Hi there,
Something exciting is happening in Dublin this weekend — Ireland’s first dedicated gut health festival!
Gut Fest takes place this Saturday, October 25th, from 11am to 4:15pm at Bolands Mills, Grand Canal Dock. It promises a hands-on, interactive celebration of wellness, science, and community — all centred around the fascinating world of gut health.
The festival was created by psychotherapist Mihaela Ivancenco and her husband, chef and fermenter Val Ivancencoof Fairmental, who have long championed the connection between gut health, mental wellbeing, and traditional fermented foods. Together, they’ve built a space to make gut health approachable, joyful, and relevant for everyone.
As Mihaela beautifully puts it:
“Gut Fest is about bringing people together to explore how gut health connects to every part of our wellbeing — from the food we eat to our mood, movement, and community.”
I’m delighted to be part of the lineup, speaking at 12pm about The Everyday Science of
a Happy Gut — this interactive session will cover gut health myths (there are so many but I can’t alk about them all!), explore what gut health really means, explain how to optimise your diet for a healthy gut, discuss why eating behaviour matters, and finish with a practical gut health checklist.
You’ll also hear from:
- Chef Val, sharing how to cook and ferment for gut health
- Mihaela, exploring the gut–brain connection
- Researcher Ramya Balasubramanian, from UCC, on the microbiota–gut–brain axis
- Clare McKenna, broadcaster and integrative health coach, leading breathwork and movement sessions
Plus, there’ll be interactive workshops in fermentation, yoga, and meditation — perfect for anyone curious about supporting their gut and mental wellbeing in a more hands-on way.
Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or already a seasoned gut health enthusiast, Gut Fest is designed to be informative, inspiring, and full of heart.
📍 When: Saturday, 25th October, 11am–4:15pm
📍 Where: Bolands Mills, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin
If you’d like to come along (or bring a friend) you can buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gut-fest-tickets-1756665366399?aff=ebdsshios
Hope to see someof you there. Come say hello!
To your gut health,
Lorraine
Gut Health Dietitian
Helping you find real relief from IBS and rebuild trust in your gut
