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.
Discover and learn about food trends from new to niche while enjoying our carefully curated line up of content. Enjoy the opportunity to meet the maker of your favourite artisan producer and taste wines from regions far beyond our foodie island.
New for 2023, Food for Thought with Lovin Dublin has been co-curated and will be MCed by radio host Sharon Noonan

SCHEDULES
Thursday June 15th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Details coming soon …
Talk & Tasting – Kevin Sheridan, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, talks about the evolution of Irish cheese; what it is today and where it’s going in the future.
Members of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, Caroline Hennessy, Kate Ryan & Michelle Darmody, share their insights into Ireland’s emerging food trends.
Ellie Kisyombe of Our Table will be introducing visitors to the delights of Southern African BunnyChown.
Thursday June 15th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Oonagh O’Hagan, Pharmacist and MD of Meaghers Pharmacy Group, shares her knowledge and expertise around the importance of gut health, why we should prioritise our gut health and how we can do this. A healthy gut has many benefits on our overall health and wellbeing – Learn more about the importance of supporting your gut and beginning your gut health journey.
More details coming soon …
Enjoy a talk & tasting of Blas na hÉireann Gold award winning beverages with Blas Boss Fallon Moore. Blas na hÉireann aka the Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Winners are always the best Blas ambassadors, something to which over a decade’s worth of small producers, farmers, growers, bakers and artisan food makers who have won a Blas award and proudly put the winner’s sticker on their product can attest. Research has shown that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition among Irish consumers and having the award logo on products encourages shoppers to buy. It is a recognised guarantee of a top-quality Irish product.
Friday June 16th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Delicious Ireland – food tourism experts Shauna Magill-Fegan (Northern Ireland), Anthony O’Toole (Wexford) & Santina Kennedy (Wicklow ) share their insights and highlights from their respective regions.
Join Bec Feely from Kale & Coco as she discusses how to Make & Create with Sharon Noonan.
Fish Friday! A celebration of Ireland’s seafood sector with well known figures from the industry – Birgitta Hedin-Curtin (Burren Smokehouse), Ciara Shine (Shines’ Seafood), Mag Kirwan (Goatsbridge Trout) & Dec MacManus (King Sitric).
Talk & tasting with Conor Sweeny founder of Dae Ice-cream who will share his journey from ‘fine dining to plant based ice cream.
Friday June 16th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Ellie Kisyombe of Our Table will be demoing how to make Chiwaya –Aka Southern African Spicebag!
Sharon Noonan leads a panel discussion on gut health with a trio of Ireland’s gut health champions; Oonagh O’Hagan (Meaghers Pharmacy Group), Ellen Quinn (Hurst Botanicals) & Niamh Hegarty (Bkulturedkefir)
“Distilling Coastal Spirit” – Talk & Tasting with Megan Hide, Copeland Distillery, a craft producer of a range of Irish Gin, Rum, Single Malt and Pot Still Whiskey, located on Ireland’s East Coast.
Saturday June 17th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
More to be announced soon
The importance of sustainable innovation in food production for rural development with Teresa Roche, Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese
“Waste Not, Want Not” The business of combatting food waste and tips on how to avoid waste at home with Angela Ruttledge (Food Cloud) Caomhan De Bri (The Salt Project) & Tara Beattie (Prepsheets)
More details coming soon …
Heritage foods & the people who champion them . Aine Faughnan from Dromod Boxty and Maria Flynn from Ballymakenny Farm are on a mission to share their passion for heritage foods. In this session they will share why!
Saturday June 17th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
More details coming soon …
Details coming soon …
Fercullen Irish Whiskey – Talk & Tasting with Santina Kennedy, Powerscourt Distillery
Sunday June 18th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
“Meet your Food” – Talk & tasting with Brendan Buinan, Fior Bhia Farm. Hear about the importance of building a relationship with a regenerative farmer, why you should spend more time in nature and get tips on how to start growing your own food.
