Taste of Kildare

Renowned TV chef and author Rachel Allen led the line-up at the Taste of Kildare food festival today (Sunday August 19), with large crowds turning out for the inaugural event which also featured other top Irish chefs and a host of food producers.

Other leading Irish chefs, including seafood expert Martin Shanahan, Ross Lewis of Chapter One and the award-winning Thomas Haughton joined in a series of cookery demonstrations and discussions celebrating the best the county’s great restaurants and food producers and suppliers have to offer.

Taking place in the K Club’s Walled Garden, Taste of Kildare featured a vast array of food stands from Kildare’s leading restaurants, producers and suppliers.

“This was such a great food festival as it provided an opportunity to showcase the superb fresh Kildare farm to fork food offering, as well as providing a springboard to the public arena for new local talent,” said Rachel Allen.

Local restaurants and suppliers also came together to host a gala lunch in the K Club’s Legacy Suite for 300 guests.

“Food is at the heart of Kildare’s tourist offering, accounting for €2 out of every €5 spent by visitors,” said County Kildare Tourism Development Manager Aine Mangan.

The event will also featured craft beer, wine tasting, children’s activities and music from renowned singer-songwriter Paddy Casey, with visitors also able to view the All-Ireland hurling final live on a big screen.

The festival took place in partnership with Ardstone Homes and Kildare Village with the support of Kildare County Council.