Local produce highlighted in the Dingle Food Trail
From left, Martin Bealin, Kathleen Sheehy, Marie Ui Shuilleabhain, Martina Canty and Kieran Murphy launching the Dingle Peninsula Food Trail last Thursday. Credit: Photo by Marian O'flaherty
AS part of its work to further develop and promote the Dingle Peninsula as a food destination, the Dingle Food Network Group, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, launched a new Food Trail last week.
The trail highlights the 44 businesses on the Dingle Peninsula who have all signed up to a customer promise that they will offer at least 35 per cent local ingredients in their menus (increasing depending on what's in season).
The idea behind the food trail concept is to combine the efforts of food producers and providers in promoting promote Dingle's as a high quality food destination.
"This trail will provide visitors to the area an opportunity to experience, see and taste a truly unique food offering, thereby generating more business for the local area," explained Kathleen Sheehy of the Dingle Food Network. "Food Tourism adds to the economy not just by creating employment but also by attracting both domestic and overseas visitors to come for the food. This has a knock-on effect of job creation and results in a boost to the local economy.
"It's all about authenticity. Serving local food, visiting local produces, tasting their produce and hearing their stories reflects our image as a natural, unspoilt and hospitable destination."
The food trail brochure is available at Dingle Tourist Office as well as other Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices in Kerry and the various premises that have signed up.