A FEW months ago approximately 30,000 people paid €15 to attend the Taste of Dublin food festival.

Next weekend the Curragh Racecourse hosts the Taste of Kildare two-day event and the €15 early bird ticket also gives you a great day’s racing, no matter which day you pick.

Unsurprisingly tickets are flying out the door. Curragh marketing executive Tara Buick said: “There have been several queries as to whether you can get into the Taste of Kildare event with a racing ticket. We can confirm that the two events are under the same admission.”

Admission will be €20 on the day but tickets can be purchased for only €15 online now.

Taste of Kildare will feature live cookery demonstrations, great food tasting experiences, music and more celebrity chefs and culinary personalities than you can shake a wooden spoon at!

World renowned chef, television personality, presenter and author, Rachel Allen is one of the big names who will be cooking up a storm at the Curragh next weekend.

The culinary festival, which is owned and run by Into Kildare, the tourism body for Co Kildare, will see the Curragh transformed into a foodie heaven with racegoers being offered the opportunity to taste some of the county’s best food.

Over 40 food suppliers, restaurants and food trucks will be in attendance and will offer the public the chance to sample their food and to buy artisan, locally made produce.

Among the food and hospitality outlets taking part are The Kildare House Hotel, Scón, The Clanard Court Hotel, Harte’s of Kildare, Firecastle, Domo’s Emporium and The Auld Shebeen Gastro Bar. Food trucks and mobile food outlets include Gingers Event Catering, Saba Kildare, Nolan’s of Kilcullen and The Osprey Hotel food truck.

There is also an option to upgrade to seven-course Taste of Kildare menu in the Leger Restaurant. This premier experience includes seven courses, wine and entry to the races. The cost is €175 per person.

Web: curragh.ie

Web: tasteofkildare.ie