This September, food lovers are invited to indulge in a culinary celebration like no other at the 2024 Taste of Kildare Festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of Naas Racecourse from the 20th to the 22nd of September, this year’s festival is brought to you by Into Kildare, the tourism board for County Kildare, and is supported by Ballymore. The festival, now in its third year, promises to be larger and more expansive than ever, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of flavours and dishes that captures both the traditional and the contemporary aspects of global cuisine. The event is being billed as ‘Kildare’s biggest restaurant’ and will offer visitors a culinary experience like no other. With a network of over 100 partners in the tourism and hospitality sectors, the festival is a dynamic celebration of the rich and diverse food culture thriving in the county.
From traditional Irish dishes that have stood the test of time to innovative Asian-inspired creations, Taste of Kildare will feature an array of flavours to tantalise every palate. Attendees can expect a bustling array of food stalls filled with creations from dozens of skilled local artisans. Renowned chefs will take to the stage to demonstrate their culinary prowess, and industry experts will lead engaging workshops for those looking to refine their culinary skills.
Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare, expressed her excitement about the festival, stating, “I am thrilled to once again support the tourism industry in Kildare and bring Taste of Kildare to life. Into Kildare represents the tourism and hospitality industry in the county and Taste of Kildare showcases the very best of food and hospitality we have to offer. Our past successes at prestigious venues like The Curragh in 2022 and previously, at The K Club, are a testament to the vibrant food and hospitality we have in this region. Into Kildare is committed to promoting this tradition of excellence and showcasing the rich culinary experiences that Kildare has to offer. We are delighted to have been given so much support from our sponsors, our members and hospitality partners and from local producers and artisans.”
The festival will not only be a feast for the palate but also a celebration for the senses. Guests can immerse themselves in the fun atmosphere with live music, communal dining, and the opportunity to share stories and experiences. Each session over the three-day event promises to entertain, feed, and delight attendees with a lineup of activities including oyster and Champagne tastings, local craft beer and artisanal cake pairings, spit roasts, BBQ’s, cocktails, afternoon teas, and much more.
The event will feature a star-studded lineup of chefs including Rachel Allen, Derry Clarke, Gary O’Hanlon, Ross Lewis, Martin Shanahan, Natalie Collins, Jordan Bailey, Holly White, Mindi Keane, Duro Vdovic, Melissa McCabe and Martin Lewis among others, who will showcase their skills through cooking demonstrations and talks.
The whole area at Naas Racecourse will be laid out into different zones so visitors can get to experience interesting and immersive experiences right across the festival site. Areas include Tastes of the World, The Terrace, BBQ Experience, Harvest Lunch Experience, The Cocktail Bar and The VIP Garden Area and VIP Lounge – just the place to people spot! There is also a Food Truck Village, Music Stage and the Bord Na Móna Family and Kids Zone.
Foodies will love the masterclasses and live cookery demonstrations where they will get the chance to see some of Ireland’s top chefs in action. Additionally, a series of workshops on topics ranging from wine to food photography will offer insights into various culinary arts. Local artisans and food producers including cheese and wine makers, bakers, tablescape artists, mixologists and gin gurus will be on hand to share their secrets to creating delectable culinary experiences, both physical and virtual.
Participating restaurants include Neighbourhood Naas, Springfield Hotel, Cliff at Lyons, The Glenroyal, Fallon’s of Kilcullen, Lock 13, Silken Thomas, Harte’s of Kildare, The K Club, The Club at Goffs, Barberstown, Saba, Ballymore Inn, The Dewdrop Inn, Killashee Hotel, The Osprey Hotel, Carton House, Ely Wine Bar, Lock 13, Lily and Wild, Orby’s by Lucy and Lemongrass Fusion to mention just a few. Meanwhile, various food trucks will showcase their wares offering guests everything from seafood to gourmet burgers, to Asian feasts.
Sunday, September 22nd, is a dedicated family day and is sponsored by Bord Na Móna, with children under 12 admitted free and families are encouraged to pre-register on the Taste of Kildare and on Ticket Master in advance. The family day will be packed with family-oriented activities, making it the perfect outing for those looking to enjoy a fun and educational experience. Family-friendly entertainment and great live bands who will perform over the weekend include Smash Hits, The Victory Dolls and Spring Break.
Taste of Kildare 2024 is proudly presented by Into Kildare, sponsored by Ballymore and supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office. Other sponsors include Calor Gas, Culinary Food Group, Bord Na Móna, The K Club, Killashee Hotel and Newbridge Silverware. “These partnerships underscore Into Kildare’s commitment to celebrating local talent and promoting our hospitality outlets and produce,” said Áine Mangan. “Taste of Kildare aims to further enhance the gastronomic reputation of Co. Kildare and provides our members with a great opportunity to promote their offering. We are really looking forward to the weekend and there is huge interest in the festival. I would urge people to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”
Linda Mulryan, Deputy Managing Director of Ballymore in Ireland said, “We’re proud to support Taste of Kildare this year, bringing the community together to celebrate the county’s rich food culture. Being from Kildare myself, I know how special an event like this is for connecting local businesses, families, friends and neighbours. Ballymore built its first show home in Kildare over 40 years ago and has built 4,000 homes in the county since, with another 3,000 planned, so this partnership means so much to the whole company. We look forward to helping showcase Kildare’s culinary talent in September.”
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said, “Taste of Kildare provides an unparalleled opportunity for food businesses to connect with a wide audience of food enthusiasts and local residents. This event is a testament to the incredible talent and diversity within Kildare’s food scene, and we encourage all food businesses to get involved and share their passion with our attendees”.
Tickets are now on sale at www.tasteofkildare.ie/tickets and are priced from €15 for general admission. A bundle ticket priced from €27.50 per person offers great value and includes admission, two signature dishes from any of the participating restaurants for one session on any one day over the weekend. Pre booking is essential for the bundle tickets. Group, VIP and corporate bookings are available with great offers in place for the BBQ session on Friday night.
The full schedule of events can be seen on www.tasteofkildare.ie which is regularly updated as new restaurants and chefs are announced. Follow @tasteofkildare to keep updated on event news and highlights. Car parking on site is free and a shuttle service will be also available from Naas town centre. All tickets are subject to booking fees.
