West Cork Food & Drink Fair 2011

Manning’s Emporium, Ballylickey – 18 & 19 June

The West Cork Food and Drink Fair made a welcome return this June after an absence of five years.

Sponsored by Bord Bia and Failte Ireland, there were over 40 fresh food, drink and craft producers on display, all presenting a wonderful selection of tastes and aromas. One of the main features was a vast range of Irish farmhouse cheeses, many of whose producers were present when the fair first started.

Guest of honour at the event was Peter Ward, owner of Country Choice and renowned promoter of artisan produce. Peter did a “back to basics” bread making demonstration on the Sunday afternoon. He was followed by Carmel Sommers of the award-winning Good Things Café and Cookery School for another cookery demonstration.

There was live entertainment throughout the weekend with Joe Thoma and his traditional band leading the line-up. The event was opened by the local pipe band marching from the Ouvane River to Mannings Emporium. There was also a food and drink quiz on Saturday afternoon with great prizes including a holiday in Portugal.