Mayo Day
Ballina, Co. Mayo
Saturday, April 29, 12pm – 6pm

Mayo Day is once again bringing the best local food and chefs from the county right into the heart of the day at the Mayo Day 2023 Food Village, for the flagship celebration in Ballina as part of the Ballina 2023 celebrations.

Located in Walsh Street, just off Pearse Street where Mayo Day’s live music event will be taking place, the Food Village, curated by Ronan Fox will have demonstrations, talks and delectable local produce for sale.

A full day of events has been lined up, kicking off at 12.30pm and will run right throughout the day, so make sure to check it out – your taste buds won’t be disappointed!

Running order

12:30pm: Yvonne and Daniel from Poacher Restaurant, Ballina

Yvonne and Daniel from Poacher Restaurant have created an exciting dining experience on Market Square featuring contemporary dining in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere with a special focus on locally sourced ingredients, along with a carefully selected wine list and mouth-watering cocktails.

They are a multi award-winning couple in business in Ballina and on Mayo Day they will be cooking a signature dish from their delicious menu and will also be talking about their success since lockdown.

1:15pm  Marcus Robinson, Reel Deel Brewery, Crossmolina

Reel Deel Brewery is based in Crossmolina and the brewery is named after Crossmolina’s River Deel, which runs near the northern shore of Lough Conn. Reel Deel focuses on producing full-flavoured craft beer, and in doing so, supporting their local community in Mayo and promoting Irish heritage.

Marcus, an award-winning brewer will join the producer conversation on Mayo Day in Ballina, speaking about the Reel Deel Brewing Story, their history, heritage, and product development.

1:45pm:  Alan Maynard, Belleek Castle and Jack Fenn, Ballina, featuring Clarke’s Salmon Smokery

Allan Maynard is the Executive Chef at Belleek Castle and Jack Fenn’s Café in Ballina. Local and sustainable ingredients are passions of Alan, who cooks with raw ingredients from the Castle’s own gardens and the North Mayo area.

On Mayo Day, Alan will prepare a stunning salmon dish using salmon supplied by local fish suppliers Clarke’s Salmon Smokery. The Clarke family in Ballina has been synonymous with wild Irish salmon since Jackie Clarke first set up his business in Ballina in 1945. A family business, now managed by Jack’s son John Clarke, it ensures that the traditional values from which it started are maintained and carried on.

2:30pm: Connacht Distillery

3:00pm: Gerry Luskin and Rory Culkin

Gerry Luskin, an experienced chef and restaurateur for the past thirty-five years is no stranger to the culinary scene. Having worked in numerous establishments such as Ashford Castle and top restaurants in Manhattan, New York, his reputation precedes him. At present, he owns a family run restaurant, Luskin’s Bistro & Wine Bar in the heart of Ballina, which has established itself as a thriving addition to the fine dining scene in the West of Ireland.

On Mayo Day, Gerry will be joined by award-winning chef and Commis Chef instructor Rory Culkin who will be talking about sustainability in the kitchen environment, and the career prospects for those interested in training in the culinary arts.

3:30pm: Carmel and Mary –  The Irish Soda Bread Way

With a passion for baking and a love of Irish tradition and folklore, Carmel and Mary set up The Irish Soda Bread Way in 2019.

The duo were childhood friends in their native Sligo who ended up in Westport and never left! Carmel spent half a lifetime in the local secondary school teaching Home Economics. Mary, now a Fáilte Ireland approved Tour Guide, spent equally as long working as a Medical Scientist in the local hospital. Both love meeting people, enjoy the chat and are great fun!

You can be sure of real kindness, a genuine Irish welcome and lots of laughter with Carmel and Mary.

4:00pm: Ronan Fox and Laoise Quinn

Ronan Fox is an award-winning chef with many years’ experience in the food industry and is curating the food marquee at this year’s Mayo Day. He is currently the executive chef for Aramark Healthcare.

On Mayo Day he will be joined by dietician Laoise Quinn where they will cook and discuss some affordable healthy meal options to easily feed a family for a week.