Pictures: Kilkenny's Savour Food Festival weekend is a ‘pawsome’ success!

Families and food enthusiasts enjoyed Savour Kilkenny over the weekend which saw appearances from chefs and food personalities including Rachel Allen, Rory O'Connell, Kevin Dundon, Edward Hayden, JP McMahon, James Kavanagh and William Murray and Jenny Maltese to name a few.

Kilkenny was the place to over the October bank holiday weekend as renowned chefs and food enthusiasts gathered for Savour Kilkenny. From live cooking demonstrations to dining experiences, insightful talks, and hands-on workshops, the festival offered something for everyone.

Seasoned foodies mingled alongside casual attendee, with a diverse range of activities ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages. This year’s festival hosted over 100 market stalls, featuring artisan food producers and street food vendors from across Ireland.

The popular food festival was a fantastic opportunity to sample local delicacies and pick up fresh ingredients, and to discover the latest in gourmet street food. There was also a strong focus around sustainability and the future of food. A number of workshops and talks took place over the weekend and explored critical topics such as food waste, the circular economy, and the future of Ireland's food industry, engaging audiences in meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities in food production.

Additionally, a special event celebrating the legendary women who have transformed Kilkenny’s food scene also took place and was a great hit with the audience. This discussion, moderated by Edward Hayden, featured Anne Neary, Helen Finnegan, Olivia Goodwillie, Julie Calder-Potts, Mary Walsh, and Mag Kirwan, offering insights into their extraordinary contributions to the culinary world. 

A highlight of the festival was on Saturday night when tribute show Abbaesque performed in a hugely popular event. This was the first year where the market at the Parade was open until 9pm and this was a hit with attendees who soaked up the buzzing atmosphere. Another festival highlight was the Barrel Yard Savour Session which featured live music from local band, Burnchurch.

Meanwhile Madra Monday took place on the bank holiday when canines strutted their stuff at a number of dog shows which took place in the afternoon. There were also pet experts available on the day to answer any questions and queries on dog health, nutrition and behaviour.