Fáilte Ireland claims that Co. Cork, and particularly Cork City, is “uniquely positioned” to develop into a significant culinary destination for visitors from outside since it is home to more than 60% of the nation's artisan food manufacturers.

Their remarks coincide with the city's celebration of the ‘Cork on a Fork’ culinary festival, its most recent tourism-related endeavour, which was a success.

With help from regional vendors and food producers, the five-day Cork City Council festival currently features almost 100 activities. On Wednesday night, 100 diners attended a street event on Princes Street where some of the festival's events were featured.

The event is another step towards maximising tourism, which contributes just under €1 billion yearly to the economy of County Cork.

The ‘Cork on a Fork’ programme is also backed by Fáilte Ireland as part of its aims to promote Cork City as a culinary destination and as Ireland's culinary capital.

Brian O'Flynn, head of Fáilte Ireland's Ancient East said, “The city possesses distinct advantages that put it in a strong position to win the title.”

According to him, Cork County is particularly situated to be known as Ireland's food capital because it now houses more than 60% of all artisanal producers in the nation.

However, I believe that events and festivals like these allow visitors to experience that in an interesting and engaging way.

The intention is to encourage tourists to remain longer and increase “the average two-night stay, as it is currently, to three or more.”

As stated by Mr. O'Flynn, this would result in a 30% increase in local economic output, which would “ultimately sustain jobs in local communities across the country.”

Covid-19 made everyone realise how privileged they are to live and work in a place where they have access to cuisine of the highest calibre, including seafood, dairy, and artisan, according to Claire Nash of Nash 19 Restaurant.

“We've already had a fantastic tourist season, and we're going to copper-fasten that by continuing to conduct this festival and this event (A Taste of Princes Street) for years to come. It goes without saying that Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland seek to promote Cork as a culinary destination.”

During the epidemic, Cork City Council was the first local government in the nation to embrace the idea of outdoor eating by pedestrianising around 17 city centre streets.

The ‘Cork on A Fork’ event and the city's transformation into the nation's food capital, in the opinion of the city council, represent enormous opportunities for the local economy and for Cork-based enterprises.

The local government is also hiring a Night-Time Economy Advisor, according to Fearghal Reidy, the city's director of strategic and economic development.

According to him, the action is a step towards “acknowledging the importance of the night-time (economy) and trying to diversify it so that everybody feels welcome in Cork - of all ages - an inclusive city to enjoy,” he added.