The 2024 Savour Kilkenny Food Festival had its official launch this evening at the new Mayfair Library in Kilkenny city, setting the countdown in motion for one of the biggest food weekends in the country.
There’s less than a month to go to the opening event – of which there are around 80 this year – with Kilkenny set to be transformed into a foodie haven over the October bank holiday weekend.
Now in its 16th year (which would have been more bar the pandemic), the Savour Market will be bursting at the seams with over 100 stalls showcasing artisan food producers and street food vendors from around Ireland, while the Savour and Taste stages will welcome the likes of Rachel All, JP McMahon, Derry Clarke, Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon, Rory O’Connell and more over the weekend.
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. In a boost for the market and the festival’s programming, support from the Department of Agriculture through the Night Time Economy pilot means Saturday’s market will extend until 9pm with live music acts in the grounds of Kilkenny castle.
Among festival highlights is a special event celebrating the legendary women who have made a significant impact on Kilkenny’s vibrant food scene. Moderated by my radio colleague and TV chef 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.
I managed to get a few words with festival chairperson Ger Mullally, founding member Anne Neary, Mountain View’s Bee O’Grady and Kilkenny city mayor Andrew McGuinness, all of whom you can hear from below.
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: Presenter of The KCLR Daily and 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
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 savourkilkenny.com or @savourkilkenny on Instagram.
