Savour Kilkenny kicks off this week with a stellar lineup

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival is back this October Bank Holiday weekend, running from October 22 to 26.

Ireland’s medieval capital will be transformed into a vibrant culinary hub for one of the country's largest food celebrations this bank holiday weekend.

With over 90 events taking place across the city and county, this week’s festival promises an unforgettable weekend of food, culture, and entertainment. Kicking off on Thursday the 22nd with an exciting array of dining and drinks events, including Brewery Bites and Tastings hosted by Kilkenny Food Tours in Sullivans Brewery on Johns Street and an organic lunch and pilates experience in the Sanctuary at Kilfane, as the festival sets the stage for a jam-packed weekend!

The iconic Festival Auarter, centered around The Parade and Castle Road, serves as the beating heart of the festival on Saturday and Sunday, (October 24 and 25). Entry to the Festival Quarter is completely free and unticketed, offering open access to the Savour Market and Artisan Food Pavilion, which features over 100 artisan food producers, street food vendors, and emerging makers showcasing everything from Ireland’s top street food to award-winning produce.

Visitors can enjoy free, first-come, first-served live cooking demonstrations on the Savour and Taste Stages from some of Ireland’s best-loved chefs, including Rory O’Connell, Rachel Allen, Kevin Dundon, Eunice Power, Sophie Morris, and Edward Hayden, alongside exciting emerging culinary talent. Returning for 2026, the Craft Brewers Distillers Marquee, sponsored by O’Haras, is the go-to spot to sample craft beers and spirits while meeting the passionate producers behind them (strictly over 18s).

The Festival Quarter will also feature free family entertainment, including the Déise Medieval Village in Castle Yard, walkabout stilt walkers, and the Sounds of Samhain programme on Sunday, October 25, running from 11am to 4:30pm in Kilkenny Castle Park with performances by Hannah Hoops, Burnchurch, Craobh Osraí CCÉ, and The Uptown Band.

The festival wraps up on Monday (October 26) with a more relaxed schedule on The Parade Plaza with the Monday Market, a scaled-back market featuring 30 food

vendors and the craft brewers and distillers marquee open from 11am to 4pm alongside Madra Monday with Connolly’s Red Mills.