An extensive range of local foodie events will give people the opportunity to 'Taste the Island' over the next 12 weeks in a celebration of the region's finest food and drink, tasty experiences and scrumptious adventures.
With an outstanding array of fresh local fayre, authentic artisan producers, boundary-pushing chefs and dynamic distillers and brewers, it's easy to see why Northern Ireland was recently named Best Food Destination at the International Travel and Tourism Awards. An extensive programme of events got underway this month, including food trails, visits to producers and hands-on workshops.
Businesses from across the region will showcase their best products, with a dynamic schedule that could get just about anyone's mouth watering. Amongst others, 'Taste the Island' will visit the Armagh Food and Cider Festival from 19 September, Festival Lough Erne from 21 September, the Taste Causeway Festival and Slow Food Festival in L'Derry in October and Belfast's Twilight Market in November.
'Taste the Island' brings an opportunity to savour and truly experience the world-class, mouth-watering food and drink offerings from all corners of Northern Ireland- from festivals to activities, classes, tours and trips. The initiative is a partnership between Tourism NI, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
Experiences scheduled throughout the autumn include a gourmet weekend of island delights on Rathlin, discovering the magic that goes into beer-making at the Whitewater Brewery Tour in Castlewellan, trying your hand at gin distilling at Hughes Craft Distillery in Moira or experiencing a live cookery demonstration with Niall McKenna at James Street Cookery School.
Tourism NI's Food and Drink Development Officer Gary Quate is encouraging everyone to enjoy what's on offer over the next 12 weeks.
"We are running an extensive programme of events and experiences as part of Taste the Island, including everything from visits to food producers, food trails and food festivals, hands-on workshops and the chance to sit back and enjoy the best of modern local cuisine in traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes," Gary commented.
"Tourism NI has been working with the food and drink industry on this initiative to showcase the best of our award-winning food and drink. We want to provide local and international visitors with experiences and events that will encourage them to discover our exciting local food scene and create lasting memories which will make them want to return."
For those who like to document their experiences, Tourism NI is also offering the chance to win unique foodie experiences by sharing your experience on Instagram. Share snaps and videos of your day, no matter which event you attend, and don't forget to added the #TastetheIsland and tag @discoverNI. An exciting prize will be up for grabs each week, from cooking up a storm at Forestside Cookery School to gin tasting with the Shortcross Experience tour.
'Taste the Island' comes after Northern Ireland was named the world's best food destination for 2018-19 and has the potential to revamp your repertoire of favourite meals, cocktails and restaurants. Whether it's sailing at sunrise to catch your own breakfast, sampling local delights on a Belfast Food Tour or creating your own delicious beverage at one of our many local breweries, there's lots for foodies to see and do across Northern Ireland.
To learn more about the Tourism NI Instagram competition and for terms and conditions, visit: Discover NI. The full programme of experiences, prices and details on how to secure your place can be found here.