Mojo
“A Culinary Celebration of County Kildare’s Finest Flavours and Traditions”
The Taste of Kildare Food & Drink Festival 2024 promises to be one of the most exciting food events of the year, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary offerings from Ireland’s “Thoroughbred County.” Celebrating its much-anticipated return, this festival has firmly established itself as a must-attend occasion for food lovers, from casual eaters to connoisseurs. Taking place over two days in September, it highlights the vibrant food and drink culture of County Kildare, bringing together some of the best chefs, producers, artisans, and restaurateurs from the region.
Venue Details: Fri 20th – Sun 22nd September 2024
https://tasteofkildare.ie/
Naas Racecourse,
Tipper Road, Naas Racecourse, Mullingar, Ireland,
Mullingar, Ireland
A Culinary Journey Through County Kildare
County Kildare has long been known for its agricultural heritage, and its fertile lands make it an ideal location for high-quality food production. The Taste of Kildare festival capitalises on this legacy, featuring the finest local produce, from farm-fresh meats to artisan cheeses and craft beverages. Attendees can look forward to sampling a diverse range of offerings that reflect the county’s culinary identity, while also enjoying international influences.
The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the county’s dynamic food scene in one location. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, a family-run café, or a small-scale producer, Taste of Kildare ensures that all corners of the county’s culinary map are represented. Visitors can expect a perfect blend of traditional Irish dishes and cutting-edge gastronomy, with an emphasis on sustainability and farm-to-fork principles.
Venue and Setting: A Perfect Pairing
The Taste of Kildare 2024 will once again be held in the scenic surroundings of the Curragh Racecourse, an iconic venue known for its rich history in Irish horse racing. The Curragh, with its wide-open spaces and panoramic views of the Kildare countryside, provides the perfect backdrop for this outdoor festival. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and groups of friends alike. The open-air event allows for a blend of food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and interactive workshops, spread across the racecourse’s expansive grounds.
Stellar Line-up of Chefs
One of the festival’s key highlights is its chef demonstrations, featuring some of Ireland’s most celebrated culinary figures. Attendees can expect live cooking demos from top chefs, who will not only showcase their skills but also share insider tips and tricks. These live performances give the audience a front-row seat to the creativity and expertise that defines Ireland’s culinary scene.
Among the chefs expected to make an appearance at the 2024 festival are Jordan Bailey, head chef of the acclaimed Aimsir restaurant, which has earned two Michelin stars for its innovative approach to Irish ingredients, and Jess Murphy of Kai in Galway, known for her contemporary, eclectic cooking style. Other renowned names include Kevin Dundon, a household name in Irish cooking, and Derry Clarke, former head chef of L’Ecrivain, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Dublin. These chefs will cook live on stage, providing a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts to see their favourite chefs in action.
As part of the demonstration line-up, some local Kildare-based chefs will also take the stage, offering their own interpretation of the region’s traditional dishes, and showcasing the rich bounty of the local area. These demonstrations are not just about technique, but also highlight the importance of provenance, seasonal ingredients, and creativity in contemporary Irish cuisine.
Artisan Food and Drink Stalls
At the heart of the Taste of Kildare is the incredible array of food and drink stalls. Local producers will offer everything from organic vegetables to craft beers, giving attendees a chance to taste Kildare’s exceptional produce firsthand. Cheese lovers will delight in samples from the county’s finest cheesemakers, while others may indulge in farm-fresh lamb, beef, and pork, showcasing the quality of Kildare’s meats.
For those with a sweet tooth, the festival won’t disappoint, as local bakeries and chocolatiers present an array of treats ranging from classic Irish soda bread to modern, indulgent desserts. Artisan chocolates, made with locally-sourced ingredients, are a particular highlight, with rich flavours and handcrafted artistry.
The drink stalls are just as enticing, featuring local breweries, distilleries, and cider houses. Craft beer aficionados can sample limited-edition ales and stouts brewed especially for the event, while others may prefer a glass of crisp cider or a locally-produced gin. Kildare’s proximity to some of Ireland’s leading distilleries means whiskey tastings are a highlight, with experts on hand to guide guests through the nuances of the spirit.
Interactive Workshops and Tastings
The festival prides itself on being more than just a food market, offering interactive workshops and tastings that deepen attendees’ appreciation for the culinary arts. At the 2024 festival, visitors will have the chance to participate in a range of engaging activities designed to educate and inspire.
One of the festival’s standout features is its wine and whiskey pairing sessions, where sommeliers and master distillers walk attendees through the art of pairing drinks with food. These sessions, often limited in capacity, allow guests to explore new flavour profiles and learn how to complement their favourite dishes with the perfect beverage.
In addition to drinks pairings, the festival offers workshops on bread-making, cheese-tasting, and even the growing trend of foraging. These sessions are designed to be hands-on, with participants rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in the process. Whether it’s kneading dough, identifying wild herbs, or learning the finer points of cheese ageing, these workshops make for an educational and entertaining addition to the festival programme.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Festival
A key theme at Taste of Kildare 2024 is sustainability. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of food production, the festival aims to highlight the efforts of local producers and chefs who prioritise eco-friendly practices. Many of the featured restaurants and food businesses adhere to strict sustainable sourcing practices, and there is a strong emphasis on reducing food waste throughout the event.
The organisers have also implemented a “zero waste” initiative, encouraging visitors to use reusable containers and reduce plastic waste. Several of the festival’s partners are actively involved in promoting sustainability within the food industry, and there will be talks and panel discussions on topics such as organic farming, ethical sourcing, and reducing carbon footprints in food production.
A Family-Friendly Event
Taste of Kildare 2024 is designed to be an inclusive event, catering to visitors of all ages. The family zone features a range of child-friendly activities, from cooking workshops tailored for younger chefs to face painting and games. This makes it an ideal day out for families looking to enjoy good food while keeping the little ones entertained.
A Feast for All Senses
With its incredible mix of gourmet experiences, artisan produce, and live entertainment, the Taste of Kildare Food & Drink Festival 2024 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of everything the region has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor from abroad, this two-day event promises to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing not only the finest food and drink but also the passion, creativity, and warmth of County Kildare.
