Why Taste of Dublin should be top of your summer plans this June
As summer returns to Dublin, so too does one of the city’s most anticipated food and social events.
There’s a particular kind of energy that takes over Dublin when summer arrives – longer evenings, packed terraces, and a growing appetite for food, drinks and outdoor socialising.
And one of the city’s most anticipated seasonal events is set to return, transforming Merrion Square into a vibrant hub of flavour, music and discovery.
Across four days in June at Taste of Dublin, visitors can wander between restaurant stalls, live chef demonstrations, immersive drink experiences and music stages, building their own perfect summer day out at their own pace.
Whether you’re there for the food, the atmosphere, or simply a good day out with friends, here’s what to look out for.
A walkable feast of restaurant dishes
At the centre of it all is a huge open-air dining experience, where more than 50 dishes from 15 restaurants are available to sample.
This year brings a mix of new names and returning favourites. Expect fresh additions such as Achara, Ibile and a unique collaboration between Chimac and Sicín Sásta, alongside well-loved spots like Daata, Bovinity and The Salt Project.
It’s a rare opportunity to try a wide range of Ireland’s most talked-about restaurants in one place — no reservations required.
Live cooking from some of Ireland’s best chefs
Throughout the weekend, a dedicated cookery stage will host live demonstrations from leading chefs and culinary voices.
Names including Eva Pau, Marcus O’Laoire, Eunice Power, Gráinne Mullins and Kwanghi Chan will share techniques, ideas and inspiration — offering everything from simple tips for home cooking to insight into the latest food trends.
Drinks, tastings and immersive experiences
Alongside the food, visitors can explore a wide range of drink-focused experiences, from cocktail masterclasses to craft beer tastings and wine education sessions.
Highlights include summer spritz masterclasses, a dedicated craft beer village, and guided wine experiences designed to help guests discover new favourites. There are also immersive gin sessions inspired by the landscapes of Wicklow, bringing a local twist to the drinks offering.
For something more high-energy, a music-led social space inspired by underground New York radio culture keeps the atmosphere going well into the evening.

A Scandinavian-inspired break from the buzz
For those looking for a quieter moment between tastings, a Scandinavian-inspired lounge offers a space to slow down and reset. rooted in the idea of taking time out to enjoy simple pleasures, it’s a calm spot to break from the festival pace.
Elsewhere, coffee tasting sessions and whiskey experiences offer more structured ways to explore coffee and spirits culture.
Taste your way around Spain without leaving Dublin
One of the most immersive experiences on site brings the flavours of Spain to the city, with regional food and wine masterclasses showcasing destinations such as Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Cambrils. With chefs and experts flown in from each region, it’s a chance to explore Mediterranean flavours in a hands-on, interactive setting.
Music, atmosphere and long summer evenings
As the day moves on, live music takes over, with a dedicated stage hosting a mix of DJs and live acts across the weekend.

Upgrade your day
For those looking for a more comfortable experience, VIP access offers fast-track entry, dedicated seating areas and complimentary treats — a way to enjoy the festival at a slightly slower, more relaxed pace.
Take a little of it home
Visitors can also take inspiration home through a special edition cookbook featuring recipes from some of Ireland’s best-known chefs. The collection spans two decades of Irish cooking and includes contributions from Neven Maguire, Rachel Allen, Donal Skehan and more, with proceeds supporting Dublin Simon Community.
Planning a group day out
New for this year, discounted group tickets make it easier to turn the event into a shared summer outing that is ideal for friends or family planning a full day together.
Taste of Dublin, in association with international home furnishing retailer JYSK, is back! From June 11-14, Merrion Square will be transformed into a summer foodie paradise where you’ll taste some of the most mouthwatering dishes from Ireland’s leading chefs and top restaurants. Check out the full line-up, schedules and book tickets now on tasteofdublin.ie. Follow @tasteofdublin on Instagram for updates.






