Foodies are invited to a celebration like no other at Taste of Kildare! On at the Naas Racecourse from the 20th to the 22nd of September, this year’s festival is being billed as ‘Kildare’s biggest restaurant’ and will offer visitors a culinary experience like no other.
The festival, now in its third year, promises to be larger and more expansive than ever, showcasing dishes that capture both the traditional and the contemporary aspects of global cuisine. With a network of over 100 partners in the tourism and hospitality sectors, the festival is a celebration of the best food in the country!
What’s On
From traditional Irish dishes that have stood the test of time to innovative Asian-inspired creations, Taste of Kildare will feature tons of different flavours. Attendees can expect plenty of food stalls filled with creations from dozens of skilled local artisans. Renowned chefs will take to the stage to demonstrate their skill, and industry experts will lead engaging workshops for those looking to upskill!
The festival will not only be a feast – guests can enjoy live music, communal dining, and the opportunity to share stories and experiences. Each session over the three-day event promises to entertain and feed 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.
Foodie Zones
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.
Masterclasses
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 be available. Local artisans and food producers including cheese and wine makers, bakers, tablescape artists, mixologists and gin gurus will also be on hand to share their secrets!
Participating Restaurants
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 be onsite, offering guests everything from seafood to gourmet burgers, to Asian feasts.
Family Day
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.
Tickets
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. 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.