Sunday June 18th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
John Ennis from Okky/Luck Tortoise will join Sharon Noonan on behalf of Uber Eats to discuss how to make & create.
Talk & tasting with Conor Sweeny founder of Dae Ice-cream who will share his journey from ‘fine dining to plant based ice cream.
Talk & Tasting of Fercullen Irish Whiskey with Santina Kennedy, Powerscourt Distillery
1:30pm | Food Nostalgia with JP McMahon & Sharon Noonan | Join JP & Sharon as they take a trip down memory lane, covering everything from childhood favourites and family traditions to the staples that will never get old |
2:15pm | Meet the Maker; King of Kefir | Heard of Kefir but not sure what it is? Here’s your chance to ask Gerry Scullion, the King of Kefir everything about this super-healthy fermented non-alcoholic drink |
3pm | Kitchen Skills; Karen O’Donoghue, bread workshop | Join The Happy Tummy co-founder, who will be revealing clever hacks on bread preparation for better gut health |
3:45pm | Coffee Masterclass with De’Longhi | Join De’Longhi Expert, Maria Simmonds on how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Followed by coffee cocktail expert Orlando who will showcase his twist on the perfect espresso martini |
7pm | Meet the Maker; Gorditas Bakes | Meet Grace Reddin, the woman described in McKenna’s Guide as taking the traditional Argentinian delicacies Alfajores ‘into the stratosphere’. You’ll thank us later! |
7:45pm | In conversation with OpenHive Honey | A unique opportunity to hear directly from Dublin based bee-keepers OpenHive Honey on their fascinating and important work involving the conservation of our native Irish honey bee |
8:30pm | Station to Station Wine Talks & Tastings | Don’t miss Rory Craig from “Ireland’s Coolest Online Wine Store” Station to Station, as he enthusiastically continues on his journey to make wine inclusive and accessible to all! |
1:30pm | Kitchen Skills with Erica Drum | Join TV Chef and Conscious Cook, Erica Drum who will be showing how to make your own vegetable stock from scratch |
2:15pm | In conversation with Nicola Matthews of Tony’s Chololonely | Nicola Nicola Matthews aka ‘The Countess of Cocoa’ will talk about how making delicious chocolate can also fair and equitable throughout the entire chocolate supply chain |
3pm | Meet the Maker with Maria Flynn of Ballymakenny Farm | Potatoes rule on Ballymakenny Farm; let Maria tell you all about growing Purple Heritage and speciality potatoes in Co Louth |
7pm | Kitchen Skills: Marcus O’Laoire | Join DJ/Chef/Party Maker/Sandwich King/MC Marcus who is going to show you how to make a peppercorn sauce from scratch |
7:45pm | The Science of Food with Ivan Varian | In conversation with Ivan Varian of The Dalkey Food Company, on the fascinating subject of the science of food and cooking |
8:30pm | Station to Station Wine Talk & Tastings | Don’t miss Rory Craig from “Ireland’s Coolest Online Wine Store” Station to Station, as he enthusiastically continues on his journey to make wine inclusive and accessible to all! |
12:45pm | Whiskey Talks & Tastings with Powerscourt Distillery | Join Food & Beverage specialist, Santina Kennedy on a fascinating talk around whiskey pairing with Fercullen Irish Whiske |
1:30pm | Food ‘Grammers Panel | Ever wondered how to build a community on social media or to become a successful food content creator? Listen in as Irah Mari (@foodstagram), Rachel Hornibrook & Eoin Sheehan (tbc) spill the beans! |
2:15pm | Meet the Maker; Blanco Nino | Sit back and enjoy the ride as founder of Blanco Nino, Phil regales you with stories of his mission to learn how to make the most authentic Mexican corn tortillas |
3pm | Kitchen Skills with Fingal Ferguson | Fingal Ferguson knows his knives and will be teaching you some of the skills he’s honed as a fifth generation Gubbeen farmer, food producer and knife maker |
7pm | Meet the Maker; Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese | A chance to meet the people behind the award winning farmhouse cheeses, handmade directly on their farm at the foothills of the Sliabh Aughty mountains. Delicious tastings a must! |
