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Our Top 5 Flavours of Fingal
The Flavours of Fingal Festival is our annual local gathering. We have been creating crepes here for the hungry masses since 2017. Newbridge House and park is one of our fave spots to explore when we can grab a day off. We do love a good 18th century mansion. Thanks to the generosity of the Cobbe family, we have access to the 400 acres of parkland that surround it so it’s a lovely spot.
This year we were making crepes in the delightful walled garden. As usual we took turns during our breaks over the weekend to check out the different flavours. These were our favourites
1. The Fun Field
This was where every kid in Dublin (and quite a few adults) were to be found over the weekend. Along one side of the paddock area were lambs, goats, pigs and turkeys. In the centre was a circus area with jugglers, trapeze artists and all sort of clowns. They included the scientific and the seriously silly. A family of alpacas kept an eye on the proceedings.
Next to the circus area was the inflatable play area. This was a football field sized area filled with slides and climbing walls. Enough to keep the bounciest of kids occupied. It wasn’t all adrenaline though. There were also mini golf courses, life-size chess games and bikes that created bubbles. If that was too much, you could join some family yoga sessions.
2. The Equestrian Arena
This was on in front of the entrance to the stately house. Along with the jumping arena there was also a field where riders could warm up their horses. Powerful creatures. This was my first time watching show-jumping so it was a new experience for me. I got to see the course being set up for the Mervue Leinster Grand Prix on the Saturday.
It was interesting to see the riders walking the course first, pacing from jump to jump to measure the route. But the best was when they mounted the horses and went for it. At 1.35m, these jumps were the highest of the day and pretty daunting. Andrew Hodgins showed his experience on his beautiful horse Sandra by beating all the younger riders.
3. The Glamour Stage
Under a large tent that kept the sun off the performers, the Dancing with Stars show was on all weekend. It had a large dance stage surrounded by overhanging lights. Around the stage were rows of benches for the audience to sit on. Every time I went by here there was a huge crowd inside.
I got a quick look at the ballroom dancers getting ready. Debonair men in tuxedos waited for ladies in swirling fluorescent gowns to join them. It was the Salsa section that I managed to catch though and this did not disappoint. The costumes were fab, the moves were fantastic and the energy was hi-tempo.
4. The Living History Field
At the front of the mansion were a collection of military style canvas tents. The Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society had a tent full of memorabilia that was open to the public. Volunteers wore Sam Brown belts, carried rifles and marched after pipers. Behind these were military camps from both World Wars and the Vietnam War.
There was a Red Cross tent (complete with gruesome injuries) and a Polish Army tent. From a different time, a ring of tents signalled a Viking settlement. It was settled by warriors, traders and families (including a toddler being carted around on wheels). Off to the side on its own was a beautiful Traveller Wagon like something out of Peaky Blinders.
5. The Farm
The Newbridge House farmyard is always one of our favourite places to explore. One side of the 18th century cobbled yard takes you through local farm history. You can learn more about the Cobbe family, how they developed the farm using state of the art machinery. The other side is full of animals and you never know what you might see.
You can pet Lucy the friendly goat. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of Elvis Pigsley, the Gloucester pig. The fantastic aviary is full of colourful birds. Peacocks put on displays as they wander about. From here you can visit the Farming Field. This is a great spot for Dubs to learn about their culchie cousins. Highlights included a sheepdog that herded geese, a harvester as big as a house and a vegetable competition that was highly competitive.
There were lots more to see and do at the Flavours of Fingal Festival. We had hungry mouths to feed and crepes to make so we could not get around everything. There is always next year, but there will probably be even more to check out then. If you would like us to take care of the food at your next festival, feel free to contact us.