The Samhain Festival of Food and Culture, alongside Sheridans Irish Food Fair, will take place from November 7th to 10th in Kells, Co Meath, celebrating Ireland’s culinary heritage through tastings, cultural performances, and immersive workshops.
The programme features notable figures in food and arts, including George Lamb, Darina Allen, and playwright Deirdre Kinahan, offering a mix of discussions, tastings, and performances focused on Irish food and culture.
The festival will include a variety of events such as the opening with oysters and stout, the Samhain Symposium discussing the future of food, and the Samhain Long Table Supper celebrating local producers and seasonal fare.
An anticipated 6,000 visitors highlighte the festival’s growth since its inception in 2018, aiming to reconnect the community with its food heritage and traditions through dynamic and educational experiences.
Thursday 7th November
- Oysters and stout are first on the menu for the free event to launch the festival on Thursday 7th November in Jacks Bar, accompanied by traditional music.
Friday 8th November
- At the Courthouse, the Samhain Symposium: For the first time ever, food networks from around the country will gather to discuss the future of food; followed by a an evening of Food for the Soul featuring Ireland’s beloved artists, playwright Deirdre Kinahan and Waterboys musician Steve Wickham.
- The Red Chapel will host a tasting event showcasing Irish cheeses and natural wines from Piedmonte, led by cheesemaker Kevin Sheridan and sommelier Enrico Fantasia.
- The Samhain Literary Pub Crawl offers a literary journey told through Kells best pubs with Dr. Mairtin Mac Conimaire.
- Playwright Deirdre Kinahan and musician Steve Wickham come together for an evening of performance and music, featuring scenes from Kinahan’s award-winning plays The Saviour (Landmark Productions Ireland & New York 2023) and The Unmanageable Sisters (Abbey Theatre 2019). Audiences will also get an exclusive preview of her upcoming work, The Homecoming of Joseph Grace, with original music by Wickham. Supported by Meath County Council Arts Office.
Saturday 9th November
- The Courthouse will host a panel on food and education in Feeding Knowledge with Conor Spacey, Michelle Darmody, Darina Allen, and Jacinta Dalton as MC.
- Philip Boucher Hayes will give a talk on Agriculture Staying Alive at 1.5°C , examining how Ireland will feed itself in a changing climate.
- George Lamb will presents his journey from BBC radio and TV presenter to farmer with Wildfarmed: Farming for the Future
- Oisin Davis (author of Kitchen Cocktails) will present ‘Party in the Kitchen’ – An interactive and fun session showcasing the very best of local Irish drinks in a fun setting
- Ali Dunworth will be in conversation with Eibhlin Colgan, Guinness Archive and Heritage Manager.
- There will be a range of demonstrations for adults and children including Michelle Darmody, JP McMahon and Darina Allen
- Boann Distillery will host Sip and Savour a curated Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting Session in collaboration with local artisan chocolatierBoho Nibz
- The BookMarket will host Dr. Detta Melia’s Tea Party, offering a charming afternoon event discussing our national obsession with a cup of scald.
Sunday 10th November
- A series of nearby events including Clonmellon Market, and Killua Castle
- At the Vanilla Pod, the Disco Brunch will have festivalgoers grooving from noon.
- Programme Announcement for Samhain Festival of Food and Culture with Sheridan’s Irish Food Fair November 7th – 10th
- Ruth Finegan pictured at her family farm in Co Meath for the launch of Samhain Festival
- At the Samhain Kitchen Stage, Sunday Sips will dive into Irish non-alcoholic drinks with Judith Boyle. The Sunday Roast will explore food and memories with Susan Boyle.
