Ballymaloe Festival of Food returns to East Cork from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026. The event takes place in various locations that includes the historic Ballymaloe House, The Grainstore, Big Shed and the estate gardens. The objective of the three-day event is to celebrate Irish food, producers, chefs, and seasonal cooking, showcasing the very best of modern Irish and international food culture.
For 2026, an exciting line up of speakers have already been confirmed, with more names to be announced. Leading the line-up is Darina Allen, founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School and a pioneering force in Irish food. International culinary voices include Sami Tamimi, co-founder of Ottolenghi, Felicity Cloake, award-winning food writer, and Guardian columnist. Broadcaster, and owner of Jimmy’s Farm, Jimmy Doherty, Adam Byatt, Michelin-starred chef from Trinity, and Michelin Guide’s Mentor of the Year in 2025,and Ed Wilson, co-owner of London’s much-loved Brawn.
Broadcaster and journalist Mariella Frostrup, drinks expert Dave Broom, food writer, educator Mallika Basu, award-winning presenter Freddy Clode and chef and food writer Ben Benton of The Go-To Food Podcast.
Beth O’Brien and George Williams, founders of The Fat Badger in London, Thomasina Myers OBE, Gemma Stafford of the Bigger Bolder Baking. Food and drink power couple Nick Lander and Jancis Robinson MW. Malaysian-Scottish chef, writer and broadcaster Julie Lin, and Iranian-American food writer Anna Ansari.
Irish favourites include champions of Irish food culture Graham Herterich, and Catherine Fulvio, Janet Liu, Robbie McCauley of Michelin-starred Homestead Cottage, and Lou Robbie of Little Lou Cooks.
The full programme will feature live cookery demonstrations, panel talks, tastings, pop-up dining experiences, workshops, book signings, producer showcases, live music and festival food. Tickets and packages are on sale now, with live stream tickets and workshops available from March.
For the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.ballymaloegrainstore.com.