Galway’s food festival, Blas na Bealtaine (A Taste of May), returns next month with a feast of flavour, culture and community spirit, showcasing some of the very best places to eat and drink.

From natural wine pairings to seafood trails, pop-up feasts, chef swaps and global flavours rooted in West of Ireland ingredients, this year’s festival is the perfect excuse to try something new, meet new people, and enjoy the buzz of Galway.

With more than 20 events already confirmed, Blas na Bealtaine is all about celebrating the city and county’s rich food scene — its diversity, its creativity, and its people — over the course of the month.

Festival highlights include:

■ Daróg Wine Bar hosts two ‘Meet the Winemaker’ evenings featuring Zoltán Heimann Jnr. (Hungary) and Jonatan Garcia (Tenerife).

■ Alma presents three themed feasts inspired by Portugal’s links with Africa and Asia.

■ Aniar Restaurant welcomes Irish micro-négociant Róisín Curley for a Burgundy wine celebration, a chef swap with the award-winning Gráinne Mullins, and an 8-course Brazilian-inspired    dinner.

■ Fable Tours takes you west for Clifden Bites & Sights — a guided culinary adventure.

■ Cava Bodega collaborates with Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan & Sommelier Anna Patorowicz for a special one-night dinner. They will also host a free Paella Party to celebrate its birthday on Friday, May 2).

■ Micil Distillery and Sheridans Cheesemongers team up for an Irish craft pairing. Sheridan’s also have two cheese and wine tasting events without Micil.

■ Blackthorn Restaurant, Barna hosts ‘A Taste of Togetherness’ — small plates and organic wine in good company.

■ Pasta-making classes with Tony Carelli are back by popular demand.

■ Brazilian chef Laura Rosso presents an authentic Feijoada weekend.

■ Galway Bay Boat Tours and Galway Bay Seafood offer seafood lovers a chance to head out to sea and straight back to the plate.

■ Brasserie on the Corner and Micil Distillery presents a spirited Irish lunch pairing.

Follow @atasteofgalway for updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes from participating venues.

For the full list of events and to book tickets, visit atasteofgalway.com/events

Pictured: Sommelier Anna Patorowicz and Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan collaborate with Cava Bodega for a special one-night dinner.