Cork is set to sizzle again this weekend… for more reasons than one.

Ireland’s first-ever chilli festival is coming to the Marina Market on Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th, bringing two days of fiery food, hot sauce, competitions and spicy shenanigans to the city.

If you’ve ever watched a chilli-eating challenge and thought, “How hard can it be?” then firstly, you’re wrong, and secondly, this new Cork event is for you.

Visitors will be able to sample hot sauces from across Europe and beyond, browse stalls selling fresh chillies and chilli plants, and tuck into plenty of BBQ, street food and spicy treats. You can even try Colombian coffee infused with habanero chilli.

Bring the kids and the dog 

The festival is Ireland’s first event dedicated entirely to chilli culture, and organisers are promising something for everyone, from curious beginners who think jalapeños are adventurous to seasoned heat-seekers who casually keep Carolina Reaper sauce in the cupboard.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Irish Chili Festival (@irishchilifest)

Even if you’re not a fan of setting your mouth on fire, there are plenty of reasons to visit. The event will feature family-friendly entertainment, a dedicated kids’ play area, vegan and vegetarian food options and, importantly, dogs are welcome too.

The headline attraction, however, is likely to be the Irish Amateur Chilli Eating Competition.

Hosted by the legendary Clifton Chilli Club – the group featured on Netflix’s We Are The Champions and known for amassing hundreds of millions of YouTube views – the competition will see brave participants battle increasingly spicy peppers in pursuit of prizes, glory and temporary regret.

Spectating is arguably the smarter option.

Best of all, entry to the festival is free, with a suggested donation of €5 helping to support the event.