Major food festival to return to Mayo village this July
West of Ireland’s largest food festival set to transform Cong Abbey grounds into a celebration of food, music and community on July 11 and 12
Mayo is set to become a vibrant hub of food, culture and community this summer as the Cong Food Village Festival returns on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, promising a packed programme of culinary experiences, family entertainment and live music.
Taking place against the backdrop of Cong Abbey, the festival has grown into what organisers describe as the largest food festival in the West of Ireland and is expected to attract visitors from across the country.
Now in its seventh year, the event celebrates Ireland’s food culture by bringing together artisan producers, chefs and food enthusiasts for a weekend of demonstrations, tastings and family-friendly activities.
More than 50 food and craft producers will showcase their products alongside two professional demonstration kitchens featuring live cookery sessions throughout the weekend.
Among the headline guests will be celebrity chef and festival ambassador Sarah Butler, alongside Jeeny Maltese, restaurateur and author JP McMahon, Executive Head Chef of The Lodge at Ashford, Jonathan Keane, and Executive Head Chef of Ashford Castle, Liam Finnegan.
While food remains at the heart of the festival, organisers say this year’s programme is designed to appeal to all ages. Families and younger visitors will be able to enjoy drumming classes with Drumadore, hands-on experiences at Lislinn Miniature Farm, woodland craft workshops and guided forest nature walks making use of Cong’s scenic surroundings.
New additions for 2026 include the Poball Beag tent, a dedicated space for talks and workshops covering gardening, storytelling and sustainability. One of the featured sessions, Give it a Grow, will be led by gardening expert Padraic Horkan.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy live performances at the new Last of the High Kings music stage, which organisers say will showcase local musical talent and add to the atmosphere across the weekend.
Mairead Geehan, Cong Food Village Project Manager, said organisers were excited to welcome visitors back for another year.
“We are delighted to welcome the return of the Cong Food Village Festival,” she said. “This year’s programme brings together an exceptional mix of chefs and outstanding food and craft producers from across the country.
Ms Geehan also thanked the local business community and sponsors for their continued support.
“This event is a true celebration of local spirit, and we are deeply grateful to the Cong business community for getting behind it. The festival simply would not be possible without their generous support,” she said.
She added that organisers were looking forward to welcoming visitors for “a cracking weekend of food, workshops and entertainment”.