7:45pm | Food Nostalgia Chats with Rory O’Connell | Join Ballymaloe’s Chef Rory O’Connell as he takes a trip down memory lane, covering everything from childhood favourites and family traditions to the staples that will never get old |
8:30pm | Station to Station Wine Talk & Tastings | Don’t miss Rory Craig from “Ireland’s Coolest Online Wine Store” Station to Station, as he enthusiastically continues on his journey to make wine inclusive and accessible to all! |
12:45pm | Food Nostalgia Panel with Sham Hanifa & Jeeny Maltese | Join chefs Sham Hanifa & Jeeny Maltese as they take a trip down memory lane, covering everything from childhood favourites and family traditions to the staples that will never get old |
1:30pm | Kitchen Skills for Kids | Tips & tricks in the kitchen, for the little ones in your life with Aoife Barker |
2:15pm | Blasta Books Authors; The GastroGays | Meet Patrick and Russell, aka the GastroGays, who will be talking about all things deep-fried and delicious from their brand new cookbook, Blasta Books #2: Hot Fat. |
3:00pm | To be announced! |
7pm | In conversation with… | Spice Bags Podcast hosts Dee Laffan, Mei Chin & Blanca Valencia in conversation |
7:45pm | Meet the Maker; Karen O’Neill | A chance to meet The Queen Bee, Karen O’Neill, Beekon Batches founder and taste some of Beekon Batches delicious honey refresher as she invites you to reconnect with the good stuff! |
8:30pm | Wine Talks & Tastings; Loose Canon | Join Fabian Beickhorasani of Loose Canon who will be introducing you to the delights of Orange Wine (aka Skin Contact Wine) |






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.
Discover and learn about food trends from new to niche while enjoying our carefully curated line up of content. Enjoy the opportunity to meet the maker of your favourite artisan producer and taste wines from regions far beyond our foodie island.
New for 2023, Food for Thought with Lovin Dublin has been co-curated and will be MCed by radio host Sharon Noonan



SCHEDULES
Thursday June 15th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Details coming soon …
Talk & Tasting – Kevin Sheridan, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, talks about the evolution of Irish cheese; what it is today and where it’s going in the future.
Members of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, Caroline Hennessy, Kate Ryan & Michelle Darmody, share their insights into Ireland’s emerging food trends.
Ellie Kisyombe of Our Table will be introducing visitors to the delights of Southern African BunnyChown.
Thursday June 15th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Oonagh O’Hagan, Pharmacist and MD of Meaghers Pharmacy Group, shares her knowledge and expertise around the importance of gut health, why we should prioritise our gut health and how we can do this. A healthy gut has many benefits on our overall health and wellbeing – Learn more about the importance of supporting your gut and beginning your gut health journey.
More details coming soon …
Enjoy a talk & tasting of Blas na hÉireann Gold award winning beverages with Blas Boss Fallon Moore. Blas na hÉireann aka the Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Winners are always the best Blas ambassadors, something to which over a decade’s worth of small producers, farmers, growers, bakers and artisan food makers who have won a Blas award and proudly put the winner’s sticker on their product can attest. Research has shown that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition among Irish consumers and having the award logo on products encourages shoppers to buy. It is a recognised guarantee of a top-quality Irish product.
Friday June 16th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
Delicious Ireland – food tourism experts Shauna Magill-Fegan (Northern Ireland), Anthony O’Toole (Wexford) & Santina Kennedy (Wicklow ) share their insights and highlights from their respective regions.
Join Bec Feely from Kale & Coco as she discusses how to Make & Create with Sharon Noonan.
