Cong Food Village 2026

Cong Food Village is now in its seventh year and has grown into the largest food festival in the West of Ireland - a two-day celebration spread across the historic abbey grounds that draws food lovers, families and curious visitors from across Connacht and beyond. The draw is straightforward: more than 50 food and craft producers set up in one of the most atmospheric settings in Mayo, joined by a lineup of notable chefs running live demonstrations in two purpose-built demo kitchens. It suits everyone from serious cooks who want to pick up new techniques to families looking for a relaxed Saturday or Sunday out, with plenty happening for children that has nothing to do with standing around watching adults talk about food.

What to expect

The festival runs across both days from 10am to 6pm, so there is no need to rush - you can arrive mid-morning and still catch several demonstrations before lunch. The chef lineup for 2026 includes JP McMahon, the Galway restaurateur and author known for his work championing indigenous Irish produce; Sarah Butler, who serves as festival ambassador; Jeeny Maltese; Jonathan Keane, Executive Head Chef at The Lodge at Ashford; and Liam Finnegan. Expect the demonstrations to be hands-on in feel, with tastings following each session.

New for 2026 is the Poball Mór area, a dedicated space for talks and workshops going deeper into food culture, provenance and skills. The Last of the High Kings music stage brings local musicians into the mix, so there is a festival atmosphere running alongside the food focus rather than the event feeling like a trade show.

For younger visitors, the programme is genuinely thoughtful: drumming classes with Drumadore, hands-on sessions at Lislinn Miniature Farm, woodland crafts with Fuinnseog, and guided forest nature walks. The artisan stalls are the heart of the event - local and regional producers selling direct, which makes it a good place to pick up things you will not find in a supermarket.

The festival has the backing of Fáilte Ireland, Mayo County Council and Ashford Castle Estate.

Getting there

Cong sits on the narrow strip of land between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, roughly 45 minutes from Galway city and about 25 minutes south of Westport. By car, take the N84 from either direction. There is no direct rail to Cong; the nearest train stations are Westport and Claremorris. Bus Éireann serves the area but services are limited, so most people arrive by car. Parking in the village fills quickly during events - arriving before 11am or planning to walk in from surrounding roads is the sensible approach.

While you’re in Cong

The village is small enough to see in an afternoon, but there is real substance here - the ruined Cong Abbey beside the festival site dates to the 12th century, and the grounds of Ashford Castle are open for visitors to walk. The Quiet Man connection brings its own pilgrims, and the cross-country route around the loughs is worth doing if you have a car and a couple of extra hours. There is more to see in Cong and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Dates: Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July 2026
• Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 both days
• Venue: Cong Abbey grounds, Cong, Co. Mayo
• Price: tickets required (price not published at time of writing - check congfoodvillage.com for updates)
• Children’s activities run across both days
• Festival supports Cong National School and Pancreatic Cancer Ireland