Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October | The Parade, Kilkenny City
The Savour Stage makes its eagerly awaited return to the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2025, bringing together some of Ireland’s most celebrated chefs, food writers, and culinary personalities for a weekend of food, creativity, and community spirit. Taking place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October, this free two-day event transforms the heart of Kilkenny City into a showcase of the very best in Irish food culture.
From comforting home cooking to restaurant-level finesse, the Savour Stage offers live demonstrations, expert tips, and engaging stories, inspiring food lovers of all ages to celebrate Ireland’s rich culinary heritage.
Saturday’s line-up begins with Orla Drumgoole, the social media sensation known as Irish Mammy Cooks, who will share her family-inspired recipes featuring local Kilkenny ingredients. She’ll be followed by Daniel Lambert, renowned for his inventive and bold approach to Irish cuisine.
A major highlight of the day will be TV Chef Aisling Larkin, proudly sponsored by Campion Insurance, presenting her signature family-friendly dishes that blend wholesome nutrition with the comfort of home-cooked flavours. Her warm, approachable style and relatable storytelling have made her one of Ireland’s most admired culinary voices.
The afternoon continues with Jeeny Maltese in partnership with Oak Park Foods, Rory O’Connell in association with Avonmore, and the ever-popular Sarah Butler at Home, who will also host a book signing after her demonstration. The day concludes with Clare Anne O’Keefe, hosting an elegant Cocktail Salon as part of Savour the Night.
Sunday’s programme opens with Tom Phelan, Head Pastry Chef at the Lady Helen Restaurant, Mount Juliet Estate. Known for his refined desserts and mastery of patisserie, Tom will present an exclusive patisserie masterclass, showcasing local ingredients and techniques to elevate home baking.
Local favourite Edward Hayden, broadcaster and Culinary Director at SETU, joins Anne Neary, supported by Dawn Meats, for their much-loved, humorous, and flavour-filled double act. Additional highlights include Paul Flynn (Smithwick’s Experience), Kevin Dundon (SuperValu Loughboy), Sophie Morris with recipes from her new cookbook, and a lively finale featuring James Kavanagh and William Murray from Taste Kilkenny.
A special feature this year is Rachel Allen, proudly sponsored by the National Dairy Council (NDC), the farmer-funded body championing sustainable, pasture-based dairy production. Rachel will demonstrate the versatility of Irish dairy—showcasing milk, butter, cream, and cheese in delicious, balanced recipes. She will be joined by Kate Fitzgerald, a young dairy farmer from Portlaw, Co. Waterford, who will discuss the sustainability practices driving Ireland’s dairy sector forward.
“We’re delighted to partner with Savour Kilkenny and Rachel Allen once again in 2025,” said Julia Pessina, Brand Manager at the NDC. “This collaboration allows us to tell the story of Irish dairy—from pasture to plate.”
Returning alongside the Savour Stage is the Taste Stage, shining a spotlight on Sustainable Food Systems. Hosted by MC Tracie Daly, it will feature chefs who source at least one-third of their ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, celebrating local producers and sustainable cooking. Participants include Laura Gannon (Cakeface), Graham Herterich (The Cupcake Bloke), Ken Harker (Stathams Kilkenny), Keith Grant (Grant Master Butchers), Luis Martin (MARA), and Hannah O’Donnell (VADA Restaurant, Dublin).
Together, the Savour and Taste Stages remain the beating heart of Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2025, offering audiences free access to Ireland’s leading culinary talent and a weekend full of flavour, inspiration, and community spirit.
