A celebration of Kildare’s creators

Ballymore, founded in Kildare in 1982, is deeply connected to the county. That's why we are proud to sponsor this year’s Taste of Kildare festival – a showcase of culinary expertise from across the region.

Taking place over the weekend of 20^th to 22^nd September, Taste of Kildare promises to be the most diverse and immersive experience yet, so in the weeks leading up to the event, we’ll be hearing from some of the key voices shaping this remarkable festival.

Among them is food journalist and editor Dee Laffan, who has spent the last 15 years passionately exploring and sharing the Irish food scene. Here, she talks to us about this rich culture and how she has helped cultivate a dynamic programme for the festival.

The festival puts Kildare firmly on the culinary food map. 

“I feel like Kildare has become a go-to county for food tourism these days. With its incredible variety of restaurateurs, producers and food enthusiasts I’m delighted to be helping to fly the flag for the region’s culinary professionals at this year’s Taste of Kildare.”

The potential of Kildare – something Ballymore’s long seen

Ballymore has long celebrated the potential of the region, creating neighbourhoods in Ballymore Eustace, Naas and Newbridge. Now those places have evolved, each with a huge network of culinary expertise, not only in the eateries themselves but throughout the food chain with an abundance of organic farmers such as McCormacks and Sprout & Co.

Kildare – long known as home to Ballymore – is somewhere that’s now synonymous with fine dining, attracting tourists from far and wide thanks to its reputation for excellent hospitality and among them, several five-star establishments. 

“Having once lived in Sallins in the region, I’ve experienced first-hand the array of culinary experiences on offer and I think Kildare’s prowess is representative of how far Ireland has come in the last two decades – something perfectly encapsulated with the amount of talent joining us at this year's festival."

Celebrating Kildare culture

“I’ve been a food journalist and editor for over 15 years, driven by the desire to share people’s stories. I’m particularly passionate about highlighting the benefits of supporting local suppliers - not least for the freshness and nutritional value.

“This June, I launched a podcast called Beár Bia, with my co-host Oisín Davis, which focuses on pairing local food and drinks - something which is a prevalent practice in Europe, but not as much here. I also publish an annual food magazine called Scoop: Irish Food Stories that allows me to dig deeper into the fascinating stories of people spearheading the food industry and from those who are just passionate about food in their lives and have stories and memories to share.

“The festival is a similar pursuit, helping to put Kildare on the culinary food map as well as providing a joyous and immersive environment for people to connect and experience the vast variety of wonderful food and drink on offer.”

What’s on the menu

“As well as helping to curate the programme of events, I’ll be hosting the Chefs Theatre and talk stage along with fellow food writer, Ali Dunworth. It's a fantastic opportunity to bridge the talent of the region with the consumers who often don’t see what goes on behind the scenes, which is an industry rich with passion as well as ingredients! It’s also exciting to see how the chefs adapt to a different stage.

“There’ll be lots of well-known stars of Kildare in attendance, including the infamous gastro pub The Ballymore Inn. Often cited as the best gastro pub in the country and the recipient of many awards, the business has recently been taking over with its legacy now in the safe hands of the Hartes Group. I’m also particularly looking forward to seeing what Gareth Naughton - head chef of Neighbourhood in Naas creates for us at the event, as well as experiencing as many of the food trucks as possible. Kevin Walsh of Lily and Wild, based in Newbridge, will be cooking a harvest dinner on Friday evening and taking charge of the BBQ over the weekend - there really is something for everyone.

“Taste of Kildare a place to support and acknowledge the dedication of our creators and growers - from craft breweries and bakers to wine companies and chocolatiers, it’s a feast for the eyes and tummies - we just need the weather to behave and we have the formula for a perfect weekend!”