Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has announced a major funding injection of €300,000 for 22 agri-food tourism projects across the country.

The support, provided under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund, aims to strengthen rural economies, promote local food heritage, and foster sustainable tourism.

The funding, a result of the Department’s Agri-Food Tourism tender process, supports a diverse range of projects that highlight Ireland’s rich agricultural and culinary traditions. Minister Heydon welcomed the announcement, stating, “It is great to be able to support these initiatives and build on progress already made.”

Among the standout fully-funded recipients is Cromane Seafest in Co. Kerry, awarded €25,000 to celebrate the region’s renowned seafood through immersive coastal experiences. Oakfield Park in Co. Donegal will receive €23,689 to host the Donegal Festival of Food, showcasing artisan producers and local culinary traditions in a heritage park setting.

Another initiative, Taste of Inishturk, run by the Inishturk Community Club in Co. Mayo, will use its €16,800 grant to spotlight island-based food and crafts, drawing attention to remote, often overlooked rural communities.

In Co. Limerick, Tory Hill House Farm Shop, spearheaded by journalist and farmer Hannah Quinn Mulligan, was awarded €6,458 to further develop its farm-to-fork experience. Nearby, the Lough Gur Visitor Centre will benefit from €24,000 to enhance its food and craft experience, combining heritage tourism with local produce.

Other notable recipients include:

Wildacres Honey Tour, Co. Wicklow – €14,630 to develop educational and tasting tours centred around beekeeping.
Naas Farmers Market, supported by Kildare County Council – €17,650 to expand its reach and impact.
Boyne Valley Food Heroes, Co. Meath – €13,317 to promote producer-led food storytelling events.

Minister Heydon emphasised the national scope of the initiatives: “The great geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities throughout the country.”

The funding also supports part-funded ventures, with €10,000 allocated to a number of regional councils and food networks to strengthen food branding and tourism capacity. Among them:

Taste Kilkenny, led by Kilkenny County Council, will use the grant to promote culinary events and local food experiences.
Field Exchange in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, operated by Ailbhe Gerard, plans a food and craft festival to highlight organic farming and sustainability.

Minister of State Noel Grealish praised the quality of submissions: “The large volume of applications shows the appetite for innovative and collaborative ventures in this space. Those who were successful should be congratulated for their ambition and creativity.”

The initiative aligns with Food Vision 2030, the Government’s roadmap for a more sustainable and resilient agri-food sector. By investing in agri-tourism, the programme supports rural diversification, community development, and the promotion of Irish food heritage.

With this latest round of funding, Ireland’s rural communities are set to benefit from increased visitor numbers, stronger local economies, and a deeper appreciation of the country’s food traditions.

Funding has been made available to the following successful initiatives:

Fully Funded

Cromane Seafest, Co. Kerry – €25,000
Wildacres Honey Tour, Co. Wicklow – €14,630
Inishturk Community Club – Taste of Inishturk, Co. Mayo – €16,800
Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Tory Hill House Farm Shop, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick – €6,458
Boyne Valley Food Heroes, Co. Meath – €13,317
Taste of Sligo Food Festival, Sligo Town – €10,500
Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – Donegal Festival of Food – €23,689
Kildare Co. Council – Naas Farmers Market – €17,650
Hinterland West CLF, Clonbur, Co. Galway -Farm to Food Experience – €9,884
Lough Gur Visitor Centre Food and Craft Experience, Bruff, Co. Limerick – €24,000
Stephen Pratt Maize Maze, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois – €23,800

Part Funded

Cavan County Council (Cavan Food Network) – €10,000
Destination Lough Derg (Tipperary County Council) – €10,000
Kilkenny County Council (Taste Kilkenny) – €10,000
Monaghan County Council (Food Destination Promotion) – €10,000
Taste Experiences Waterford – €10,000
Elmgrove Flower Farm, Gormanstown, Co. Meath – Daffodil Festival 2026 – €10,000
Boyne Valley School of Food Culture, Co. Meath – Samhain Festival – €10,000
Ailbhe Gerard, Field Exchange, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary – Food and Craft Festival – €10,000
Tipperary Food Producers Network – Food Tourism – €10,000
Common Knowledge Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare – Land and Lore events – €10,000