Taste of Dublin is back and here’s what to expect

This years line up includes the jam-packed Food for Thought with Lovin Dublin stage

Taste of Dublin, in association with international home furnishing retailer JYSK, is back for 2026. The beloved food festival, now in its 21st year, will be taking over Merrion Square between June 11th and 14th. 

If you're planning on stopping by this foodie paradise, prepare for a weekend full of superstar chefs, the hottest restaurants in town, next-level bars, and heaps of ways to flex your culinary prowess.

Across the four-day event, you will have the opportunity to dine on over 50 mouth-watering dishes from 15 restaurants, including Achara, Ibile and an exclusive collaboration between Chimac and Sicín Sásta.

There is truly something for everyone to enjoy across the festival, so be prepared to sip and taste your way through the festival’s flavour-packed line-up.

All the foodies can step into the Taste Kitchen, where they will enjoy mouth-watering cooking demonstrations taking place right across the weekend from chefs such as Marcus O’Laoire, Eunice Power, and Gráinne Mullins, to name a few. 

There is also the chance to discover Spanish regions Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Cambrils without even having to step on a plane. Throughout the weekend there will be the chance to participate in immersive gastronomic Tasting Spain Masterclasses and wine tastings with specially flown-in chefs and experts.

For all the coffee lovers out there, they can take part in Smeg’s tasting sessions, then hop over to the Teeling Whisky Bar to learn how to expertly craft their famous Frozen Irish Coffee.

Glendalough Distillery will be bringing the spirit of the Wicklow mountains to the heart of Merrion Square with their unique and immersive Botanical Bar and Gin Masterclasses, while St-Germain will be hosting Hugo Spritz masterclasses. While perhaps overshadowed by its sister Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz is the perfect summer drink to sip on, being both light and refreshing.

If you want a break from the culinary and mixology action, there is also the chance to peruse the House of JYSK and discover a world of Scandinavian-inspired living and source some decor inspiration.

The 98FM Music Stage will also be keeping the tunes and good vibes going all day long.

Taste of Dublin 2026 promises a packed schedule of flavour, entertainment, and unforgettable moments. We here at Lovin Dublin are delighted to be involved, and as part of this line-up this year, we will be taking over the Food for Thought stage.

Hosted by Sharon Noonan – who is best known for the Best Possible Taste podcast – strap in for a stage filled with talks, tastings and workshops galore. 

To help you navigate the stage's busy lineup, we have put together a list to give you a small taste (see what we did there) of what you can expect to see on the Food for Thought stage.

Without any further ado, let's dive in!

Thursday Afternoon Session: 12.00pm - 4.30pm

The stage will kick off at 12:45pm on Thursday with Where Community Comes to the Table with Priory Market, Ireland's Largest Food Market. Expect to hear all about the story of Dublin’s artisan food, drink and culture hub.

Thursday June 11th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm

At 7:15pm 'Drink It In Celebrating Ireland’s Best Sips with Blas na hÉireann' will take to the stage. This will see Fallon Moore of Blas na hÉireann recite the stories of some of Ireland’s most notable drink producers. Get ready to delve into what makes these standout drinks award‑worthy. Don't worry, there will also be the chance to taste them yourself!

Friday June 12th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm

Get ready to enjoy insights into the delectable world of Ulster’s vibrant food scene at 2:45pm with 'Northbound Flavours A Taste of Ulster' with Michael Dalton, Shauna Magill-Fegan and Megan Wilkes. Here you can expect to gain some insight into Ulster’s food scene, encompassing everything from the areas heritage and hospitality to the producers and places shaping the region today.

Friday June 12th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm

To close us out for Friday evening will be O’Hara’s Brewery at 8pm, who are celebrating 30 years. Get ready to see how the world of Irish beer has evolved over three decades at 'Heritage & Hops' Celebrating 30 Years of O'Hara's Beer.

Award-winning cocktail creator and spirits columnist Oisin Davis will also be on the Food for Thought stage on Friday at 8.45pm with Glendalough Distillery showcasing his new best selling cookbook.

Saturday June 13th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm

Saturday at 3pm will see teacher-turned-baker Tanya step into the kitchen for 'Love at first Bite' Baking Brilliance with Tanya's Kitchen. During this talk, Tanya will share her inspiring journey from Ukraine to Ireland, via the Middle East, while also detailing the stories behind her tasty treats. 

Saturday June 13th: Evening Session 6.00pm - 10.30pm

On Saturday it's time to get saucy with Chimac, who will take to the stage at 7:15pm for 'Soul Food via Seoul' Getting Saucy with Chimac. Chimac’s very own Sofie Rooney is set to deliver a flavour-packed chat delving into Chimac's Korean‑inspired comfort food and creative menu ideas, along with the craft behind great fried chicken and award-winning sauces.

Sunday June 14th: Afternoon Session 12.00pm - 4.30pm

Chocolate lovers, this next one is for you. Opening the final day of the festivities is Judit McNally. At 1:30pm at the Food for Thought stage you will get to experience 'The Art of Chocolate' Inside the Handpainted Chocolates from Cocoa by Judit. With over 20 years’ experience, Judit will share her journey as a chocolatier with promises for a tasting at the end!

With plenty more talks and demonstrations still to be announced, the Food for Thought stage is definitely one to check out if you're heading to Taste of Dublin this year.

This is a mere hors d'oeuvre of what you can expect to find at the Food for Thought stage across the weekend. The stage's full lineup can be viewed here.

Between mixologists, the finest artisan producers, various talks, demos, masterclasses and live music each day, Taste of Dublin is the perfect way for you and your friends to start summer off right.

Make sure to grab your ticket for Taste of Dublin 2026 today.