Whilst summer may be officially over, the fine weather is reason enough to forget this minor fact and head down to the nearest scenic coastal area for a seaside retreat or short break. Today the lovely coastal region of West Cork and the town Skibbereen and surrounding areas is abuzz with the start of the Taste of West Cork Festival. Now in its 10th year the festival celebrates all great food and homegrown produce of region and during the week Skibbereen and the surrounding towns of Union Hall and Baltimore etc will become a mecca for food lovers with a host of food related events, from food markets and demonstrations, cookery competitions to special dinners, brunches and banquets. There will be food-tastings, talks, exhibitions and even children’s events and much more.
Some businesses and food producers are even opening up their doors to show visitors a behind the scenes look at how some of the awarding west cork produce are being made. One of the well known Irish food producers to note taking part in the festival are Union Hall Smoked Fish are best known as producers of smoked salmon, trout and mackerel products sourced from the sailing fleets off Union Hall and Baltimore are having an Open Day at their factory this upcoming Monday 9th September starting from 2pm to 4pm. Visitors to the well known scenic fishing village can pop in to see how the popular smoked fish is made using time-honoured methods, slowly Oak smoked in a centuries old traditional manner. Visitors to the factory within the two hour factory visit opening time (2-4pm) will be entered in a draw with a chance to win a €50 hamper of their finest produce as well as getting a 10% discount on any products purchased.
So if you are simply taking in the beautiful scenery around the coast of Union Hall whilst still hopefully enjoying the fine weather, or you are a seafood lover and want to see and experience fine food and some of the many food related events in the area for the Taste of West Cork festival then this may be of interest to you.