Village on Galway/Mayo border claims to now host the largest food festival in the West!
The village of Cong will become a vibrant hub of food and community for one weekend in July this summer as the Cong Food Village Festival returns – bigger and better than ever.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Cong Abbey, the festival has grown into the largest food festival in the West of Ireland and promises to be a highlight of the region’s summer calendar.
Now in its seventh year, the festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, celebrates Ireland’s rich and diverse food culture, bringing together artisan producers, acclaimed chefs, and food lovers from across the country.
At its centre is the main marquee on the Abbey grounds, where more than 50 food and craft producers will gather alongside two professional demo kitchens hosting a packed schedule of live cooking demonstrations.
Among the highlights is festival ambassador and celebrity chef Sarah Butler, RTE Celebrity Chef Jenny Maltese, restaurateur and author JP McMahon, Executive Head Chef - The Lodge at Ashford Jonathan Keane, and Ashford Castle Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan, who will all be taking to the stage across the weekend.
While food is at the heart of the festival, it is very much an event for all the family. Alongside the tastings and demonstrations, younger visitors and families can enjoy a range of engaging activities, including drumming classes with Drumadore, hands on experiences at Lislinn Miniature Farm, creative workshops with Fuinnseog Woodland Crafts, and forest nature walks that make the most of Cong’s beautiful surroundings.
Beyond the food and family activities, the festival offers a lively and welcoming programme designed to appeal to all ages. New for 2026 is the Poball Beag tent, a dedicated space for talks and workshops that explore everything from growing and gardening to storytelling, including a session titled Give it a Grow with well known garden expert Padraic Horkan.
Cong Food Village Project Manager Mairead Geehan said that this year’s programme brings together ‘an exceptional mix of chefs and outstanding food and craft producers from across the country’.
“We are also excited to introduce two new areas for 2026, Poball Mór for engaging talks and hands-on workshops, and the Last of the High Kings music stage, which will showcase local talent,” she said.