable than growing your own produce. Learn how to Grow Your Own Gourmet Grub, from the essentials of crop rotations to tips for staving off pesky pests in the National Botanic Gardens, and bonus - it's one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit.
When? Saturday 14th May 2022, 11:30 – 13:00
Where? National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Dublin 9
How much? €50
7) Taste and Listen with Crash and Imbibe Coffee, Dublin 8
Crash Ensemble and Imbibe Coffee Roasters are collaborating on an event curated as part of Music Town 2022, exploring the parallels between the aural and the oral. Imbibe will host a cupping demonstration in their roastery, while Crash will perform a live soundtrack inspired by contemporary Irish music.
When? Sunday 11th May, 11:00 - 12:30 & 13:00 - 14:30
Where? The Millennium Centre, Dublin 8
How much? €20
8) Vins de Copain, Note
They say that good things come in threes, and Le Caveau, Veraison and Brian’s Wines are a trinity of independent wine importers proving this theory. Their Vins de Copains pop-up is happening in Note in Dublin, The Universal in Galway, and L’Atitude 51 in Cork, with an evening of food served with 36 natural wines - 12 from each importer. Contact hello@notedublin.com to reserve your space.
When? Monday 16th May, 17:00 - 19:00
Where? Note, Fenian Street, Dublin 2
How much? €20
9) Foraging, Wild Food & Herbal Extractions Workshop, Dublin 9
The forests and parks are dappled with vibrant florals and fruit now that spring has finally sprung, and 'Wild Síog'’s next Foraging, Wild Foods and Herbal Extractions workshop provides the skills required to put the wild flora to use. Learn basic foraging skills, and how to make tonics, honey and cosmetics from wild herbs, hips and berries, in her three-hour workshop.
When? Saturday 21st May, 10:00 - 13:00
Where? The Rediscovery Centre, Ballymun, Dublin 9
How much? €45
10) A Taste Of Sicily Cooking Class, Dublin 2
If the scenes of chaos at Dublin airport are deterring you from international travel - for now at least - then stay local and book a space at Pinocchio’s Italian School of Cooking. Classes range from pizza and calzone-making to A Taste of Sicily - AKA the home of cannoli and the source of some of the best Italian citrus dishes around.
When? Saturday 21st May, 14:00 - 16:30
Where? Italian School of Cooking, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
How much? €60
11) Czech Wine Tasting, Dublin 8
The Embassy of the Czech Republic is spearheading a movement to highlight the country's breadth and diversity of wines. While places like Prague are typically affiliated with Pilsner, many Czech regions are home to low-intervention wineries, including Moravian Milan Nestarec. Learn more about Czech Wine at their free upcoming wine tasting in The Radisson on Golden Lane.
When? Monday 30th May, 12:00 - 19:00
Where? Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8
How much? Free
12) Dublin Gastronomy Symposium, TU Dublin, Dublin 7
Similar to the way in which food assimilates through our bodies, recipes and ingredients migrate across the globe bringing exotic cuisines to new places. This year, the Dublin Gastronomy Symposium returns with a two-day conference and gala focused on the theme of Food and Movement, and you can watch online or attend talks in person. Register for the symposium here.
When? Tuesday 31st May - Wednesday 1st June, 09:00 - 18:00
Where? TU Dublin, Grangegorman, Dublin 7
How much? Tickets start at €30 for online access, €230 for regular attendees, and an additional €110 for the gala dinner.
13) Oldbridge Floral & Food Fair, Meath
Situated on the grounds of Oldbridge, where the Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690, is the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and the historic space that will host the next Oldbridge Floral and Food Fair. Chef Lu Thornely will lead an Indian Street Food cooking demonstration, while Rosemary Mulchrone will showcase seasonal florals in a floristry workshop.
When? Sunday 29th May, 11:00 - 16:00
Where? Oldbridge, Co. Meath
How much? Free
14) The Bective Seafood Festival, Meath
The Bective Restaurant in Meath will host a three-day seafood festival as part of the 2022 Boyne Valley Food Series. Expect a medley of Dover sole, lobster, oysters, bream, and hake with a curated wine pairing - the perfect way to escape from Dublin for the long weekend.
When? Friday 29th April & Saturday 30th April from 17:00, Sunday 1st May from 15:00
Where? The Bective Restaurant, Kells, Co. Meath
How much? Pay as you eat/drink
15) The World Potato Congress, RDS
Just when we thought Ireland had reached a culinary awakening, the World Potato Congress comes back to haunt us. Now in its eleventh year, the congress dedicated to the starchy spud, will feature some of our favourites, from Tayto Snacks to Keogh’s crisps, and is in reality an extremely niche event that will only appeal to people in the biz. Ticket prices vary and can be booked here.
When? Monday 30th May - Wednesday 1st June, from 15:30 - 17:45 on Monday and 09:00 - 18:15 on Tuesday & Wednesday
Where? The RDS, Dublin 4
How much? Tickets range from €450 for early bird for students to €790 total price
Our eyes are firmly fixated on Scéal Bakery’s Sweet Pastry workshop and Sarah from the Cake Café’s Baking Classes. Unfortunately, both are fully booked but keep an eye on their social media and newsletters for upcoming openings.
