Seafood in September this weekend in County Clare

Carrigaholt, in Co Clare, is one of the destination points on the Wild Atlantic Way and is a classic example of a traditional Irish fishing village. It is a perfect setting for a Celebration of Irish Seafood, on The Loop Head Peninsula. This beautiful location has been well recognised of late, winning the Irish Times Best Place to holiday last year and being named as finalist in Ireland's Foodietowns 2014.

Every September the village celebrates its long history with the sea, with this "Seafood in September" food festival. The festival began as a gathering of local people at the end of a busy summer season but has grown into something that attracts tourist’s interested in seafood and a friendly atmosphere.

Irish Food writers and publishers, John and Sally McKenna, will open the festival

This year their Special Guests for the festival are John and Sally McKenna of the McKenna Guides, they will spend the weekend with us and will take part in many of the events such as the guided food trail and launch the festival with a Shellfish and Craft Beer night in the award winning Long Dock Restaurant. Sally McKenna will be signing copies of her book "Extreme Greens" on the Sunday of the festival as part of the food and craft fair.

There is nothing like the thrill of catching your first couple of Mackerel

Friday 19th September: 

Evening Mackerel Trip with Luke Aston of Fishandstay.com – boat departing from Carrigaholt outside pier 6pm. Price €25pp - fishing equipment included. Trip weather dependent contact 0876367544. 

Cook Your own Catch in the Long Dock Restaurant – Bring in your catch after the trip and have it cooked and served with a choice of sides for only €10.

Festival Launch with John and Sally McKenna at 7pm followed by a Shellfish and Craft Beer party Price €30pp. Booking essential. Messy fun guaranteed. Crackers and bibs included.

Guided Foraging Walks on Saturday

Saturday 20th September: 

Guided Food Loopers Food Trail Meeting at Carrigaholt Outside Pier car park at 12am, come hungry. booking 0864099624, €25pp. Exploring the hidden gems which helped Loop Head to the finals of the Top 10 Foodie Towns in Ireland. Sample some tasty seafood treats at Sealyons Seafood and enjoy a filleting lesson from the experts. A trip to Brid Hettermans market garden Rahona roots. Tea and cake at Glencarrig Farmhouse bakery. Wild food foraging with the Long Way Round Guided walks.

Dolphinwatch Seafood Cruise – time to be confirmed. Dolphin and Nature Boat trip including delicious seafood supper served with a glass of wine. €60pp, €100 per couple. Booking essential contact 0659058156 Gala Seafood Buffet – arrive at the Long Dock to enjoy a bountiful display of fish and shellfish. The Gala buffet is always a fantastic event. Booking is essential 0659058106 Price €50pp (alternative menu available).


Sunday 21st September: 

Artisan Food and Craft Fair in Carrigaholt village 10am-4pm – Over 20 local stall holders will be attending with a range of locally produced crafts and delicious home made food. John and Sally McKenna will be signing copies of their books “Where to eat and stay on the Wild Atlantic Way” and “Extreme Greens – Understanding Seaweed".

Cooking Demonstrations and Talks 11am – 4pm 

Cooking demonstrations by members of Loop Head Food Circle throughout the day. Talks and demos include Local Seaweed and their uses, developing your Market Garden, Seafood Preparation and fish Filleting!

For more information see: www.facebook.com/seafoodinseptember and www.loophead.ie

Zack