Taste Summer in Ards and North Down 2026
Taste Summer in Ards and North Down is back for 2026 with a programme that will showcase seasonal local produce through food experiences, tastings, and local marketplaces.
Local food businesses will be running food activities across the destination as part of this celebration of food and drink. One highlight from this year’s festival is the much loved Comber Earlies Food Festival, which returns on Saturday 20 June, from 11am – 5pm in Comber Leisure Centre Carpark.
It takes centre stage as the annual celebration of local food and drink and is the flagship event within Taste Summer in Ards and North Down, which runs from 17-28 June 2026. The free, family friendly festival celebrates the iconic Comber Earlies potato, which has held Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status since 2012.
The event brings together food lovers, families and visitors for a vibrant day showcasing local produce, culinary talent and community spirit. Festival goers can look forward to a packed programme including live cookery demonstrations in the Festival Kitchen from guest and local chefs, an artisan food and drink market, vintage tractor displays, live music and hands on activities for all ages.
Family entertainment will be at the heart of the day, with children’s crafts, planting activities, walkabout performers and the return of popular festival favourites. New for 2026, a quiet hour will be introduced from 10am–11am, welcoming people with a disability, neurodiverse conditions, carers and parents/guardians. After this quiet hour, the event will officially open at 11am with a fun-filled programme running through to 5pm.
Domo’s... - Craft Beer & Seafood Trail of Howth, Dublin Craft Beer & Seafood Trail of Howth Perfect for the man in your life for Valentine’s Day. What better way to spend an afternoon, than eating the best locally caught Seafood in Ireland, washed down with an ample amount of local Craft Beer.
Add... - Majestic Afternoon Tea at the Maryborough Hotel – Cork Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Upon arrival, be welcomed by the warm and attentive team at the stunning Maryborough Hotel and Spa in Maryborough, Cork.
When making your reservation you have the wonderful option to take Afternoon Tea in the beautiful...
