The Final Draft > Savour Kilkenny Food Festival Line Up 2024
Savour Kilkenny Food Festival Line Up 2024
This bank holiday weekend, Kilkenny is the place to be as the 16th annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival returns with a delicious line-up of events. Take part in wellness classes, cooking demos, and explore the Savour Market featuring over 100 artisan food producers from across the country.
Kilkenny’s hotly anticipated food festival is returning to the Marble City this year for an unforgettable weekend, jam-packed with cooking demonstrations, market stalls, events, and more. The 16th edition of the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival promises to be the most exciting one yet. Taking place from the October 25th to 28th, visitors will be spoilt for choice with a wide array of entertainment and events suitable for the whole family.
One of the sure highlights of the weekend will be the cooking demonstrations happening on the Savour Stage at The Parade. The Savour Stage is the beating heart of the festival where community, creativity, and cookery come together and attendees will have the chance to hear from top chefs as they showcase cooking tips, tricks, and tailored recipes live on the day. On Saturday, celebrity chef and TV presenter Rachel Allen will take to the Savour Stage for a live demo along with Tom Phelan, Head Pastry Chef for the Lady Helen restaurant at the Mount Juliet Estate, who will host a special patisserie masterclass. And if you’ve ever wondered what recipes can be whipped up using Smithwick’s ales, be sure to attend Saturday’s demonstration where award-winning chef Gary O’Hanlon will be showcasing some sensational recipes featuring Smithwick’s Red Ale, Smithwick’s Pale Ale, and Kilkenny Creamy Irish Ale.
Raise a glass and join the fun at the Craft Brewers & Distillers Marquee, featuring Smithwick's! Open Saturday from 10.30am to 8.30pm and Sunday from 12.30pm to 6pm, this lively venue is another highlight of the festival. Sip and savour exceptional craft beers and spirits while enjoying great music and a festive atmosphere. Meet passionate producers, learn about their unique grains and brewing techniques, and ask questions - they love sharing their craft! The marquee is not just for tasting unique brews; it’s a space for making connections, sharing stories, and having a great time. Don’t miss this year’s exciting lineup of local and artisanal beverages!
Wellness is also front and centre at this year’s festival, with a number of workshops and classes focusing on well-being and reconnecting with yourself, nature, and the wider community. Spend an afternoon engaging in a restorative Pilates class, and indulge in some wine and cheese afterwards at a tailored event taking place in the Koru Wellness Centre, or embark on a foraging walk and feast in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle. On the walk, you’ll be guided through various medicinal and edible plants and fungi learning their uses and identifying traits. Whether you want to master a cheese and charcuterie board to envy or how to get the most out of your pumpkin this Halloween season, there’s something for every interest.
Another sure highlight of the festival is the Savour Market, set against the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle, featuring over 100 artisan sellers and vendors from across the country. Drop by on Saturday and Sunday for scrumptious treats, inventive street food, and samples of local produce, as well as plenty of talks and workshops. A welcome new addition to this year’s festival will take place on Saturday night, as the Taste Kilkenny Street Party brings live music and street entertainment to the Savour Market from 6pm to 9pm.
This weekend at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is shaping up to be a must-visit! On Saturday, the Barrel Yard Savour Sessions kick off with live music from Seán Maher at 5pm. Blasta Street Kitchen will be serving its famous shredded duck ‘quackos’ with pineapple salsa, Tex-Mex chicken tacos, 8-hour chili beef nachos, and a vegetarian mixed veg and bean nacho bowl, all perfectly paired with Smithwick’s ales, as well as non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks.
The fun continues on Sunday from 6pm with an electric live performance from Burnchurch, a local four-piece band known for blending traditional melodies with a contemporary edge. This band has been making waves across the Irish music scene, and their performance is sure to be a highlight of the festival. Both evenings promise incredible food and drinks, but spots are limited, so be sure to arrive early to enjoy the full Barrel Yard Savour Session experience!
What’s more, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be offering a 15% discount to festival visitors using the promo code (SEKSAVOUR) or by mentioning the offer at the admissions desk from 24th-29th October inclusive. (Valid on standard adult tours (18+) only).