Burren Bites Food Trail – Tastes Like More!

The inaugural 'Burren Bites: A Taste of Time' event brought together over 80 guests for an unforgettable journey through the landscape, stories, and flavours of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. Held on Sunday 29 June within the dramatic setting of Cavan Burren Park, this innovative food trail experience showcased the unique connection between place and plate.

Burren Bites invited participants on a guided walking tour through one of Ireland’s most remarkable prehistoric landscapes. Along the trail, guests enjoyed a six-course tasting menu designed by award-winning chef John Roche of Tully Mill Restaurant. Each dish drew inspiration from the natural surroundings, crafted in collaboration with more than 20 local food producers from across Cavan and Fermanagh.

The event featured multiple departure tours throughout the afternoon, with each group accompanied by passionate Geopark Ambassadors who offered insights into Cavan Burren Park’s rich geological formations and archaeological landmarks. Live traditional music echoed gently through the site, enhancing the experience and creating an atmosphere rooted in both place and culture.

Councillor John Paul Feeley, Chair of the Geopark Committee, thanked the local community for the success of the event, commenting “We are thrilled with the success of the very first Burren Bites food trail and are deeply grateful to our local community ‒ both Blacklion Tidy Towns and our Geopark Ambassadors ‒ for their unwavering support and enthusiasm to deliver the event. It could not have happened without the collective effort of the Geopark team, the producers, and the local community and that is the power of the Geopark”.

Councillor Anthony Feely added “Burren Bites highlights the strong partnerships across the Geopark area, in this instance highlighted through the vibrant local food scene supported by Created In Cavan and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. A strong platform to promote the Geopark Food Story”.

Dermot Gallagher, Created in Cavan coordinator with Cavan County Council, commented on the partnership that made the event a success, saying “The Burren Bites event is testament to the strength of collaboration among our Created in Cavan network with the food producers in Fermanagh. It’s inspiring to see such passion for local food and a shared commitment to quality and sustainability. The menu created by John Roche was very special and the quality of our local produce was evident at every stop on the day”.

The event marks a significant milestone in the Geopark’s growing calendar of destination experiences, combining immersive tourism with authentic local flavour. With overwhelmingly positive feedback and strong support from local councils, businesses, communities and visitors alike, Burren Bites sets the stage for future events that celebrate the food, nature, and heritage in the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.

For inspiration on where to dine in the Geopark visit: cuilcaghlakelands.org