The 15th edition of Dublin’s ultimate food festival is taking place in the Iveagh Gardens from September 1^st to 5^th 2021

Hoping to rectify nearly a year and a half worth of soggy banana bread and stricken cinnamon buns, Taste of Dublin is returning this year. Held in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens from September 1st to 5th, the festival will be hosting some of the countries greatest culinary talent and serving up some of their fares. Obviously attending a festival now, can throw up a lot of questions, so we have collated some of the top queries and answered them as best we could:

What is it?

Taste of Dublin is first and foremost a food festival. It has everything that a “traditional” festival has, live performances, stalls and food trucks. It’s got a lineup of the countries best chefs doing a range of interactive and participatory experiences, with some established and rising establishments serving their top dishes, alongside an artisan producer market.

How does it work?

Attendees are required to buy their tickets in groupings, so a “pod” will be made up of either four or six people. Each pod will have a designated picnic table for seating but will be allowed to move around and attend live demonstrations, shop and buy food and drink.

What are the highlights?

Catching up and coming food from trucks will be pretty exciting, the likes of Bahay run by Riggs Castillo who serves up some outstanding Filipino fare, and Daniel Hannigan’s newest venture Naughty Neighbour, whose food truck debut will be at Taste. The chef line-up is made up of more women than ever, with almost 50% females from all over the country, the likes of Jess Murphy (from Kai Galway), pastry extraordinaires Aoife Noonan and Gráinne Mullins, Holly Dalton and Rachel Allen will all be in attendance.

Can I go on my own?

There are no single admission tickets available, only group tickets available in groups of four or six.

How long is it on for?

There will be 12 sessions over five days from September 1^st to 5^th

Is it different from other years?

In light of Covid a number of new safety measures have been introduced, including the introduction of designated seating and buying tickets in pods. The number of attendees has also been reduced in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid.

Where is it?

It’s on in Dublin 2’s Iveagh Gardens, which can be accessed through the Upper Hatch Street entrance.

How much is it?

Tickets are priced from €20 per person (excluding booking fee)

Are there still tickets?

While some of the slots have sold out, there are still tickets available. Check the Taste of Dublin booking website for more information.

Is my ticket from Taste 2020 still valid for this year?

All tickets from June 2020 will be honoured for the rescheduled dates. For questions on ticketing email info@equinoxevents.ie.

Who will be doing the live demonstrations?

The cookalongs will be hosted by Eric Matthews (former head chef at Chapter One) and chef Trisha Lewis. Rachel Allen will be opening the event on Wednesday, September 1, Jess Murphy of Kai Galway do her thing on Friday, September 3 at 1.30pm and JP McMahon will be cooking up a storm on Sunday September 5.

What food will be there?

Some of the countries top restaurants and food trucks will be in attendance. Some OGs like Pickle, King Sitric and The Port House, alongside some exciting new food establishments like Bahay, Los Chicanos Tacos and the Naughty Neighbour by Daniel Hannigan.

Any drinks on the go?

There will be cocktails from Schweppes, cans of Topo Chico and beer from The Hop House in one of their pub-like snugs.

What stalls will be there?

There will be some artisan stalls at taste where you can bag some nice epicure wares, from the likes of Craft Cocktails, Hot Chip Dublin, Clinton’s Artisan Crisps, Mude Drinks, Kinsale Mead and Pembrooke Wines.

Will there be any entertainment?

There will be music from Spring Break, The Swing Cats, Qween, chats from Culture Vultures and then some bite-sized theatre from Gaiety School of Acting.

What if you want to go but be a bit extra?

There is the option to upgrade your ticket to a Fercullen Irish Whiskey VIP Garden experience, there is also a Just Eat Waiter service which serves you a dish of your choice from one of the Taste restaurants. 

Is the food free?

There will be free tastings from the artisan producers, but the prices at the restaurants will vary. Some will be offering their signature dishes for €6 and others may charge up to €10.

Will there be vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options?

Organisers have said “People with special dietary requirements will be catered where possible. Our festival guide and website have a full list of dishes available at the event with allergens listed and vegetarian/vegan options highlighted. If unsure please check with the restaurant in question who will be more than happy to assist you.”

What are the covid rules?

Ticketholders must show proof of either “EU Digital Covid Certificate as Proof of Vaccination or Natural Immunity” before entry. Over 18s are required to wear a mask when they are outside of their pod, when using the toilets, queuing for food and drinks, queuing to get in, masterclasses and out etc. Organisers are encouraging those who do not feel well to not attend, and those that do attend to use the hand sanitiser provided and not crowd other attendees.

What do you need to enter Taste of Dublin?

Either a EU Digital Covid Certificate as Proof of Vaccination or natural immunity, a photo ID and your ticket.

Is it covered?

While there are some canopies and umbrellas, Taste of Dublin is mostly uncovered.

Is there wheelchair access?

The Iveagh Gardens are fully accessible, however, organisers have said that “it’s a garden setting so visitors will be walking on gravel paths and grass. There is no parking and the nearest public car park is St Stephens Green. However, if you have a badge for parking, there is wheelchair spaces right beside Clonmel Street, which is off Harcourt Street.” Disabled visitors are entitled to free entry for a carer.

Tickets starting at €20 (ex booking fee) are available from the Taste of Dublin website.

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