Into Kildare, the tourism board for County Kildare, has announced that Taste of Kildare Festival 2024 will be returning to Naas Racecourse from September 20-22.
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.
'Very Best'
"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," said Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare.
"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."
‘Kildare’s Biggest Restaurant’
The festival, now in its third year, aims to capture both the traditional and the contemporary aspects of global cuisine.
The event is being billed as ‘Kildare’s biggest restaurant’ and includes a network of over 100 partners in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
'Connecting Local Businesses'
“We’re proud to support Taste of Kildare this year, bringing the community together to celebrate the county’s rich food culture," said Linda Mulryan, deputy managing director of Ballymore in Ireland.
"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.”
Activities
During the festival, guests can enjoy live music and communal dining.
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.
Live Cookery Demonstrations
Masterclasses and live cookery demonstrations will take place where guests 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, 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, 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.
Sponsors
Taste of Kildare 2024 is 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.
'Avoid Disappointment'
“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," said Áine Mangan.
"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.”
