For the second year running, Visit Portugal are a sponsor and a key feature of the Dalkey Book Festival, ran by Sian Smyth and David McWilliams. Portugal and Portuguese culture will be a central focus in a number of DBF talks. Additionaly, Visit Portugal will host a series of events at the Cormernote café in the heart of Dalkey village. These events are open to all to attend.
Wine Pairs with Gastronomy – Azouro Food Tasting with Stephen – Friday, 19 June
At this ticketed event during the Dalkey Book Festival at The Corner Note, Stephen Firth, co-founder of Azouro, will host a tutored tasting of Portuguese wine and gastronomy, sharing the stories behind the country’s finest regional produce.
Bringing over 20 years of living and working between Ireland and Portugal, Stephen sources exceptional ingredients directly from regional artisans. At the tasting Stephen will guide guests through the flavours of Portugal, from wines and olive oils to traditional dishes, celebrating the richness and authenticity of Portuguese gastronomy.
To learn more about Stephen’s, and his wife Rachel’s, work you can visit: https://www.azouro.com/.
Tickets to the tasting with Stephen can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988894429779?aff=oddtdtcreator
Wine Pairs with Portugal – Wine Tasting with Madalena Vidigal – Saturday, 20 June
At this ticketed event during the Dalkey Book Festival at The Corner Note, Madalena Vidigal, Portuguese winemaker and founder of Entre Vinhas, will host a tutored tasting of Portuguese wines, including her own, sharing her deep knowledge of the country’s wine regions and traditions.
With over a decade of experience in wine tourism, education, and global vineyard exploration, Madalena brings a fresh, engaging perspective to Portuguese wines. At this afternoon event, she will guide guests through the flavours, stories, and culture behind Portugal’s wines, offering an authentic and immersive tasting experience.
Wine tourism in Portugal has become an increasingly important part of the country’s appeal, with visitors drawn to its diverse regions, from the Douro Valley to Alentejo and Vinho Verde. Experiences such as vineyard tours, tastings, and harvest participation offer a deeper connection to local culture and gastronomy. During the event, Madalena will also speak about her work in wine tourism and share insights into the sector’s growth and evolving role within Portugal’s travel offering.
Read more about Madalena and her work here: https://entrevinhasemar.com/en/.
Tickets to the tasting with Madalena can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988895286341?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wine Pairs with Art – Workshop with Susana Cereja – Sunday, 21 June
At this ticketed event during the Dalkey Book Festival at The Corner Note, Susana Cereja will lead an intimate workshop exploring ancestral methods rooted in Portuguese heritage.
Drawing on traditional techniques and cultural influences, Susana will guide participants through a hands-on creative session where they will produce their own work using provided materials, offering a unique and immersive connection to Portugal’s artistic traditions.
You can read more about Susana and her work here: https://www.susanacereja.com/bio.
Susana’s tasting will be split into two sessions.
Tickets for session one can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988895672496?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tickets for session two can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1988895811913?aff=oddtdtcreator
Portugal Pairs with Music – Live Portuguese Music with Filipa Quintino – Across the Weekend
After her performances being very well received during the 2025 edition of the Dalkey Book Festival, Portuguese vocalist, Filipa Quintino will return to the Cornernote to provide visitors with a relaxing backdrop to their meal. She will once again be accompanied by soft acoustice guitar that complement her vocals as she creates a comfortable and authentically Portuguese atmosphere. While Flilipa’s performances are not ticketed, those wishing to book a table during her timeslots are encouraged to contact the Cornernote on (087) 761 6505.
Filipa will perform at the following times:
Wine Pairs with Music – Friday at 18:00
Wine Pairs with Music – Saturday at 13:30 and 18:00