Handmade magic at Ballymaloe Craft Fair, back over two weekends, from 20th-22nd November and 27th-29th November

Ballymaloe Craft Fair is back over two weekends of handmade magic, from 20th-22nd November and 27th-29th November

The much-loved Ballymaloe Craft Fair is back this winter, bringing brightness, midwinter warmth, and a sparkling start to the Christmas season with two fabulous weekends of Irish craft, design, and food. From Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd November, and again from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November, the Grainstore at Ballymaloe will be transformed into Ireland’s largest and most joyful craft fair.

With more than 200 exhibitors across the two weekends, the line-up is refreshed between events, so each weekend feels almost like a brand-new festival. From ceramics, jewellery, art, and fashion to homeware, skincare, and seasonal decorations, every stall celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of Irish makers. It’s the perfect place to find beautiful, thoughtful gifts, each one made with care and designed to be treasured.

The Ballymaloe Craft Fair is just as much about atmosphere as it is about shopping. A stroll through the stalls is accompanied by festive music, the scent of mulled wine, and the sight of families and friends enjoying time together. The food offering is a highlight every year, with a careful selection of delicious and warming treats — hot chocolate, baked and savoury delights, and a line-up of interesting and exciting food trucks.

The Brickx Club Lego workshop returns too with hours of hands-on fun for the younger folk, giving little visitors the chance to build imaginative masterpieces while parents wander the fair in peace. With an enormous supply of Lego bricks, it’s a highlight for kids who love to build and create, with a one-hour session for kids over four costing €10.

Drawing more than 10,000 visitors each year, the Ballymaloe Craft Fair has become an unmissable tradition for many in the run-up to Christmas, a unique blend of creativity, craft, and handmade magic.

Opening hours are Friday 4pm–9.30pm, Saturday 9.30am–8pm, and Sunday 9.30am–5pm. Entry is €8 on Fridays and €10 on Saturdays and Sundays for adults, with free admission for children under 14. A three-day weekend ticket is also available to purchase at €21. Free parking is available onsite, and a complimentary shuttle bus runs from Midleton train station and Ballycotton throughout the weekend.

 
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online in advance to skip the queue HERE

Superb Lunch at The Farmgate in Cork’s English Market. Local and seasonal produce.

Superb Lunch at The Farmgate in Cork’s English Market.

Local and seasonal produce.

 

Always worth checking out the specials here. This Pan-fried Cod (25 euro) was one and it was my pick. It came with seasonal greens with a butternut squash purée enlivened with a hint of cumin. Top notch. Other specials included a Goatsbridge Trout Smoked Plate and a traditional corned beef and cabbage.

Sixteen year old Kay Harte is in a room overlooking the Front Strand in Youghal in the mid 1960s. It is the house of her mother’s friend and the table is set for dinner. The meat was boiled leg of mutton and the teenager was given a bit of the nap of mutton as a treat. “I never forgot that meal,” she told me a few years back.  “That was my first realisation that plain simple Irish food can be so sophisticated.”

That experience put Kay in the road and local and seasonal became the norm at her English Market restaurant The Farmgate. And, as it happened, a busy Farmgate chef Martina Cronin told me on the way out that the dish I enjoyed in this busy place was simply done. Simple maybe but simply superb for sure.

And while Kay’s daughter Rebecca now helms the upstairs café (and the downstairs shop), the philosophy of local and seasonal has not changed. Today’s meals here may often look somewhat different from those of the 90s  (the country nor its food have not stood still over the 32 years since the Farmgate was started). Take a look at our top picture, a Cod special from last week’s menu. It is a gem and as seasonal as can be. The velvet sauce is butternut squash, it’s sweetness cut by a touch of cumin. And the greens too are in season.

Their chicken dishes are invariably excellent and chicken supreme is a regular on the menu. It is quite a plateful in terms of both quality and quantity. You had a choice of two styles, one with new season potatoes, gravy and roast root vegetable, as well as a generous quantity of stuffing, the other accompanied by salad with fregola, Kilbrack courgettes, rocket, basil and Parmesan shavings. CL picked the first option (19.5) and, not for the first time, gave it the thumbs up. Other regular items in the mains section are Irish Lamb Stew with Ladysbridge potatoes and the very traditional Tripe and Drisheen again with those balls of flour!

