‘Four feastworthy days’ at Kells Samhain Festival next month

Big names in food and arts to celebrate culinary heritage

The biggest names in Irish food and arts will gather in Kells next month for the Samhain Festival of Food and Culture with Sheridans Irish Food Fair, to celebrate Ireland’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture.

Throughout four feast-worthy days and three nights of arts, food, storytelling and gathering from 7th to 10th November, the festival will explore our national relationship with food and drinks. The eclectic and wide-ranging programme includes tastings, demonstrations, and debates covering all aspects of Irish and international food and drinks across the town’s most unique and characterful buildings.

The line-up features radio and TV presenter, George Lamb, who has turned to regenerative farming; tea historian, Dr Detta Melia; journalist and TV presenter, Philip Boucher Hayes; food historian and chef, Dr Mairtin Mac Conimaire; Guinness Archive and Heritage Manager, Eibhlin Colgan; food historian, Max Jones; along with Fulbright scholar and drinks expert Susan Boyle; playwright, Deirdre Kinahan; and Waterboys musician, Steve Wickham.

Culinary broadcaster, Ali Dunworth joins sustainability advocate; Conor Spacey, with cookery giant; Darina Allen; food educator, Jacinta Dalton; critics John and Sally McKenna; mixology expert, Oisin Davis; pastry innovator, Graham Herterich aka The Cupcake Bloke; drinks consultant, Judith Boyle; and sustainability chef, Jess Murphy completing the roster.

The Boyne Valley, recognised as one of the world’s best foodie destinations by National Geographic Traveller, is the birthplace of Samhain Festival. In Irish traditions, it marks the conclusion of the harvest season, when crops have been gathered and stored in preparation for the coming year.

Samhain Festival of Food and Culture with Sheridan's Irish Food Fair continues this legacy of celebration, feasting from the harvest, and bringing communities together for music and storytelling. An annual favourite, on Saturday 9th, the Samhain Long Table Supper event will celebrate the best of Ireland’s food and drink producers exploring the theme of ‘Gathering’ with the very best of Irish seasonal fare telling the stories of the land, soil and sea .

This year 6,000 visitors are expected over the course of the weekend. With this year's inclusion of the long-standing Sheridan’s Irish Food Fair, visitors can sample produce from over 100 local food suppliers from apple brandy, Irish cream liqueur, blue goats’ cheese, Irish charcuterie to artisan chocolates.

The Samhain Festival of Food and Culture launched its 2024 programme at the BOOKMARKet in Kells, when local politicans and business people gathered for the event.

Cllr Sharon Tolan, cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, expressed her pride in supporting the festival, saying: "This fantastic event not only showcases the Boyne Valley’s vibrant food culture but also strengthens local communities and economies by promoting the work of our food producers and artisans."

Festival curator Olivia Duff, reflecting on the growth of the festival since its inception in 2019, said: "This year’s Samhain Festival has expanded significantly, and we’re thrilled to welcome Sheridan’s Irish Food Fair, which will feature over 100 local Irish producers. Our goal is to celebrate Ireland’s evolving food story, from the traditional skills of our farmers to the innovative spirit of today’s artisans."

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

THURSDAY 7th NOVEMBER

Oysters and stout are first on the menu for the free event to launch the festival on Thursday 7th November in Jacks Bar, accompanied by traditional music.

FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER

At the Courthouse, the Samhain Symposium. For the first time ever, food networks from around the country will gather to discuss the future of food, followed by an evening of 'Food for the Soul' featuring playwright, Deirdre Kinahan and Waterboys musician, Steve Wickham. The Red Chapel will host a tasting event showcasing Irish cheeses and natural wines from Piedmonte, led by cheesemaker Kevin Sheridan and sommelier Enrico Fantasia.

The Samhain Literary Pub Crawl offers a literary journey told through Kells best pubs with Dr Mairtin Mac Conimaire.

Playwright Deirdre Kinahan and musician Steve Wickham come together for an evening of performance and music, featuring scenes from Kinahan's award-winning plays 'The Saviour' and 'The Unmanageable Sisters'. Audiences will also get an exclusive preview of her upcoming work, 'The Homecoming of Joseph Grace', with original music by Wickham, supported by Meath County Council Arts Office.

SATURDAY 9th NOVEMBER

The Courthouse will host a panel on food and education in Feeding Knowledge with Conor Spacey, Michelle Darmody, Darina Allen, and Jacinta Dalton as MC.

Philip Boucher Hayes will give a talk on agriculture, 'Staying Alive at 1.5°C', examining how Ireland will feed itself in a changing climate.

George Lamb will present his journey from BBC radio and TV presenter to regenerative farming with 'Wildfarmed: Farming for the Future'.

Oisin Davis, author of Kitchen Cocktails, will present ‘Party in the Kitchen’ - An interactive and fun session showcasing the very best of local Irish drinks in a fun setting.

Ali Dunworth will be in conversation with Eibhlin Colgan, Guinness Archive and Heritage Manager.

There will be a range of demonstrations for adults and children including Michelle Darmody, JP McMahon and Darina Allen.

Boann Distillery will host Sip and Savour a curated Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting Session in collaboration with local artisan chocolatier Boho Nibz.

The BookMarket will host Dr Detta Melia’s Tea Party, offering a charming afternoon event discussing our national obsession with a cup of scald.

SUNDAY 10th NOVEMBER

A series of nearby events including Clonmellon Market, and Killua Castle

A the Vanilla Pod, the Disco Brunch will have festivalgoers grooving from noon.

At the Samhain Kitchen Stage, Sunday Sips will dive into Irish non-alcoholic drinks with Judith Boyle. The Sunday Roast will explore food and memories with Susan Boyle.

There’s plenty for kids to do, including demonstrations from The Cool Food School and other live demonstrations over the weekend. Tickets are now available online at www.foodcultureireland.ie, ranging in price from free to €90 per person.