Acclaimed food trucks, chefs and more – full programme unveiled for The Wonderful Barn events this Saturday

In addition to the ticketed discussions and demonstrations, visitors can treat themselves to some deliciously diverse offerings from food trucks in the outside arena – including the hugely popular Mama Shee, Little Catch and Beanery.

Little Catch

A vibrant pink-and-white food trailer that first launched in 2021, the acclaimed Little Catch has earned a nationwide reputation for its thoroughly exceptional seafood offerings. Tramore, Co. Waterford native Denise Darrer's wonderfully fresh, locally-sourced fare includes mouthwatering lobster rolls – and that's just the start of it! This one is a winner all the way!...

Mama Shee

We are thrilled to bring the brilliant Mama Shee to Leixlip! Get ready for a traditional taste of Nigerian cuisine from Edizemi Onilenla's superb offering – including the delicious likes of jollof rice, fried plantain, suya, gizdodo, and more. It is like stepping into a brand new, and thoroughly delightful culinary world...

 

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Beanery

Originating in Clane, Co. Kildare, and operating out of a stunning vintage coffee van that was lovingly restored in 2015 – it's been described as French, quirky and fun, and we can tell you that it is! – Beanery offers a premium coffee service, with its La Marzocco barista machine, as well as hot chocolate and absolutely delicious artisanal cakes. "We are eco aweare, and always have been," they say.

Brigid's Crosses

The Wonderful Barn's arena area will also play host to Cluain Mór Willow – traditionally crafted willow baskets, handmade by Lonneke using locally grown willow. To properly embrace the spirit of the occasion, Lonneke will also be leading demonstrations throughout the day on weaving Brigid's crosses.

The Mother Earth: A Food Happening event in the Marquee – which you can purchase tickets for below – will be based around a series of panels:

Panel 1:

12pm to 1pm – moderated by food writer & editor Dee Laffan
Exploring approaches to food based on ideas of equality, sustainability, justice and nutrition for all

Featuring:
Dr Karen Ward: holistic therapist, author of Glorious Goddesses of Ancient Ireland & The Secrets of Ageless Ageing
Chantelle Nicholson: multi-award-winning chef at Michelin Green-starred Apricity in London
Holly Loftus: bladesmith at Loftus Knives – and the only woman in the UK professionally hand-forging culinary knives
Edizemi Onilenla: founder of Mama Shee – bringing the rich taste of Nigerian cuisine to the Irish food industry

Demonstration 1: Irish grown pulses by Rose Greene at 1pm

Panel 2:

1.30pm to 2.30pm – moderated by journalist & co-founder of Pocket Forests, Catherine Cleary.
What Women Bring To The Table: A dynamic discussion on sexism in the food world

Featuring:
Jess Murphy: chef patron of Michelin Green-starred Kai Restaurant in Galway
Rose Greene: chef, co-founder of 4 Hands Food Studio – producers of naturally fermented foods and drinks
Majken Bech-Bailey: Co-owner and founder of BECH-BAILEY
Sinead Moran: Co-owner of Gleann Buí Farm – an organic raw micro dairy in Mayo

Demonstration 2: Griddle scones and homemade jam by Jess Murphy at 2.30pm

Panel 3:

3pm to 4pm – moderated by food consultant & journalist Ali Dunworth
Local Is Best – But Can We Make It Work?

Featuring:

Aisling Larkin: chef, Media Broadcaster, Strategist
Julia Hemingway: chef-owner of Julia's Lobster Truck
Darcie Mayland: co-founder of The Lost Valley Dairy and Creamery in West Cork
Jane Russell: director of Jane Russell's Handmade Sausages

Demonstration 3: Making Your Own Home Cheese – plus tasting a A Lost Valley Dairy special by Darcie Mayland at 4pm
Demonstration 4: Barbequing a lobster, by Julia Hemingway at 4.20pm

Mother Earth: A Food Happening is part of the Nothing Compares series – presented by Hot Press and Kildare County Council – which will provide unique and joyful ways to celebrate Irish women creatives. The entire Brigid 1500 programme promises to be a very special celebration of the legend of Brigid – a Pagan goddess and a Christian saint who is symbolic of the power, strength and independence of women in Ireland.

Later on Saturday evening, the sold-out Mother Earth: The Wonderful Barn Show will be held at the same venue.  Featuring songs on the theme of 'Mother Earth', the line-up includes the legendary likes of Denise Chaila, Gemma Hayes, Una Healy, Róisín O and Tolü Makay.

Events at The Wonderful Barn are being supported by Intel, whose campus is in Leixlip, Kildare County Council and Hot Press.

Mother Earth: The Wonderful Barn Show is now sold out – but there are a limited number of tickets remaining for Mother Earth: A Food Happening, kicking off at 12pm on Saturday, January 27.

Tickets for Mother Earth: A Food Happening are €22.50, and are on sale now: