Taste of Kildare

Category: Events & Festivals
Location: Naas Racecourse, Naas, County Kildare
Type: Food and drink festival
2026 dates: Saturday 15 August – Sunday 16 August 2026
Best for: Local food, chef demonstrations, craft drinks, producer stalls, live music, festival atmosphere

Overview

Taste of Kildare is one of County Kildare’s leading food and drink festivals, bringing together local restaurants, chefs, producers, drinks brands and hospitality businesses for a weekend celebration of flavour and creativity.

The 2026 festival takes place at Naas Racecourse on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026. The event is promoted as a two-day food and drink festival with chef demonstrations, live music, craft drinks, food vendors, family activities and local producer showcases.

Why it matters

Taste of Kildare is a showcase for the county’s food culture. It gives visitors a chance to sample food from local restaurants, discover artisan producers, enjoy craft drinks, and see chefs and food personalities in action.

Into Kildare describes the festival as a celebration of the county’s vibrant food and drink scene, bringing together leading chefs, artisan producers and hospitality talent.

What to expect

The programme typically includes food trucks, restaurant stands, chef demos, producer stalls, craft drinks, music and entertainment. The official Taste of Kildare site lists experiences such as the Calor Gas Chefs’ Theatre, Craft Brewery Village, Gather Craft Market and family fun activities.

For 2026, published opening hours are:

Saturday 15 August: 12:00–20:00
Sunday 16 August: 12:00–18:00

Visiting Taste of Kildare

Taste of Kildare is a ticketed event, so visitors should book in advance and check the official website for the latest programme, vendor list, travel information and access details. Early bird adult tickets are listed at €10, with general admission at €15 in advance or €20 on the day. Children under 10 are listed as free when accompanied by an adult.

Naas Racecourse provides a spacious event setting, but larger festival days can be busy. Allow time for arrival, parking, entry queues and moving between food areas, stages and demonstrations.