Fish Friday! A celebration of Ireland’s seafood sector with well known figures from the industry – Birgitta Hedin-Curtin (Burren Smokehouse), Ciara Shine (Shines’ Seafood), Mag Kirwan (Goatsbridge Trout) & Dec MacManus (King Sitric).
Talk & tasting with Conor Sweeny founder of Dae Ice-cream who will share his journey from ‘fine dining to plant based ice cream.
Friday June 16th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
Ellie Kisyombe of Our Table will be demoing how to make Chiwaya –Aka Southern African Spicebag!
Sharon Noonan leads a panel discussion on gut health with a trio of Ireland’s gut health champions; Oonagh O’Hagan (Meaghers Pharmacy Group), Ellen Quinn (Hurst Botanicals) & Niamh Hegarty (Bkulturedkefir)
“Distilling Coastal Spirit” – Talk & Tasting with Megan Hide, Copeland Distillery, a craft producer of a range of Irish Gin, Rum, Single Malt and Pot Still Whiskey, located on Ireland’s East Coast.
Saturday June 17th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
More to be announced soon
The importance of sustainable innovation in food production for rural development with Teresa Roche, Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese
“Waste Not, Want Not” The business of combatting food waste and tips on how to avoid waste at home with Angela Ruttledge (Food Cloud) Caomhan De Bri (The Salt Project) & Tara Beattie (Prepsheets)
More details coming soon …
Heritage foods & the people who champion them . Aine Faughnan from Dromod Boxty and Maria Flynn from Ballymakenny Farm are on a mission to share their passion for heritage foods. In this session they will share why!
Saturday June 17th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
More details coming soon …
Details coming soon …
Fercullen Irish Whiskey – Talk & Tasting with Santina Kennedy, Powerscourt Distillery
Sunday June 18th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm
“Meet your Food” – Talk & tasting with Brendan Buinan, Fior Bhia Farm. Hear about the importance of building a relationship with a regenerative farmer, why you should spend more time in nature and get tips on how to start growing your own food.
Sunday June 18th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm
John Ennis from Okky/Luck Tortoise will join Sharon Noonan on behalf of Uber Eats to discuss how to make & create.
Talk & tasting with Conor Sweeny founder of Dae Ice-cream who will share his journey from ‘fine dining to plant based ice cream.
Talk & Tasting of Fercullen Irish Whiskey with Santina Kennedy, Powerscourt Distillery
1:30pm | Food Nostalgia with JP McMahon & Sharon Noonan | Join JP & Sharon as they take a trip down memory lane, covering everything from childhood favourites and family traditions to the staples that will never get old |
2:15pm | Meet the Maker; King of Kefir | Heard of Kefir but not sure what it is? Here’s your chance to ask Gerry Scullion, the King of Kefir everything about this super-healthy fermented non-alcoholic drink |
3pm | Kitchen Skills; Karen O’Donoghue, bread workshop | Join The Happy Tummy co-founder, who will be revealing clever hacks on bread preparation for better gut health |
3:45pm | Coffee Masterclass with De’Longhi | Join De’Longhi Expert, Maria Simmonds on how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Followed by coffee cocktail expert Orlando who will showcase his twist on the perfect espresso martini |
7pm | Meet the Maker; Gorditas Bakes | Meet Grace Reddin, the woman described in McKenna’s Guide as taking the traditional Argentinian delicacies Alfajores ‘into the stratosphere’. You’ll thank us later! |
7:45pm | In conversation with OpenHive Honey | A unique opportunity to hear directly from Dublin based bee-keepers OpenHive Honey on their fascinating and important work involving the conservation of our native Irish honey bee |
