Foodies get their fill at packed lit fest

The weather gods smiled down on the third Kerrygold Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food & Wine, as 8,000-plus visitors from more than 30 countries streamed through the gates of Ballymaloe House, in East Cork, over the weekend to watch Irish and international stars of food and wine strut their culinary stuff.

With more than 60 speakers from home and abroad flitting between multiple venues in Ballymaloe House and the Ballymaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry, there was an almost overwhelming programme of events to choose from, including panel discussions and public interviews, cookery demos, readings and tastings, formal evening dinners, and casual dining events as well as an extended fringe festival programme.

And nobody minded occasional turns in the weather, taking it as an excuse to cram into the Big Shed, the social hub of the festival, a giant barn housing food stalls, a craft beer bar, a large eating area, and plenty of space for dancing, beginning with the opening party on Friday night.