Here’s how you can catch some of Ireland’s most exciting food talent in conversation this weekend

Rachel Allen, Ali Dunworth and our very own Marcus O'Laoire are just some of the big names you can hear from this weekend.

This weekend, some of the brightest movers and shakers in the Irish and international food community will gather at one of Ireland's most beloved food festivals.

That's right, the Ballymaloe Festival of Food is back for another unforgettable weekend of food experiences. 

From Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May, Ballymaloe House in Shanagarry in Co. Cork will become a hub of unique dining experiences, hands-on-activities and star-studded workshops and panels. 

This weekend's festival is also your opportunity to hear from some of the most exciting members of both the Irish and the international food scene at Scoop & a yarn powered by Square.

Founded by Dee Laffan, the editor of Scoop: Irish Food Stories, this food storytelling event is led by chefs, producers, growers, writers and the audience themselves. 

Across the three days of the festival, Dee will be joined by food writer Ali Dunworth and TV chef Erica Drum for a series of stories inspired by topics originally featured in Scoop: Irish Food Stories.

Discover the must-have ingredients for home-cooking with 'The New Irish Larder' or catch Rachel Allen trace the figure of the foodie with 'Influencers Through the Ages'. Our very own Marcus O'Laoire, meanwhile, will be joined by award-winning food blogger Caroline Hennessy for 'Recipes for Recovery' - a guide to cooking yourself through tough times. 

Some of the other sensational guests leading food stories with Scoop & a yarn this weekend include restaurant critic Jay Raynor, chefs Anthony Worrell Thompson, Daniel Rankin, Thomasina Miers and Noor Murad.

Scoop & a yarn is powered by Square, which is more than a payment provider - it's a partner for food entrepreneurs who want to grow and thrive. Square invests in the culture and the community that enables Ireland's food scene to be the global powerhouse it is today. Come to Scoop & a yarn and you'll see for yourself how Square champions small food businesses, great conversations and rich connections.

You can check out the full schedule of events right here.

Tickets for the Ballymaloe Food Festival start at €20 for the Friday, or €25 for a day pass for Saturday or Sunday. You can also secure a weekend pass for €65. Kids under the age of 12 can go for free. You can learn more - and buy tickets - right here.