8:30pm | Station to Station Wine Talks & Tastings | Don’t miss Rory Craig from “Ireland’s Coolest Online Wine Store” Station to Station, as he enthusiastically continues on his journey to make wine inclusive and accessible to all! |
1:30pm | Kitchen Skills with Erica Drum | Join TV Chef and Conscious Cook, Erica Drum who will be showing how to make your own vegetable stock from scratch |
2:15pm | In conversation with Nicola Matthews of Tony’s Chololonely | Nicola Matthews aka ‘The Countess of Cocoa’ will talk about how making delicious chocolate can also fair and equitable throughout the entire chocolate supply chain |
3pm | Meet the Maker with Maria Flynn of Ballymakenny Farm | Potatoes rule on Ballymakenny Farm; let Maria tell you all about growing Purple Heritage and speciality potatoes in Co Louth |
7pm | Kitchen Skills: Marcus O’Laoire | Join DJ/Chef/Party Maker/Sandwich King/MC Marcus who is going to show you how to make a peppercorn sauce from scratch with |
7:45pm | The Science of Foodwith Ivan Varian | In conversation with Ivan Varian of The Dalkey Food Company, on the fascinating subject of the science of food and cooking |
8:30pm | Station to Station Wine Talks & Tastings | Don’t miss Rory Craig from “Ireland’s Coolest Online Wine Store” Station to Station, as he enthusiastically continues on his journey to make wine inclusive and accessible to all! |
12:45pm | Whiskey Talks & Tastings with Powerscourt Distillery | Join Food & Beverage specialist, Santina Kennedy on a fascinating talk around whiskey pairing with Fercullen Irish Whiskey |
1:30pm | Food ‘Grammers Panel | Ever wondered how to build a community on social media or to become a successful food content creator? Listen in as Irah Mari (@foodstagram), Rachel Hornibrook & Eoin Sheehan (tbc) spill the beans! |
2:15pm | Meet the Maker; Blanco Nino | Sit back and enjoy the ride as founder of Blanco Nino, Phil regales you with stories of his mission to learn how to make the most authentic Mexican corn tortillas |
3pm | Kitchen Skills with Fingal Ferguson | Fingal Ferguson knows his knives and will be teaching you some of the skills he’s honed as a fifth generation Gubbeen farmer, food producer and knife maker |
7pm | Meet the Maker; Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese | A chance to meet the people behind the award winning farmhouse cheeses, handmade directly on their farm at the foothills of the Sliabh Aughty mountains. Delicious tastings a must! |
7:45pm | Food Nostalgia Chats with Rory O’Connell | Join Ballymaloe’s Chef Rory O’Connell as he takes a trip down memory lane, covering everything from childhood favourites and family traditions to the staples that will never get old |
8:30pm | Station to Station Wine Talks & Tastings | Don’t miss Rory Craig from “Ireland’s Coolest Online Wine Store” Station to Station, as he enthusiastically continues on his journey to make wine inclusive and accessible to all! |
12:45pm | Food Nostalgia Panel with Sham Hanifa & Jeeny Maltese | Join chefs Sham Hanifa & Jeeny Maltese as they take a trip down memory lane, covering everything from childhood favourites and family traditions to the staples that will never get old |
1:30pm | Kitchen Skills for Kids | Tips & tricks in the kitchen, for the little ones in your life with Aoife Barker |
2:15pm | Blasta Books Authors; the GastroGays | Meet Patrick and Russell, aka the GastroGays, who will be talking about all things deep-fried and delicious from their brand new cookbook, Blasta Books #2: Hot Fat. |
3:00pm | To be announced! |
7pm | In conversation with… | Spice Bags Podcast hosts Dee Laffan, Mei Chin & Blanca Valencia in conversation |
7:45pm | Meet the Maker; Karen O’Neill | A chance to meet The Queen Bee, Karen O’Neill, Beekon Batches founder and taste some of Beekon Batches delicious honey refresher as she invites you to reconnect with the good stuff! |
8:30pm | Wine Talks & Tastings; Loose Canon | Join Fabian Beickhorasani of Loose Canon who will be introducing you to the delights of Orange Wine (aka Skin Contact Wine) |