Immerse yourself in a feast for art lovers at Savour Kilkenny Food Festival this bank holiday

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival offers something for everyone, especially for those with a passion for the arts. This October bank holiday weekend, attendees can look forward to a range of art-themed events at Butler Gallery designed to engage and inspire.

The festivities kick off with Imbibing Art: Art Tour, Mixology, and Tasting led by Clare Anne O’Keefe on Thursday, October 24, at 6pm. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art at Butler Gallery through a unique tour accompanied by bespoke cocktails and libations, each inspired by Kilkenny’s rich local produce. This sensorial journey will allow participants to experience art in an entirely new way, as creative beverages bring the gallery’s cherished exhibitions to life. Tickets for this event are priced at €18 (plus booking fee).

On Friday, October 25, at 3pm, Clare Anne O’Keefe will return to host the Gallery Art Tour alongside Butler Gallery Tour Guides. This free tour will offer a fresh perspective on the gallery’s collections, examining the artworks through a culinary lens.  Attendees will explore the significance of food in artistic expression and even get to savour a taste of the art itself. Due to high demand, booking is essential.

Butler Gallery will also welcome young artists to Edible Art, a hands-on food and art workshop for children aged 6 to 14, on Monday, October 28. From 2pm to 3.15pm, participants will delve into a creative world where taste meets design. In the Learning Centre, they will craft edible masterpieces inspired by the gallery’s extensive collection, using materials like rice paper, pastry, and botanical fondant icings. Tickets are €15 (plus booking fee).

On Saturday, October 26, at 11am, Rothe House will host a Culinary Treasure Hunt for children aged 8 to 14. Participants will embark on a quest in the Renaissance Garden to unlock a sensory recipe before joining the kitchen team to create delicious, sweet ‘treasures’ inspired by Tudor recipes and Gothic Art. Entry is €12 (plus booking fee).

Lastly, Relishing the Past, a food workshop and garden tour at Rothe House, will take place under the guidance of Clare Anne O’Keefe. Attendees will tour the enchanting Rothe House garden, learning about the fragrant Medieval herbs and their uses while enjoying a Renaissance-style wine punch infused with garden herbs.
Participants will also create contemporary chutneys and sauces inspired by historical recipes brought to Kilkenny through Merchant trade routes. Tickets are €18 (plus booking fee).

“Over a decade of association with Savour Kilkenny has shown me its ever-evolving spirit, and this year, we’re inviting you to taste, savour, and appreciate art,” said Clare Anne O’Keeffe, food designer.

“So, come, immerse yourself in this flavourful journey, and let’s rediscover the essence of art and food, together. Nestled in the splendid Learning Centre of Butler Gallery, participants will discover wild food, evocative art, and sheer fun.

Jean Mann, Assistant Curator of Learning and Public Engagement at Butler Gallery, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Savour Kilkenny audiences to Butler Gallery over the October Bank Holiday and discovering together.”

For further details on all events, see savourkilkenny.com or follow on Instagram @savourkilkenny for updates.
READ MORE ABOUT SAVOUR KILKENNY HERE