Savour Kilkenny Food Festival Organisers Encourage Early Ticket Purchases for Food & Drink Events Before They Sell Out
With just 28 days remaining until Savour Kilkenny Food Festival kicks off, excitement is building for the culinary-packed October bank holiday weekend (25-28 October). Now in its 16th year, Savour Kilkenny is set to be bigger and better than ever, boasting over 100 market stalls showcasing Artisan Food Producers and Street Food Vendors from across Ireland. The festival will also welcome renowned chefs including Rachel Allen, JP MacMahon, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon, Rory O’Connell, Edward Hayden, Anne Neary, James Kavanagh, and William Murray.
This year’s event promises a rich variety of experiences, from live cookery demonstrations, dining events, and hands-on workshops to thought-provoking talks and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with important topics, such as food waste, the circular economy, and the future of food in Ireland.
One of the festival’s highlights is a special event celebrating the legendary women who have made a significant impact on Kilkenny’s vibrant food scene. Moderated by Edward Hayden, this discussion will feature Anne Neary, Helen Finnegan, Olivia Goodwillie, Julie Calder-Potts, Mary Walsh, and Mag Kirwan, each offering unique insights into their contributions to the culinary world.
Food & Drink Events
Savour Kilkenny will host 20 exciting food and drink events, ensuring that there is something for every palate. Festival organisers are encouraging attendees to secure their tickets soon, as all events are expected to sell out. Among the highlights are:
Exclusive Collaboration at Mount Juliet Estate: Executive Chef Andy Nolan teams up with renowned guest chef Kwanghi Chan for ‘A Taste of Two Worlds’ – a one-off dining experience at the award-winning Hound Restaurant
Bridgerton-themed Evening at Lyrath Estate: A glamorous night featuring a canapés and bubbles reception, followed by a five-course dinner with wine in the opulent surroundings of Lyrath Estate
A Taste of the Oscars at Mountain View: Indulge in a luxurious five-course tasting menu inspired by Hollywood’s finest, complete with live music and dancing, with transportation available to and from the venue
Ballymaloe Reunion Dinner: Celebrated Ballymaloe chefs including Rory O’Connell and JR Ryall of Ballymaloe will host a sociable evening starting with oysters and Guinness, followed by a five-course set menu with wine at a ‘pop up’ in the stunning Medieval Mile Museum
Dine and Dance with Brian Redmond: RTÉ’s “Dancing with the Stars” judge Brian Redmond returns for a fun-filled evening at the Hibernian Hotel’s Ember Restaurant. Guests will enjoy Chef Wesley Bearpark’s South African-inspired menu while learning to dance with Brian and Kate from The Dance Club Kilkenny.
Other exciting events include “Chef’s Night Out” at Arán with guest Chef Ian Doyle, “Sip & Savour @ Paris Texas”, featuring a six-course menu of premium seafood and locally sourced meats paired with wine, and “The Musicians Table” at Petronella, where guests will be serenaded by singer Mary Byrne. Additionally, “Lady Eleanor Afternoon Tea” will take place at Butler House, a “Global Kitchen Lunch” hosted by Kilkenny Leader Partnership, and Statham’s Supper Club with Chef Ken Harker and Ballymaloe’s Rachel Allen, offering a delightful five-course meal, a welcome drink and a Coole Swan after dinner digestif cocktail.
Drinks Events
- Festival-goers can look forward to an impressive line-up of drinks events, including:
- All Roads Lead to Rhône: Wine and cheese pairing with wine expert Pat Smith and The Wild Grazer
- Kyteler’s Inn Whiskey Tasting with Walsh Distillery and JD Flynn
- Beats, Bites, and Bubbles
- Viva España
- Whiskey Wars, all hosted by The Wine Centre at Sullivan’s Taproom Secret Garden
- Special Savour Session at the Smithwick’s Experience Barrel Yard, with live music by Burnchurch
John Brett of Oakpark Foods, said: “Oakpark are extremely proud to partner with Savour Kilkenny this October Bank Holiday weekend. Our company has deep roots in Kilkenny and the Southeast and know the importance of the festival to the city. Savour showcases the best of Irish food which is a perfect match for Oakpark as a family run Irish brand producing premium Pork, Bacon, and Poultry products. Our range of bacon, puddings, and slow cooked meats are all produced locally using the finest ingredients available which is exactly what Savour Kilkenny stands for.”
Elaine Brady of Coole Swan said: “Coole Swan is honoured to be one of the main sponsors of Savour Kilkenny this year. Supporting this renowned festival is not just a privilege; it’s a testament to our commitment to celebrating Ireland’s rich culinary heritage. As an independent, family-owned brand, we take immense pride in showcasing our superior Irish cream liqueur alongside the incredible talents of local food producers and artisans.
Being part of Savour Kilkenny allows us to connect with the community, share in the joy of great food, and celebrate the culture that makes Kilkenny so special. We look forward to an unforgettable experience where we can savour every moment, flavour, and connection. Make sure to check out Coole Swan throughout the festival and sip on the number one cream liqueur while you enjoy the incredible atmosphere.”
Jim Campion from Campion Insurance said: “I am delighted that Campion Insurance is the official Insurance partner for Savour Kilkenny 2024. Over the last 40 years the team and I have built Campion Insurance from a single office in Urlingford to over 20 offices giving us a presence in nearly every county in Ireland. While our size has grown our fundamental principles have not, keep the customer at the heart of what you do and support the local communities we are based in. I am passionate about how we make a positive impact on the people who work for us, our customers, and the communities we operate in. We are lucky in Kilkenny to have so many great festivals happening each year, but as someone with a keen interest in food and the hospitality industry I particularly look forward to Savour Kilkenny. It is a great opportunity to meet people, explore and taste new foods and learn a few new tips for the kitchen! On behalf of Campion Insurance, I wish the Savour Kilkenny Team the very best, and give a warm welcome to everyone visiting Kilkenny City for Savour Kilkenny 2024.”
Ticket prices for all dining and drinks events range from 12 to 130 euro plus booking fee. Entry to the Savour Market, cookery demos and talks on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October are free. For tickets and the full schedule of events, see www.savourkilkenny.com or @savourkilkenny on Instagram.
