Taste of Kildare Festival of Food & Drink took place at Naas Racecourse from September 20th to 22nd, featuring a celebration of local food, culture, and community, attracting thousands of attendees.
Organised by Into Kildare with support from Ballymore group and Kildare County Council, the festival included live cookery demonstrations, artisan food stalls, and a craft market, showcasing the culinary richness of Kildare.
Participating chefs included Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, Gary O’Hanlon, Ross Lewis, Martin Shanahan, Natalie Collins, Jordan Bailey, Holly White, Mindi Keane, Duro Vdovic, Graham Herterich and Melissa McCabe.
The weekend began with a VIP event at the Ballymore suite, gathering notable figures from various sectors to enjoy signature dishes and setting a festive tone for Kildare’s culinary celebration.
A highlight was the exclusive Harvest Dining experience, featuring an eight-course meal for 130 guests. The feast featured dishes inspired by some of Kildare’s most renowned establishments, including Cliff at Lyons, The Springfield Hotel, The Courtyard Hotel, The Club at Goffs, Killashee Hotel, Fairmont Carton House, and Barberstown Castle. Lily & Wild provided the catering, while The K Club’s exclusive Barton & Guestier wine complemented the meal. Speakers at the event included Travel Extra editor Eoghan Corry.
Festival-goers enjoyed diverse activities, including live cooking demonstrations at the Calor Chef’s Theatre and family-friendly entertainment on Bord na Móna Family Fun Day, promoting a sense of community and joy throughout the weekend.
Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare, shared, “We were thrilled with the turnout; there were thousands of people at Taste of Kildare over the weekend, and there really was something for everyone. From the culinary drama in the Calor Chef’s Theatre to live music and family fun on the Bord na Móna Family Fun Day, it was truly great and shows there is a real appetite for a festival such as this. We are delighted to have worked with Naas Racecourse on this festival and to have been able to support our tourism, hotel, and restaurant members. Into Kildare will continue to promote Kildare to our domestic and international markets and we are happy that Taste of Kildare has created a great platform for our members to promote their offerings.”
