It’s a seafood fan’s dream.

Each spring, chefs from all over Ireland and further afield dust off their most time-honoured recipes and descend on Kinsale for a food festival like no other.

The tent is set up, the vast pots are set to boiling and huge ladles dish up steaming bowls of fish stew to chowder fans as they flit from table to table, casting their votes for the best on the day.

Whether you prefer a classic New England creamy chowder or a Manhattan tomato-based blend, a pinch of dill or a spritz of Jameson whiskey on top, all tastes are catered for at the ninth annual All Ireland Chowder Weekend from April 5th to 7th, 2019.

What started as a one-day competition is now a major event in the spring foodie calendar; the fun kicks off on the Friday night with a Fashion Show in aid of Kinsale Youth Support Service.

The Street Feast brings hungry revellers onto Kinsale’s winding roads for an al fresco lunch from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, April 6th.

Another new addition is the Wild Atlantic Way Craft Beer and Distillery Festival from 4pm in the Marquee at Acton’s Hotel, where you can enjoy a locally-made brew to the sound of live music from the Niall McCabe Band.

The headline event is the Clona All Ireland Chowder Cook Off on Sunday April 7th from 2pm to 4pm, the winner of which takes home the coveted Derek Davis Perpetual Trophy and €1,000 in prize money.

Tickets are €15 on the door and include as many tasting bowls as you can sample – just don’t make a dinner booking for Sunday night.