Taste the Island Buyers Guide 2020

Ireland’s Food and Drink Story Forget tired stereotypes of bacon and cabbage: unearth instead an ancient Irish food and drink culture that is being reimagined with extraordinary passion and originality by several generations of new and old chefs and creatives, producers and purveyors. Together they are forging what is – for now – one of the world’s best-kept gastronomic secrets. If travel is all about discovery, today’s visitors will uncover a renewed appreciation for the natural ingredients offered by Ireland’s lush landscape. This is matched by an ever-evolving cuisine, transforming outdated clichés into singular experiences that playfully challenge conceptions of modern and traditional.With its geographic centrality, mild climate, green credentials and newly confident chefs eagerly reclaiming their food heritage and proudly showcasing local fare, Ireland is fast becoming Europe’s next big food destination. Easily traversed yet remarkably varied in its breath-taking topography, Ireland’s diverse landscape gives true local flavour to regional gastronomic experiences. The Emerald Isle is witnessing an explosion of exciting immersive experiences for visitors looking to unlock authentic Irish culture, from charming countryside cafés to stellar Michelin-rated dining, humble gastropubs to small-batch breweries, verdant farmlands to terroir-inspired tours and trails. All along the Wild AtlanticWay it’s about the freshest seafood plucked straight from the purest waters. But it’s also about the men and women who mix age-old tradition with 21st-century techniques to bring it from tide to table and serve it just a few miles (or feet!) from where it’s been caught. Meet local seafood producers on their home turf, feast shoreside on native oyster, unwind over a steaming chowder and local craft brew – and experience a culinary road trip of a lifetime. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands boasts a wealth of small-scale independent food and drink producers and honest-to-goodness fare. Here, slow food is exemplified by innovative farmers, award- winning restaurants, creative cafés, eclectic markets and proud local festivals. At a time when provenance is key, restaurants that source produce from just beyond their doorstep are an easy find. In Ireland’s Ancient East , the cuisine is ancient, simple and profound. Rich green pastures in this temperate region yield the makings of dishes rich in Irish tradition, whether from the world’s best grass-fed beef or floury blaa bread hot from artisan bakeries. Savour a local whiskey and traditional music session fire-side in a country pub, step back in time for a feast of a dinner at a grand country house, and experience a true taste of Ireland’s living food culture. And then there’s Dublin , a city of villages, surrounded by mountains and sea, where a fresh wave of inspired chefs, baristas and innovators are taking their place on an international stage. Abuzz with new eateries and creative concepts, this is a capital city that spoils for choice. Graze through a bustling food market, chill over brunch of locally sourced fare, pay homage at the legendary Guinness Storehouse and leave with an unforgettable flavour of what makes contemporary Ireland tick. 2 I RELAND’ S FOOD AND DR INK STORY