And to further underline the commitment to local, take a look at the drinks list. Spirits is heavily local: Rebel city and Kinsale Gin, whiskey by Powers, Jameson and Redbreast and vodka from Dingle while mixers are by Poachers of Wexford. Even the dessert wine list includes bottles from Cockagee and Stonewell Cider. Local brewers such as Eight Degrees and 9 White Deer feature and on the ever increasing non-alcoholic section, you'll find Stonewall (cider) and Fierce Mild (beer). And, always here, there are potatoes, usually balls of flour (to use Kay’s own words) and they too are local (from the fields of East Cork). 

It is Tuesday and the café, while not completely full, is busy. But the staff are well up to it, efficient and courteous and knowledgeable and make every meal here a very pleasant experience indeed.

A good start is half the battle they say and We began by sharing (no battle) the Chicken liver pâté, onion marmalade, house pickle and  toasted sourdough (11.80). By the way, if you have a shortish lunch hour or in a hurry for whatever reason, you could well consider their range of sandwiches. I'd be inclined to go for the Moroccan spiced chicken sandwich, ras el hanou mayonnaise, rocket & cucumber! Also, see the sandwich and soup or chowder deals.

RORY O’CONNELL IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 LISTOWEL FOOD FAIR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

 

Celebrity chef Rory O’Connell trying the griddle bread at
Garvey’s SuperValu Listowel, Co.Kerry as part of the 2026 Listowel Food Fair.

‘RORY O’CONNELL IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 LISTOWEL FOOD FAIR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD’

TV Chef, Food Author and co-founder of the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School Rory O’Connell is the recipient of the prestigious ‘2026 Listowel Food Fair Lifetime Achievement Award’. Rory O’Connell was presented with the award last night by Jimmy Deenihan at the ‘Gourmet Fashion & Food’ hosted at the Listowel Arms Hotel as one of the festival highlights.

            Rory O’Connell was recognized last night for his significant lifetime contribution to Irish culinary arts, Irish culinary education, emerging artisan food producers and the promotion of Irish Food internationally at the 2026 Listowel Food Fair.

 

Speaking about the special presentation Former Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Jimmy Deenihan said:

 

“On behalf of the Listowel Food Fair I would like to recognize and thank Rory O’Connell for his lifetime dedication and significant contribution to Irish food. Tonight, we celebrate Rory O’Connell’s great achievements as one of Ireland’s most respected culinary figures, widely celebrated as a chef, teacher, television presenter and award winning author.

            As the co-founder of the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in 1985 alongside his sister Darina Allen, Rory O’Connell has spent his lifetime supporting and developing generations of young chefs while cementing Ireland’s reputation on the world stage of food.

Rory O’Connell has remained a cornerstone tutor, meticulously instilling a deep respect for foundational techniques, seasonality and pristine ingredients.

 

Rory O’Connell now joins an elite list of previous recipients of the Listowel Food Fair Lifetime Achievement Award such as Denis Brosnan, John O’Connor, Francis Brennan, Georgina Campbell, Darina Allen and Kevin Dundon. We would like to congratulate Rory O’Connell for the significant contribution he has made.”

 

Reading a specially prepared citation Listowel Food Fair Committee Member Mairead Moriarty congratulated Rory O’Connell for his achievements for Ireland and Irish food, highlighting some of his milestone culinary achievements:

 

“Rory O’Connell trained with Myrtle Allen at Ballymaloe House, where he served as the Head Chef of Ballymaloe for ten years. It was at Ballymaloe House where Rory’s execution of ‘farm to table cuisine’ earned him the prestigious accolade of Ireland’s Chef of the Year, on two occasions.

Beyond the kitchen, Rory O’Connell has been a vital voice of sustainable agriculture and the establishment of regional Irish food systems. He co-founded the Ballymaloe LitFest, attracting international culinary thinkers to Ireland, to discuss the future of food. Rory O’Connell has represented Ireland and Irish Food on numerous occasions, addressing the hospitality and tourism industry both at home and abroad.

