KINSALE REACHES FINAL OF IRELAND’S ‘TOP 10’ FOODIE DESTINATIONS
Kinsale welcomed Foodie Destinations judges Zack Gallagher (Irish Food Guide) and Wendy Kavanagh (FoodAdventure.ie) recently to showcase the gourmet town as one of the Restaurant Association of Ireland’s Top 10 Foodie Destinations 2018.
During the judging process, Kinsale Chamber of Tourism & Business, Kinsale Good Food Circle and Kinsale Food Tours organised a presentation by local suppliers and a mini-food tour of some of Kinsale’s restaurants and shops, sampling local produce, meeting producers and a number of people involved with food tourism and education.
“We are delighted to be shortlisted this year and wish to thank the judges for visiting Kinsale today as well as everyone for voting for Kinsale in the public vote over the past few weeks. We are the only Cork destination in the final so encourage all locals, visitors and friends in neighbouring towns to VOTE Kinsale before Tuesday 21st August!” said Ciarán Fitzgerald, Chairman Kinsale Chamber of Tourism & Business.
The voting link is www.foodiedestinations.ie/city.kinsale
Kinsale has so many businesses involved in the food and drink industry, with over 60 restaurants and cafés, supplied by many producers and employing over 1,000 people in the town.
“We believe that our people, produce and passion are the recipe for success. The local provenance of our meat, fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables and the talent of people from the locality and all over the world combine to offer great food, service and value to all,” added Ciaran Fitzgerald.

The top ten finalists in 2018 are:
1. Armagh
2. Boyne Valley
3. Cavan
4. Derry City & Strabane District Council
5. Galway Gastronomy
6. Kilkenny
7. Kinsale
8. Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
9. Monaghan and Glaslough
10. Sligo Food Trail
The ‘Foodie Destination of Ireland’ award recognises a destination that actively promotes itself through joint promotional activities such as food festivals, gourmet trails or farmers’ markets as well as great dining experiences.
As well as having a full calendar of foodie events and being the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is continually evolving as the town welcomes new people, their business ideas and inspiration.
“We are delighted to move forward into the next stage of Foodie Destinations 2018 and this year the standard of competition couldn’t be higher. Foodie Destinations is an excellent opportunity for regions across Ireland to promote what makes them unique and the judges can’t wait to see what the ten shortlisted finalists have to show them,” according to Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
For further information please see www.kinsale.ie and www.foodiedestinations.ie

Foodie Destinations Judges, Zack Gallagher ( Irish Food Guide) and Wendy Kavanagh ( FoodAdventure.ie) pictured in Kinsale when they met local Food Businesses ; Food Suppliers and Food Tourism Operators showcased their wares as the judges toured the town.

(Picture: Adrian O’Herlihy / John Allen Photography)
August 17th 2018