June 26, 2026

Beyond the Plate: The Launch of Taste of Kildare 2026

Woman in red dress speaking to two seated panelists beside pink flowers and plants, with countryside visible through windows behind them

The launch of Taste of Kildare 2026 brought together producers, hospitality leaders, tourism experts and policymakers to explore the future of food tourism in the county. More than a celebration of what already exists, the event focused on the opportunity ahead — how Kildare can build on its strengths, tell its food story with confidence and position itself as one of Ireland's leading food destinations.

Kildare has a food story worth telling. Last week, the people who are building it came together to talk about where it goes next.

The launch of Taste of Kildare 2026 brought together producers, industry leaders, policymakers and food businesses for a panel discussion that moved beyond celebration and into something more useful — a serious, grounded conversation about Irish food tourism, what’s driving it internationally, and what Kildare’s place in that picture really looks like.

I hosted the day. It was exactly the kind of work I’m here for.

The Panel

Four voices, four perspectives, one genuinely productive conversation.

Paul Lenegan, co-founder of The Hartes Group, on building food tourism with commercial rigour. Eoghan Corry, travel writer, on what makes an experience worth seeking out — and worth talking about long after you’ve left. Jackie McNabb, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office, on what’s being built on the ground and where the real opportunity sits. Gina Daly, cookbook author and content creator, on why how you tell the story of food matters as much as the food itself.

The conversation covered international trends, experiential events, the growing customer appetite for quality and meaning over novelty, and the particular power of community-led food culture. It was direct, it was useful, and it went somewhere.

What came through clearly

The work happening across Kildare — its producers, its destinations, its food businesses — is already exceptional. it is happening and the potential and opporutnity that exists and incredibly exciting. The conversation we had encapsulated how visibility, storytelling, experietnal tourism and community and the kind of sustained investment in experiences that brings people to a place and sends them home wanting to return.

There are a lot of people in this county quietly building something significant. Days like this make sure that work gets the platform it deserves and now it is time to showcase that pride and quality on a national and global stage over the coming few months

"Hosting this conversation reinforced just how much is happening across Kildare's food landscape. From producers and entrepreneurs to tourism leaders and policymakers, there is a shared commitment to quality, collaboration and creating meaningful visitor experiences. The potential is enormous, and I believe Kildare's food story is only just beginning to be told."

Aisling Larkin

With thanks.

The day was attended by Minister Lawless, Minister Hayden, Senator Jo Neville, Senator Aubrey McCarthy, and Cathaoirleach Carmel Kelly — alongside David Kelly, CEO of the Taste of Kildare board, and a room full of industry leaders, producers and food businesses shaping the future of Ireland’s food landscape.

Thank you to Chloe and Kevin for the organisation, to Pasch for the warm hospitality, and to Lilian Wilde for food that set exactly the right tone for the conversation.

It was a privilege to host the discussion and contribute to an important conversation around the opportunities and challenges facing Ireland’s food and hospitality sector.

Interested in working with Aisling as a host, moderator or MC for your next event? Contact aisling@aislinglarkin.ie.