West Cork and Kinsale vie for top food award

ALL foodie roads lead to West Cork which, along with Kinsale, has been shortlisted as one of the Restaurants Association of Ireland's Top 10 finalists in the ‘Foodie Destinations' competition 2017. 

The award recognises a destination that actively promotes itself through joint promotional activities such as food festivals, gourmet trails or farmers' markets, as well as great dining experiences. 

The winning Irish destination will have established a local producer/supplier network which is utilised and promoted by local businesses.  Plans for future growth and investment into the food and hospitality industry at a local level will also be taken into consideration by judges. 

Education, training, development and employment will be key components of the ultimate foodie destination.

Ciaran Fitzgerald, chairman of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism & Business, said they were encouraging everyone to vote for Kinsale between July 25th and August 10th. ‘We are already working together with Kinsale Good Food Circle, Kinsale Food Tours and all restaurants, bars and cafés as a foodie destination, to put our best fork forward for the judges' visit in August,' he said.  

Fiona Field of the Taste of West Cork festival committee is also encouraging voters to recognise West Cork on the shortlist. 

‘Please vote for West Cork as public voting is 50% of the vote and the judges' visit, on August 18th, is the other 50%, so spread the word!' she urged. ‘Let's make West Cork the Foodie Destination of 2017!'

The Foodie Destination 2017 winner can be a town, village, suburb or region with a unique offering..

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of August. To vote, and for more information on the RAI competition,  go to http://www.foodiedestinations.ie/city/west-cork/