Rory O’Connell is an established Food Author with three highly acclaimed award winning cookbooks. ‘The Joy of Food’ is Rorys latest book, published in October 2020 which was short-listed for an An Post Irish Book Award.”

 

The Listowel Food Fair was originally launched in 1995 as a specialized food fair. Listowel, located in North Kerry, has a reputation for its lush landscapes and fertile land, making it an ideal location for the production of high-quality food and beverages. As such, the Listowel Food Fair became a platform for many food producers to highlight their artisan food products such as cheeses, baked goods, beverages and more.

 

Now in its 31^st year, the Listowel Food Fair celebrates many successful years of promoting culinary talent and fostering a sense of community pride. The festival has continued to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and trends while staying true to its mission of celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Listowel and North Kerry. The Listowel Food Fair not only celebrates the region's culinary offerings but also its cultural heritage.

Eye Pleasing Stroll in Blarney Castle Gardens

Eye Pleasing Stroll in Blarney Castle Gardens 

pics: 07.11.26

Spectacular Tulip Tree (centre)

Heron perched

"Catch" by  Ester Barrett

Rock, house and horse

Mother & Foal

Corner of Blarney Lake

House, tall tree

Golden Days at Blarney Castle Gardens

pics: 01.11.26

Golden lane

Cherry Blossom trees (sakura on Japanese) can look great
in autumn as well as at March/April blossom time (below)

Halloween tree

Japanese Maple

Autumn's settling in at Blarney Castle Gardens

pics: 18.10.26

Great Western Cedar, after recent trim.

Artichoke (or Cardoon?)

Michaelmas Daisy

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Butterflies still active in Blarney Castle Gardens.

pics: 09.10.26

A peacock butterfly, busy on a Michaelmas Daisy

The great Western Cedar tree has been pruned, if that is the word.

Autumn's creeping in!

The castle and Ester Barrett's "survival"

Venus fly traps

In the carnivorous garden

Virginia Creeper turning red.

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Spiders are busy in the wood at Blarney Castle Gardens

Autumn's arriving (and below)

Fern Tree

Ireland's Tree of the Year 2019 will bewitch you  in the Blarney Castle Gardens

Pics: 09.05.2026

The amazing Witches Yew Tree (well, most of it) at @blarneycastleandgardens.
It was Ireland’s Tree of the Year in 2019.

 Celtic Peace Dove  by Nigel

press release 

The French Market Unveils 2026 Christmas Hamper Collection  

Sligo-based wine and gift specialist brings its curated hamper range to Christmas shoppers and corporate buyers nationwide - thefrenchmarket.ie

Our-family-to-yours-hamper_Christmas_

 

The French Market, Ireland's specialist retailer and wholesaler of French and New World wines and gourmet gift hampers, has unveiled its 2026 Christmas Hamper Collection, offering shoppers a curated range of wine, food and gift hampers for the festive season, with nationwide delivery for Christmas.

 

The collection spans everything from easy-gifting options through to statement centrepiece hampers for family, friends and colleagues, including dedicated Champagne and Prosecco gift boxes for those wanting to add some sparkle to the celebrations. Every hamper is built around The French Market's wine selection, with food, bespoke packaging and presentation added around it - so each gift feels considered rather than off-the-shelf.

 

Something for Every Christmas List

The range includes gifting favourites such as the 'French Delice Wine Hamper' and 'Just To Say Thanks' hampers for easy, affordable gifting, through to premium options including The Country Basket, From Our Family To Yours, or The Prestige hampers for a more indulgent Christmas gift.

 

Food-focused options such as The Gourmet Food Hamper sit alongside wine-and-treats combinations like the Sweet & Sparkle and Aperitif hampers, giving shoppers a hamper to suit every recipient and budget.

 

Wine sourcing sits at the centre of every hamper. Co-founder Pascal Bonnichon personally selects the wines and works directly with growers across France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and further afield, including long-established family vineyards such as those recently visited in Barahonda in Yecla Spain, to bring a curated, personally vouched-for selection into each hamper.

