THE village of Cong will become a vibrant hub of food and community this summer as the Cong Food Village Festival returns on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026. Pictured at Cong were Ray McHugh (Site Manager Cong Food Village Festival), Regina Donaghue (Director of Marketing Ashford Castle), Mairead Geehan (Project Manager Cong Food Village) and Maura Murphy (Tourism Officer, Mayo County Council). Photo:Trish Forde.

Cong to host West of Ireland's largest Food Festival

Published: Thu 28 May 2026, 4:32 PM

THE VILLAGE of Cong in Mayo will become a vibrant hub of food and community this summer as the Cong Food Village Festival returns this July.

Set against the backdrop of the historic Cong Abbey, the festival has grown into the largest food festival in the West of Ireland.

Now in its seventh year, the festival will take place across the weekend of July 11 and 12 from 10am to 6pm. It celebrates Ireland’s rich and diverse food culture, bringing together artisan producers, acclaimed chefs, and food lovers from across the country.

At its centre is the main marquee on the Abbey grounds, where more than 50 food and craft producers will gather alongside two professional demo kitchens hosting a packed schedule of live cooking demonstrations.

Among the highlights is festival ambassador and celebrity chef Sarah Butler, RTE Celebrity Chef Jeeny Maltese, restaurateur and author, JP McMahon, and the Executive Head Chef at The Lodge at Ashford, Jonathan Keane.

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THE village of Cong will become a vibrant hub of food and community this summer as the Cong Food Village Festival returns on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026. Pictured at Cong were, Mairead Geehan - Project Manager Cong Food Village and Regina Donaghue - Director of Marketing Ashford Castle. Photo:Trish Forde. Picasa

While food is at the heart of the festival, it is very much an event for all the family. Alongside the tastings and demonstrations, younger visitors and families can enjoy a range of engaging activities.

They include drumming classes with Drumadore, hands on experiences at Lislinn Miniature Farm, creative workshops with Fuinnseog Woodland Crafts, and forest nature walks that make the most of Cong’s beautiful surroundings.

“This year’s programme brings together an exceptional mix of chefs and outstanding food and craft producers from across the country,” stated Mairead Geehan, Cong Food Village Project Manager.

“We are also excited to introduce two new areas for 2026, Poball Mór for engaging talks and hands-on workshops, and the Last of the High Kings music stage, which will showcase local talent.

“This event is a true celebration of local spirit, and we are deeply grateful to the Cong business community for getting behind it. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a cracking weekend of food, workshops and entertainment.”