FOOD FOR THOUGHT WITH LOVIN DUBLIN
The Food for Thought talk stage with Lovin Dublin offers a relaxed chance for you to get up close and personal with an array of foodie talent and experts. Join us for tastings, panel discussions, masterclasses and producer showcases from an eclectic lineup of restaurateurs, chefs and Ireland’s most interesting artisan producers.
Join Sharon Noonan, MC and host of Best Possible Taste podcast, and the Lovin Dublin team to learn about food trends from new to niche while enjoying our carefully curated line up of content. Enjoy the opportunity to sip and savour your way around our foodie island with your favourite artisan producers, culinary influencers and food afficianados!
SCHEDULES
Thursday June 11th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Restaurants, a craft brewery and even Tallaght’s newest theatre! Come and hear the story of Dublin’s artisan food, drink & culture hub.
Financial planner Leah McMahon & the Dublin Simon Community share practical tips for eating well on a budget. Learn how smart spending & simple kitchen creativity can reduce stress and cut waste.
Talk & Taste
Meet Ellen Quinn, sharing the science of fermentation & Fairtrade kombucha. Learn how Hurst brews its botanical, slow‑fermented drinks & enjoy a guided kombucha tasting
Talk & Taste
Mi Amor founder Paola Almeida, an artisan producer of traditional Mexican salsas, knows that great flavour comes from love, fresh vegetables and time! Enjoy the heat, the heart and a whole lot of flavour!
Talk & Taste
Join Alexander & Julia on how their journey from Ukraine to Ireland has shaped a gelato that celebrates purity, flavour & care in every scoop.
Thursday June 11th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Join mixologist Brian Collins @lift_n_spirits and Richie French of the LXRY Ice Collection for a masterclass in the perfect serve — crystal‑clear ice, clever flavour pairings and cocktails that shine.
Sip & Celebrate!
Fallon Moore of Blas na hÉireann presents the stories of some of Ireland’s most notable drink producers. Discover what makes these standout drinks award‑worthy & enjoy tasting them!
Teeling Whiskey Tasting Experience
Discover the story of Teeling Whiskey — distilled just 2km from Merrion Square — & enjoy a complimentary frozen Irish coffee!
Friday June 12th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Talk & Taste
Santina & Anthony share the stories, creativity & flavours shaping Ireland’s artisan food community. From Santina’s behind‑the‑scenes food storytelling to Anthony’s one‑of‑a‑kind Fat Tomato garden, this session celebrates the people & tastes driving Irish food forward.
Talk & Taste!
Meet the Maker Hear the story behind Mushrooms & Love, a Blas na hÉireann award‑winning producer. Discover the craft behind its unique Irish flavours & enjoy a tasting.
Hear the stories behind some of Dublin’s most exciting emerging food & drink makers who have turned passion into product & recipes into revenue thanks to support from SPADE Enterprise Centre—the creative hub powering early‑stage producers
Enjoy insights into Ulster’s vibrant food scene — from heritage & hospitality to the producers & places shaping the region today
Share the journey behind the Wicklow roastery built by two coffee lovers & car fanatics; bringing a flavour‑filled look at what great coffee can be. With stories from travels around the world & a passion for igniting curiosity in everyday coffee drinker.
Friday June 12th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Talk & Taste
Kinsale Mead Celebrate 10 years of Ireland’s first meadery in 200 years. Learn what mead really is, & enjoy a tasting of this light, refreshing drink that’s bringing an ancient Irish tradition back to life.
More information to come…
Talk & Taste
O’Hara’s Brewery at 30 – Explore how Irish beer has changed over the past 30 years with O’Hara’s — including tastings of classic, nitro, non‑alcoholic & gluten‑free brews.
Saturday June 13th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Talk & Taste
Award‑winning chef & chocolatier Gráinne Mullins shares the story behind Grá Chocolates & the inspirations that shape her handcrafted creations. A delicious insight into her artistry & craft.
Talk & Taste
Floral trends & creative tablescaping can elevate any dining occasion – enjoy insights into emerging trends to the subtle ways flowers influence mood and atmosphere.
Talk & Taste
From teacher to baker – Tanya shares her inspiring journey from Ukraine to Ireland, via the Middle East. Enjoy the stories behind her much‑loved treats, including her signature billionaire brownie!
More details coming soon…
Saturday June 13th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Hear the story behind Ireland’s first vermouth & enjoy a taste of this award‑winning, 20‑botanical, golden‑hued spirit, crafted on Valentia Island
Talk & Taste
Chimac’s Sofie Rooney promises a flavour‑packed chat exploring Korean‑inspired comfort food, creative menu ideas & the craft behind great fried chicken & award winning sauces.
More details coming soon…
Sunday June 14th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Hear the Forest Feast story & explore their commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing & flavourful snacking. Come & enjoy some complimentary nibbles!
With over 20 years’ experience, Judit McNally shares her journey & the craft behind her hand‑painted, small‑batch chocolates — with a little tasting of her unique creations.
Curious about how a cookbook really comes together? Authors Lily Ramirez‑Foran and Eunice Power reveal the process from recipe testing to food styling, storytelling & turning kitchen ideas into a finished book.
More details coming soon…
More details coming soon…
Sunday June 14th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
More details coming soon…
More details coming soon…
More details coming soon…
