Fraudsters target Dingle Food Festival Thu, 03 Sep, 2026 – 20:06Neil Michael
Irish food festivals are being targeted by fraudsters, according to the director of one of Kerry’s biggest events.
Dingle Food Festival chief Martin Bealin said several individuals started approaching food and beverage suppliers a month ago to tell them they could secure stall space at the festival on the weekend of October 3 and 4.
One of those approached was an ice cream vendor who contacted Mr Bealin to check about the approach made to him.
The list of companies admitted to the festival had been finalised last October.
It then emerged that several repeated attempts had been made to suppliers targeting the festival.
Organisers have now issued a warning to vendors.
“We are aware of an ongoing scam targeting 2026 Street Market applicants. Please note that Street Market applications are now closed for 2026, and the confirmed list of Street Market vendors is available on our website.
“Our only official email address is [email protected].
“If you have received a suspicious email, payment request, or form claiming to be from Dingle Food Festival, please do not make any payment or provide personal information and contact us directly.”
Mr Bealin told the Irish Examiner he has heard of other festivals and food events being targeted.
He said the scammers are contacting vendors and applicants with fraudulent payment requests and sending out fake online application forms to trade at the festivals.
In Dingle, applicants were contacted using a fake email address and asked to make a payment through a Revolut link.
Mr Bealin said: “I would urge all food festival organisers and food suppliers to be especially vigilant.
“They need to check email addresses carefully, make sure not to make payments through unexpected links, and make sure they verify payment details directly with the festival involved.”
He added: “Dingle Food Festival does not operate a Revolut account.
“Anyone who believes they have been targeted is encouraged to contact the relevant festival directly and report the incident.”
He said gardaí have been notified and they are monitoring the situation.
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