Kenmare is the focus for a local food showcase from July 12th – 14th. Between mountains, beside the sea, the town and it’s surroundings are some of the most beautiful in Ireland. Make it a stop next weekend for  the Kenmare Food Carnival, which highlights all the good eating in the region. A packed programme for this second annual festival includes the opening evening entertainment of Samba and Jazz and street barbecue. Good Food Ireland members Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain, Dublin and Kevin Aherne of Sage Restaurant Midleton, East Cork, will be strutting their stuff on the demonstration stage during the weekend. An early morning sea cruise and forage may reveal the bounties of the seashore. The Drinks Quarter, Food Market Taste Trail and kids activities make this a real family event.  This is a popular time of year for visiting Kerry and the southwest region. The Kenmare Food Carnival is a great reason – if one needs one – to visit. Those taking a road trip from West Cork will pass through Ballylickey. Enjoy a bite to eat and some food shopping at Val Manning’s long established Manning’s Emporium. Drive through the spectacular Borlin Valley to Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry – an alternative to the main road from Glengarriff to Kenmare, but be confident of your driving! Discover a winding road through a mountain pass and two valleys of entirely differing characters. There will be waterfalls if it’s raining.  This road is signposted from Ballylickey to Kilgarvan. Kenmare provides a starting point for the famous Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, home of Milleens Cheese. Good Food Ireland’s Smuggler’s Inn in Waterville, Co. Kerry features guesthouse accommodation and a fine seafood restaurant. In Caherciveen, Co. Kerry,  QC’s Seafood Restaurant and QC’s Townhouse are worth a visit. Killarney is also proximate over the stunning Lady’s View road and through the Killarney National Park. In Killarney, stay and eat at The Malton, The Ross or the five star Killarney Park Hotel.