A wholesome, food-filled, family-friendly event is coming to Kildare on August 16 & 17, 2025.
Taste of Kildare, Kildare's premier food festival, is set to return to Naas Racecourse for a two-day celebration of food, drink, live entertainment, and family fun for just €15 a pop.
"We have a great food offering here in the county," says Áine Mangan, CEO of Into Kildare. "We're known as a farming community, so it's about farm-to-fork."
In total, there will be 25 local vendors active throughout the weekend, so ticket-holders can try everything from hot dogs and champagne from The K Club to chocolate-covered churros from the Glenroyal Hotel.
Budding chefs can enjoy live demonstrations from some of the country's finest talent, including Rachel Allen, Aisling Larkin, Gary O'Hanlon (The K Club), Barry Hayden (Lily and Wild), Phillip Gleeson (Killashee Hotel), and Bernard McGuane (Glenroyal Hotel).
"It's everybody helping each other and supporting local businesses," says Áine, noting that the event brings a great sense of community pride.
"It's a great location, people can walk in and out from Naas town, and we have a shuttle bus going from Sallins train station and the town centre, provided free of charge for people going to the festival."
Homegrown vendors, craft-makers, and producers will also be on display, including Aisling's Taste of Home, Beara Bitters, The Nude Wine Co., SIÓG Botanicals, Ciara O'Keeffe Ceramics, Tamzen Lundy Designs, Kildare Candle Barn, and many more.
Not only that, but there will be live performances from Newbridge Gospel Choir, Music Generation Kildare, Spring Break, Superfly, Noughty Tribute, and Morning Glory.
"It's the Oasis weekend, so we'll have our Oasis tribute band on the Sunday for anyone who couldn't get tickets to the real thing," laughs Áine. "We'll also have our own Newbridge Gospel Choir opening the event each day."
If you're looking for a weekend of luxury, a number of extra-special packages are available, giving guests the chance to step up their experience. For example, ticket-holders can enjoy a sit-down dinner in The Circle hosted by The Keadeen Hotel for €28 per person.
Alternatively, if you just want to keep the kids busy while you soak up the atmosphere, there will be a bouncing castle, face-painting, games, arts and crafts activities from Tribe Arts Studio, and a hands-on science show from Junior Einsteins.
"We had a lot of children last year, so we're very much geared up for that this year," says Áine, noting that children under 10 go free.
"This isn't a profit-making thing for us," she explains. "We just want to pull people together and show what we have. It's lovely to see the community spirit."
Tickets from €15 in advance, €20 on the day. For more information, visit Taste of Kildare.
