Joe McNamee: Local food is at the heart of Dingle Food Festival

"Each year, I throw a few children into the boot and head west for Corca Dhuibhne and we have never had anything less than a truly splendid time."

Pictured surrounded by local food at the launch of the Dingle Food Festival which takes place from October 3rd-5th in County Kerry are Feargal O’Cinneide, Ciaran Williams, Martin Bealin, Niamh O'Kennedy and Darach Ó Murchú.

What on Earth did we ever do on the Oul’ Sod before festivals, seemingly one to be found in every corner of the country at any hour of the day or night? It wasn’t always thus.

In my youth, festivals equated to the Cork Film Festival — around since God was in her nappies, and celebrating its 70th birthday next year — and the city’s other great autumnal cultural jamboree, the legendary Cork Jazz Festival.