Visit Portugal at the Dalkey Book Festival

Dalkey Book Festival Talks

The Heart of Portugal with Afonso Reis Cabral with Barbara Scully

11am, Saturday, June 20th

Afonso Reis Cabral’s most recent book, Take Me with You – Portugal’s National Road 2 on Foot, offers an intimate and deeply human portrait of Portugal as experienced through one of its most iconic routes. In this travel memoir, Cabral undertakes a 24‑day solo journey along National Road 2 – a nearly 500‑mile stretch that cuts across the country from Chaves to Faro. Walking through mountains, plains, small towns and river valleys he documents not only the landscapes, but also the encounters, conversations and quiet moments that reveal the spirit of Portugal today.

Afonso Reis Cabral, winner of the José Saramago Prize, discusses the creation of this remarkable travel narrative and the insights he gathered while tracing the very heart of Portugal on foot.

Portugal: Europe’s Cultural Gem with Madalena Vidigal, Susana Cereja, Afonso Reis Cabral with David McWilliams

12:30pm, Saturday, June 20th

From coastlines to UNESCO‑listed heritage, from world‑class gastronomy to vibrant contemporary culture, Portugal offers an exceptional diversity of experiences. This conversation invites you to explore the country’s unique blend of landscapes, traditions and regional identities, a richness that makes Portugal one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Portugal is a land of deep cultural layers: the melancholy of fado, the craftsmanship of traditional tiles, the innovation of modern architecture, the excellence of its wines, and the warmth of a people known for their hospitality. A place where past and present coexist effortlessly, offering visitors a sense of authenticity that is increasingly rare in today’s world.

Join us for this insightful panel event as our guests delve into the many facets that make Portugal a true cultural gem.

Visit Portugal Events

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 wines 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

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 cultural heritage 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 tourism 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

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

Across the Weekend

Following the warm reception of her performances 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