Savour Kilkenny Food Festival is one of Ireland's largest premier food festivals,that takes place during the October Bank Holiday throughout Kilkenny City from 22nd – 26th October 2026, with the Festival Quarter open on Saturday and Sunday of the festival and a reduced version of the market hosted alongside Madra Monday on Savour Monday.
General & Tickets
Is Savour Kilkenny Food Festival free to attend?
Entry to the Festival Quarter, that includes the main Savour Market, the Craft Brewers & Distillers Marquee, family street entertainment, and all live cookery demonstrations on the Savour & Taste Stage is completely FREE and un-ticketed. Our Dining, Drinks, Workshops, Tours, Talks, the Castle Park Concert and Samhain Spectacles vary from paid ticketed events to free entry, please check each event before attending Savour Kilkenny, view all events here.
When is the Festival Quarter open?
The full Festival Quarter is open on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival only, The Festival Quarter is home to the Savour Market, the Craft Brewers & Distillers Marquee, family street entertainment, and all live cookery demonstrations on the Savour & Taste Stage. A reduced market and Madra Monday take place on Savour Monday on The Parade Plaza only.
Do I need tickets for anything?
While the main festival quarter is open access on Saturday, Sunday and a reduced version on Monday, specific special dining events, masterclasses, dining pop-ups, and wellness talks require pre-booked tickets. These are sold individually online ahead of the festival.
Where can I find the official schedule and brochure?
The full festival brochure and "At a Glance" timetables are published online ahead of the weekend.
Travel, Road Closures & Parking
Are there major road closures in Kilkenny during the festival?
Yes. The Parade and Castle Road are fully closed to traffic starting from 12:00pm on Friday through Sunday evening, with local traffic diversions in place. Plan extra travel time when navigating the city center if travelling by car. The best way to attend Savour Kilkenny is by sustainable transport measures such as bus, rail, bicycle and walking if you are a local or staying in one of our fabulous hotels here in Kilkenny.
Where is the best place to park?
Visitors are strongly advised to use public transport where possible. If travelling by car, please note the following:
Off-street & Multi-Storey Car Parks: Market Yard, Ormonde Street Car Park, and MacDonagh Junction Car Park.
Public Transport: High-frequency bus connections (e.g., JJ Kavanagh, Bus Éireann) and Irish Rail to Kilkenny MacDonagh Station are recommended to avoid traffic.
Taxi Rank: Temporary Rank on Patrick St. , High St. , Market Yard. , & John Street Lower.
Coach Parking: St. Canice's Place Coach Park & Larchfield
Festival Experience & Amenities
Do market stalls take card, or do I need cash?
While many stallholders accept cash and card payments. Bringing cash is highly recommended as a backup for buying street food and artisan goods. ATMs are available along at AIB High Street.
Is there seating available in the market area?
Seating is available on Mayors Walk and picnic spots along the market and around Kilkenny Castle Park, though peak hours (12:00 PM – 3:30 PM) get very busy. Please ensure you pick up your rubbish and assort into our 3 Bin Recycling System.
What happens if it rains?
Savour Kilkenny runs rain or shine! Many cookery stages, workshop venues, and the Brewers & Distillers Marquee are fully covered, but the Savour market is outdoors. Proper rainwear and warm layers are recommended for October weather.
Dietary Options & Accessibility
Are there options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or specific dietary needs?
Savour Market: The market features over 100 artisan food stalls and street food vendors offering vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Please check with each vendor individually.
Dining Events: Please contact the dining event organiser/venue to enquire if your dietary needs can be catered too.
Is the festival quarter wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes. The Savour market along The Parade & Castle Road is on flat pavement & public road, making it accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. Accessible parking spaces are located in Ormonde Street Multi-Storey Carpark (Pay per car), and an accessible public toilet can be found on-site at the Mayor's Walk.
Pets & Animals
Can I bring my dog to the Festival Quarter?
Saturday & Sunday: Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in outdoor areas, but they must be kept under control due to high crowd density. Please evaluate your animal and make the best decision for their welfare.
Madra Monday at Savour Kilkenny: The bank holiday Monday features special dog-friendly events, talks, and competitions!
Other Questions
"Is it worth coming if I don't buy tickets?"
Yes. Tickets are only required for limited-capacity events, such as exclusive dining and drink events, tours or private tasting sessions – many will sell out weeks before but some events will have tickets until the day of the event. If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, eat incredible food, watch chef demos, and enjoy a vibrant weekend in Kilkenny, you can show up on 24th and 25th of October and experience ithe Festival Quarter without spending a cent on admission!
