The festival is a wonderful way to bring people together

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. 

One such voice is that of Susan McMillan, Proprietor of Grá Coffee Bar and Grá Collective Art Gallery in Naas which was voted the number one coffee bar in Ireland for the last four years by McKenna’s Best in Ireland Awards.

This is a business like no other: an amalgamation of coffee and culture, showcasing the rich tapestry of Irish, local and international creativity, with artworks adorning the walls and the scent of freshly brewed coffee setting the scene. Here Susan tells us more:

“We’re delighted to be a part of this year's Taste of Kildare festival and showcase our business,” says Susan McMillan of Grá Coffee Bar and Art Gallery. 

Born in the challenging pandemic period of 2020, Grá has become a space that has helped to bond and cement the community. “We’re about so much more than coffee. We are a destination that embodies experience, warmth and Irish hospitality,” adds Susan. 

“Our Coffee Bar is a collision of fine art and finely tuned culinary staples underpinned by excellent coffee both of which will be joining us at the Kildare Festival. 

“We celebrate the region’s makers; our organic milk is supplied by the Village Dairy Carlow, fresh organic pastries are baked by Tartine Organic Dublin Bakery; cupcakes and flapjacks by The Carrot Cake Lady Kildare, and we collaborate with another local company Brown Box Catering Kildare to provide a range of gourmet breakfast baps, sandwiches and salads. 

“It truly is part of our DNA to support local suppliers which is really the very essence of the Taste of Kildare. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to not only showcase our own brand, but to recognise and discover the vast amount of culinary talent across Kildare, Nass and beyond.”

Inspiring the community 

Susan sees much synergy between her business, other exhibitors and Ballymore. “Ballymore has a huge presence here,” Susan adds. “It’s terrific that they are so continually supportive of the food and drink industry.

“The festival is a wonderful way to bring people together and Ballymore’s sponsorship has allowed the festival to bloom.” This year that includes more representation of local food and drink businesses than ever before – something Susan calls “inspiring”. “I can’t wait to meet fellow vendors and experience their talents. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend; our entire team can’t wait – it blends into the very reason we exist – to provide experiences and be a haven for our customers.

“Ballymore is woven into the fabric of Kildare and it’s events like this which really help us to make our mark, meet other creators and celebrate the wonderful culture of Ireland. 

“It’s become a landmark event for our county and a wonderful way to inspire our community, reminding them of the wonderful variety  of food, drink and experiences available on our doorstep.”

Grá also has an art gallery which hosts new and emerging artists as well as established creatives from across Ireland and the world over. This immersive, sensory and constantly changing space exhibits the work of different artists – something again Susan sees as a synergy with Ballymore. “Ballymore holds a worthy reputation for supporting artists too, commissioning murals and installations for their neighbourhoods with local artists. Their dedication to elevating authentic Irish culture and supporting the creatives who make up our communities is something I admire – it’s the reason I’ve created an immersive art experience in my own business. 

“We cherish being a vibrant part of the local community and are excited about extending our reach further by being a part of this momentous festival. We’re incredibly grateful to Ballymore who, by supporting the festival, are shining a light on the Irish food scene and the wonderful array of experiences we can collectively offer.”

Check out wwwgracoffee.com and gragallery.com for more information.