October Feast Festival: A Celebration of Wicklow Flavours
Santina KennedyWicklow Naturally, Wicklow’s food and drinks network, with the support of Wicklow County Council will run the annual October Feast festival throughout the month of October 2025. Now in its 5th year, October Feast showcases the various foods and flavours that are produced here in County Wicklow. Events include local food markets, winery and brewery tours, honey tastings, cooking demos, instore tastings, foraging, nature walks and much more. Most events are open to the public but need pre-booking. The Wicklow Naturally October Feast Launch took place on September 30th at Pollys Vintage Tea Rooms. Invited guests from the local food and tourism community were treated to an array of teatime delights served on vintage china, in the elegant surroundings of this tea rooms. Wicklow Naturally board member Pat O’Suilleabháin spoke of the value of October Feast in shining a spotlight on the excellent quality of food and drink produced in Wicklow.
Key Events October Feast 2025
This year’s flagship event will be a showcase event at The Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre. ‘A History of Irish Food with Dr JP McMahon in Partnership with Wicklow Naturally’ will take place on October 10th.at 7:30pm.
This evening of conversation on the history of Irish Food with Dr JP McMahon, Chef, writer, restaurateur, painter and playwright, author of The Irish Cook Book and An Irish Food Story, will include a look at the food of Ireland through the ages. PHD researcher in Food Tourism Kate O’Hora will discuss holiday food in Ireland through the centuries with a particular look at some Wicklow specialities. Wicklow Chef and Film Maker Tadgh Byrne will talk about some of the food featured in his series A History of Irish Food. Guests will enjoy some special tastings of Irish food and drink, with a focus on food produced by Wicklow Naturally members.
The event MC is Santina Kennedy, Wicklow Naturally Co-Ordinator, Irish food advocate and Blas na hÉireann Producers Champion 2025.
In association with Wicklow County Council Climate Action Committee, there will be two Venison themed dinners during the month, in an effort to showcase the delicious and nutritious qualities of venison and how a market for Wicklow venison in retail outlets and on menus could make a positive contribution to the overall deer management issue in County Wicklow.
At the Glenview Hotel, talented Head Chef Sandeep Pandey will prepare a celebration meal using delicious local venison loin. He will create a culinary experience served in a setting of panoramic views and autumnal scenery.
At Tulfarris Hotel, newly appointed Executive Chef Dan Ottaway will prepare a Wicklow feast featuring locally sourced venison. A similar venison menu by Dan has been served recently to great acclaim to members of the Irish Food Writers Guild during a 3 day trip to County Wicklow. The Venison Dinner on the 24th of October will feature venison on the menu in the restaurant (a venison carpaccio starter & venison stew main).
Other key events include a Seasonal Supper Club at Killruddery. Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted four-course set menu, inspired by the vibrant bounty of spring from the Killruddery Farm and Gardens. Each dish will capture the freshness and vitality of the season, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Killruddery will also host a Harvest Celebration from 24-26 October with activities including a Scarecrow competition, pumpkin carving and a Harvest Fete featuring many local suppliers.
Paul Smith, Chairperson of Wicklow Naturally said that he is proud to see how the food and drink producers and providers continue to create inspiring and flavourful events for October Feast every year, showcasing the high quality of food produced in the county.
“The Garden of Ireland is home to some of Ireland’s finest food and drink producers” he said. “From growing and foraging to brewing and distilling, County Wicklow is proudly telling its food and drink story with ‘Wicklow Naturally’. Wicklow Naturally stands for sustainability, best practice, authenticity, the highest quality of food and drink products.”
For a list of Wicklow Naturally October Feast 2025 events, click on link below and follow Wicklow Naturally on social media for regular updates
