The first Taste of Cavan event took place in the Kilmore Hotel in November 2012, launched by the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Simon Coveney. The event proved to be hugely popular attracting over 7,000 visitors. The following year, the event moved to a bigger location in a large marquee at the Cavan Institute, but even further growth necessitated a move to the current premises; Cavan Equestrian Centre.

Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the best chefs and food personalities in the country, including Neven Maguire, Rachel Allen, Clodagh McKenna, Kevin Dundon, Richard Corrigan and the late, great Paulo Tulllio.

The current chair of the festival Elizabeth Ormiston says it is a great outlet for producers to get their product or business out there.

“It’s a great way to promote the food producers of Cavan as they are propelled to a national stage.

“It’s very important for primary producers to connect with consumers, and it highlights the incredible food available in the region.”

Elizabeth is very grateful to the loyal sponsors of the festival. “Without their continued support, Taste of Cavan would not be a reality.”

A new venture for the festival this year is the “Health and Wellness” section, which sees health and wellness consultant Tom Coleman share advice on sleep management and how it impacts on health, mood and productivity. Coleman is also co-founder and CEO of My Nutrition Ireland and has worked with corporate clients such as Diageo and Coca Cola.

He is also a leading consultant for Vhi and contributes to qualitative research on sleep and health. His topics will include health and wellness, sleep fatigue, sports nutrition and resilience and mental health. Tom has worked with many sporting professionals including Jamie Heaslip, Conor McGregor and John Kavanagh as well as Connaught, Ulster and Munster senior county GAA and rugby teams.

Ice Cream Treats is returning to Taste of Cavan for the sixth year. Based in Killygarry, Co Cavan, the company has achieved worldwide recognition for its products, with Yomega, its frozen yogurt which is famous for its high vitamin D and omega content.

Ice Cream Treats has also received international acclaim and scooped the best ice cream/frozen yogurt award at the Dairy Innovation Awards. The company also produce Moo’d Ice Cream for the Musgrave Group and it is currently available in more than 200 Centra and Supervalu stores nationwide.

Lisa Clark of Ice Cream Treats

Lisa Clark, business development manager of Ice Cream Treats says Taste of Cavan is an event she looks forward to visiting every year with the company.

“We love meeting new people and customers every year as well as lots of other local suppliers and producers.”

She also reiterates that “Cavan has so much to offer in terms of food producers”.

Now heading into its eighth year, Taste of Cavan welcomes the people of Cavan and indeed the country back through the gates of Cavan Equestrian Centre for another two days of great food and fun for all the family. The festival runs from the 9-10 August and admission is €7.

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