Insect dishes on the menu at pop-up 'pestaurant' in Tullamore

Mealworms, crickets and locusts are among the critters that will be served as food at a pop-up 'pestaurant' in Tullamore next week.

Rentokil’s ‘pestaurant’ is returning to the National Ploughing Championship for the third consecutive year, from Tuesday, September 20 to Thursday, September 22.

The ploughing championship will take place at Screggan, Tullamore. This year’s 'pestaurant' menu is more exciting and adventurous than ever before with a wide range of creepy crawlies being served up to championship goers.

To try to tempt advernturous eaters, the insect nibbles are being served up free of charge.

Diners at Rentokil’s 'pestaurant' can take their pick from an a la carte menu, which consists of an array of culinary delights including ham and cheese mealworms, chilli pepper crickets and ant chocolate rounds.

Rentokil’s 'pestaurant' will be open to diners across the three day festival in celebration of its pest control heritage and 80 years’ experience in providing professional pest control services throughout Ireland.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to speak to Rentokil experts about the culinary delights being served and their nutritional benefits.

Managing Director of Rentokil Initial Ireland, Michael O’ Mahoney, said: “Pestaurant is not only about enjoying a new culinary experience but also highlighting the health benefits of eating insects, a diet which is largely supported by the United Nations. We also want to raise awareness of common pest issues.'