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Light rain did little to dampen the mood as Taste of Dublin opened in Merrion Square on Thursday, June 11. The four-day food and drink festival runs until Sunday, June 14 and brings chefs and producers from across Ireland to the capital.
Festival opens with Best in Taste Awards
The event was formally launched by the annual Best in Taste Awards, which set the tone for four days of food, drink and live entertainment. Former Xpose presenter Cassie Stokes handed out the trophies.
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Competition was strong across the categories, reflecting the variety on display at the festival. Judges recognised excellence in dishes, hospitality and visitor experience.
- Best Dish (Gold): Achara — Temple Bar (Thai cuisine focused on a charcoal grill)
- Best Dish (Silver): Daata — restaurants in Dublin and Wicklow (Pakistani and Indian cuisine)
- Best Dish (Bronze): The Salt Project — noted for its Irish dishes
- Best Restaurant Front of House Experience: Bah 33
- Best Dressed Exhibitor Stand: Grá Chocolates
- Most Important Feature: Glendalough Gin
- Best Visitor Experience: Teeling Whiskey
What visitors can expect
Beyond the awards, the square is filled with tasting booths, chef demonstrations and drinks stands. Small producers sit beside well-known establishments, giving attendees a wide range of flavours to try.
Organisers have programmed live music and culinary demonstrations throughout the weekend, adding to the festival atmosphere. For many visitors, the mix of familiar favourites and new discoveries is the draw.
Photos from the opening day
A gallery from the opening captures chefs at work, busy stands and festivalgoers sampling food. The images provide a quick sense of the event’s scale and the variety on offer.
