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Sunshine, Flavour, and Fun at Taste of Kildare 2025

Naas was buzzing with energy this past weekend as more than 10,000 visitors gathered at Naas Racecourse for Taste of Kildare 2025. With glorious sunshine, mouthwatering food, world-class chefs, live music, and family fun, the festival truly showcased the very best of Kildare’s hospitality and culture. Organised by Into Kildare in association with Kildare County Council, and supported by local partners including The Keadeen Hotel, The K Club, Queally Group, Ballymore, and Brady Family, the two-day festival celebrated everything the county has to offer.

A Feast of Flavours

The action kicked off on Saturday afternoon with Minister James Lawless and Cathaoirleach Carmel Kelly officially opening the event. From there, the weekend unfolded into a packed programme of delicious tastes and lively entertainment. Crowds flocked to the Chef Demo Stage, where big names like Rachel Allen, Gary O’Hanlon, Domini Kemp, Aisling Larkin, Erica Drum, Barry Hayden, Philip Gleeson, Bernard McGuane, and Stefan Matz wowed audiences with their culinary skills. Wine lovers were spoiled with the Nude Wine Co.’s Summer Wine Fair, offering over 40 international wines to sample. Meanwhile, festival-goers also strolled through a bustling Craft Market and a showcase of Kildare’s local makers and producers. A brand-new highlight this year was The Keadeen Dining Experience in The Circle. This refined sit-down tasting menu gave visitors the chance to enjoy an elegant dining moment alongside the festival’s buzzing street food stalls.

Music, Magic, and Family Fun

Taste of Kildare wasn’t just about food and drink. The atmosphere sparkled with live performances from the Newbridge Gospel Choir, Spring Break, Superfly, Noughty Tribute, and Oasis tribute Morning Glory. For families, a dedicated festival corner kept little ones entertained with science shows, magicians, a petting farm, ceramic painting, and more.

A Festival to Remember

Reflecting on the weekend, Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare, said: “Taste of Kildare 2025 was our best festival yet. From the sunshine to the laughter and incredible energy across the weekend, it was a joy to celebrate Kildare’s food, drink, and hospitality with everyone. We are so grateful to our sponsors, partners, chefs, performers, volunteers, and visitors for bringing it all to life.”
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