Dkit Events, Hospitality & Culinary Arts

14/05/2026

Exciting times ahead. Finally a University in the North East

Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen's University Belfast have shared an update on their partnership plans, first announced in November 2025.

The Government has now approved plans to prepare changes to legislation that will allow DkIT to participate in a new all-island university group with Queen’s University Belfast.

Subject to this regulatory approval process, under the new arrangement, DkIT is set to become a Technological University College named Dundalk University College, a College of Queen’s University Belfast.

Find out more: https://hubs.la/Q04gfdV60

08/05/2026

🍫 Incredible chocolate artistry on display!

Fantastic chocolate work created by the Year 3 BA in Culinary Arts students under the guidance of their lecturer, Rose Leonard. From intricate details to creative designs, these sculptures showcase the students’ exceptional talent and passion for pastry and confectionery art.

03/05/2026

An exciting time for our Year 2 students currently on placement, well done Cian on sharing your experience!

We’re launching a new series on Drogheda Life, highlighting people from Drogheda and the North East who are now living and working abroad.

First up is Cian Barry, currently based in Portugal, sharing what life is really like working in the Algarve, the challenges of being away from home, and what he’s learned along the way.

If you’re living abroad and want to be featured, we’d love to hear from you.

Full story 🔗 in comments

17/04/2026

Another great year at the DkIT Dundalk 10K! 🏃
A big shout-out to our 1st Year BA (Hons) in Event Management with Marketing students who volunteered at the event as part of their Event Industry Operations module, led by lecturers Karen Commins and Roisin Carolan 📕

Dundalk Institute of Technology DKIT Sport

16/04/2026

Inspiring Insights at the Dundalk Chamber Cross Border Tourism Conference

We were delighted to attend the Dundalk Chamber Cross Border Tourism Conference , “Growing Your Visitors – Learning from the Best.”

Our team – Maria Roddy-Freyne, Lorraine Dunne, Dr Kevin Burns, Karen Commins, Glenn McCormack, and Colin Cooney – joined 25 students for an engaging and enriching experience, gaining valuable insights into the evolving future of tourism.

This dynamic half-day event brought together tourism professionals, businesses, and stakeholders from across the region and beyond. Across the sessions, key themes such as cultural tourism, regenerative tourism, sustainability, marketing, and emerging travel trends were explored, offering practical strategies and innovative approaches to building competitive and future-focused destinations.

We were inspired by an outstanding lineup of speakers including Paul Hayes and Mary Claire Cowley (An Táin Arts Centre), Olivia McCormack (Louth County Council), Gráinne O’Connor (Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark), Rory King (Rory’s Travel Club), Raquel Naboa (Fifty Shades Greener), Tina Novak Samec (Institute for Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sport Brda, Slovenia), and Pól Ó Conghaile (Irish Independent), who shared valuable insights and real-world experiences.

The event also provided fantastic networking opportunities and a vibrant trade stand area showcasing innovation and supports across the tourism sector.

It was especially great to reconnect with past students Andrea Flynn, Ciara Carolan, and Niall Fretwell, and to meet Megan Connor and Aoife Farrell, currently on placement in the Four Seasons Hotel.

Overall, it was a truly inspiring day filled with fresh ideas, meaningful discussions, and a shared passion for advancing tourism.

26/03/2026

What an incredible week for our BA (Hons) International Tourism Management and BA (Hons) Marketing & International Tourism Management students.

Carla Stewart, Tereza Korolová, Alisa Janevica, Sarah McCaffery, and Matěj Kárník accompanied by their lecturer and Programme Director Karen Commins, had the fantastic opportunity to participate in an enriching Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP).

They collaborated with peers from Academia de Studii Economice din București and IUT de Lens who were exceptional hosts this year.

As part of the experience, students visited the Notaires Vimy Memorial and Carrière Wellington in Arras, and enjoyed a memorable morning at the Louvre-Lens bringing cultural tourism to life in a truly meaningful way.

A heartfelt thank you to our partner institutions and students for making this experience so inspiring and rewarding. Special thanks as well to Kevin Burns, Carney Noreen, and Vicky Leahy for their continued support with this project

26/03/2026

🏀🏆 Big Win for DkIT Women’s Basketball Team 🏆🏀

Massive congratulations to Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) on claiming the 2026 NBCC Women’s Division 3 National Basketball Championship!

In a thrilling final at the National Basketball Arena, DkIT secured a hard-fought 54–49 victory over ATU Galway, showing incredible composure in the closing stages to seal a historic win.

This marks the first national basketball title in the institute’s history which is a phenomenal achievement and also earns DkIT a well-deserved place in the upcoming College Intervarsities Competition.

A special shoutout to our Year 4 BA (Hons) Event Management student, Aimee Newman who has been a dedicated member of the team over the past four years.

Well done to the entire team and coaching staff on this fantastic achievement!

23/03/2026

🎉 D’KITchen Pop-Up Restaurant 2026 – What a Success!

From March 9–12, our Year 3 Culinary Arts, Event Management, and Hospitality Management students transformed the DkIT hospitality training restaurant, bar, and production kitchen into a fully operational dining experience as part of the D’KITchen Pop-Up Restaurant & Event.

Guests enjoyed everything from morning coffees and street food lunches to themed brunches, afternoon tea, and two spectacular 7-course tasting dinners. Highlights include an International Women’s Day Brunch, an Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea, a Spring Candlelight Gala Dinner, and a Masquerade Gala Dinner.

The immersive atmosphere was brought to life through stunning décor designed by the students, with beautiful draping generously sponsored by WOW Weddings.

This hands-on project allowed students to plan and run every aspect of the restaurant and events – from menu creation and budgeting to marketing, service, décor and operations, giving them invaluable real-world experience.

👏 A huge thank you to our dedicated lecturers Glenn McCormack, Maria Roddy Freyne, Alan McCabe, Derick Englishby, Christopher McGrath, and Rose Leonard for their guidance and support.

The event received fantastic feedback from staff, students, and the public — proving once again that D’KITchen is a highlight of the academic year.

👏 Well done to everyone involved in making D’KITchen 2026 such an unforgettable success!

10/03/2026

The DkIT Hospitality Department recently took part in the IFEX Inter College Cook & Serve Competition and what a fantastic result!

A huge congratulations to our talented students Ana Maria Gheorghiu, Jamie McElhinney, Daniela Schmidova and Ondrej Mer, who proudly brought home Bronze. 🥉 An outstanding achievement and a testament to their preparation, hard work, skill and teamwork.

🎥 A special mention also goes to Queenie Policarpio, who captured the spirit of the competition by creating a wonderful video showcasing the experience.

Well done to the lecturers and students involved for representing DkIT with such professionalism and passion!