Just-to-say-thanks-hamper

 

A Strong Year Behind the Scenes

This Christmas launch comes on the back of a strong period of growth for the family-run business. The French Market has recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in sales since the pandemic, and recently moved to a new, larger warehouse facility in Collooney, Co. Sligo, to support that growth. The extra capacity means the company is well placed for its busiest season, with nationwide delivery and an increasingly prominent corporate gifting service for businesses looking to send hampers to staff and clients this Christmas.

 

Behind the scenes, The French Market is very much a team effort. Husband and wife team Pascal and Siobhan Bonnichon oversee the day-to-day running of the business alongside their team who are busy in their office, warehouse and on the road meeting restaurateurs and hoteliers. 

Commenting on this season's launch, Siobhan Bonnichon said:

“After a busy year sourcing exceptional wines and carefully chosen gifts, Christmas really is our favourite time of year. It's the moment when everything we've put into curating our wines and building our hampers comes together — the box is opened, and suddenly it's not just a box, it's a little piece of France arriving on someone's doorstep.”

Siobhan continues: “There's something special about The French Market hamper landing on your doorstep; it doesn't just feel like a gift, it feels like an occasion. We make it easy for our customers too, with bespoke and ready-made options available. We've grown a lot over the past few years, and our new warehouse means we can take on more orders this Christmas than ever before, for friends, families and businesses right across the country.”

 

Availability

The Christmas hamper collection is available to order now online at thefrenchmarket.ie, with nationwide delivery. Corporate and wholesale enquiries can be made directly through the company's dedicated corporate page, or by contacting the team directly at info@thefrenchmarket.ie or 071 98 20976, and early ordering is recommended to guarantee delivery before Christmas. Pick up is also available from their warehouse in Collooney, Co. Sligo.

METROPOLE HOTEL TO HOST SPECIAL WINE ENTHUSIASTS DINNER

 METROPOLE HOTEL TO HOST SPECIAL WINE ENTHUSIASTS DINNER 

 

The Metropole Hotel, on Cork city’s famed MacCurtain Street, will host a five-course dinner that pairs autumnal foods and flavours with wines from the Jura and Alsace regions of France.

The dinner will take place on Thursday November 12th from 7pm and is guided by the theme ‘Towards Zero Food Waste’, where the chefs serve courses including nose-to-tail Wild Atlantic Hake and a root-to-stem apple dessert. 

The food explores different seasonal ingredients and is paired with wine sourced from Le Caveau wine merchants and presented by wine specialist Emmanuel Boutard, who will share insights into the Alsace and Jura regions, their producers and why they are paired with certain courses. 

Each of the five courses will incorporate different seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, fresh fish, Irish meats and hand-picked fruits, forming a thoughtful, sustainable and autumnal menu. 

Three of the menu courses consist of a Cauliflower and Comté Croquette paired with a Meyer-Fonné Pinot Gris Réserve from Alsace; Wild Irish Venison with wild mushrooms paired with Le Clanon, Trousseau from the Jura region; and Baked Mont d’Or  with dried figs, crackers, apple butter and walnuts paired with Le Glanon, Savagnin Ouillé from Jura. 

Eoghan O’Flynn, Executive Head Chef at The Metropole Hotel said: “A lot of time and thought has gone into preparing and perfecting our menu for the ‘Taste of Jura & Alsace’ evening. We have worked closely with Emmanuel to ensure the mix of seasonal vegetables, meats and fish pair beautifully with the different wines from the Jura and Alsace regions. Food waste is always something we as chefs are trying to cut down on and to me, there is no better way to serve fish than whole.” 

Gluten-free and vegetarian adaptations are available and must be requested when booking. Please advise us of any food allergies at the time of booking so the team can confirm suitability. Other dietary adaptations and a children’s menu are not available.

The ‘Taste of Jura & Alsace’ evening costs €90 per person. For more information on the wine-enthusiasts evening or to book a table visit www.themetropolehotel.ie/dine/food-wine-events-at-the-metropole/#Events 

press release