Michelin’s reviewers were wowed by the superb cuisine and ambience at Campagne Restaurant in Kilkenny City and The Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate.
Kilkenny ranks second only to San Sebastian in Spain for the concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per head of population –some achievement for a county with just 100,000 residents.
Campagne and The Lady Helen are no strangers to awards, but both made their debuts this year as star holders, becoming the first Kilkenny restaurants to get into the Guide.
The kudos cap an incredible year for Kilkenny, with the city being named ninth friendliest in the world by Conde Nast’s Traveler Magazine; the only European city to make the top ten!
“People were always greeting you,” one reader wrote. Another praised the “charming” locals, describing them as “proud folks who want you to sample their best.”
While the Conde Nast magazine is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the global travel industry, Kilkenny is considered a capital of festivals in Ireland.
As one of Ireland’s smallest cities, Kilkenny’s intimate size, creative spirit and friendly atmosphere make it a magical location for the many events that fill the festival calendar each year.
The city is home to world-renowned festivals such as Kilkenny Arts Festival and The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival and the diary is jam packed throughout the year in both city and county.
This autumn sees a thriving programme that guarantees full-on entertainment and craic for foodies, fashionistas, music fans and Halloween spookiness, with Kilkenny’s unique history of ’witchcraft’ putting visitors under a spell.
The highlights include the Kilkenny Fashion Week, Thrillkenny Zombiefest and the Rockfall music festival, plus the Irish Conker Championships, the Kilkenny Trails Festival and more.
Lovers of fine food can join Kilkenny as it celebrates gourmet glory and sample fresh and fabulous fare from the top-class artisan producers and restaurants that abound in this county.
The Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, October 24-28, is one of Ireland’s biggest culinary events and this year promises to be remarkable.
Food markets, demonstrations by top chefs, edible art and tastings galore will keep Kilkenny City simmering, while local hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars plan a feast of dining events.
Festival time, or anytime, following the Taste of Kilkenny Food Trail offers appetising insights into the secrets of Kilkenny’s success.
The Trail links city and county, combining touring verdant countryside dotted with heritage sites, with meeting producers, farmers, cheese makers and café owners.
All are committed to the highest quality, using traditional methods and keeping it natural and organic. Sampling the results is very much encouraged. Kilkenny’s acclaimed restaurants are also Food Trail members.
The city already shines with medieval architecture, crafts and cultural richness. Now with added star-power, Kilkenny is a magnet for visitors eager to mingle generous helpings of heritage and the arts with one of the best gourmet experiences anywhere.
Gary Breen, Failte Ireland, congratulating both restaurants, said: “The sheer commitment, dedication and endless hard work that goes into creating food experiences at this level on a consistent basis cannot be underestimated.”
He also saluted the “wonderful local producers who partner with these kitchen teams to provide quality fresh produce that delivers the freshness, flavour and tastes of Ireland on a plate by creative and uniquely talented chefs”.
Among the seven other Irish restaurants receiving stars, Cliff House at Ardmore in neighbouring Waterford retained its Michelin accolade.
With three stars and ambitious plans to develop this region’s culinary credentials, Ireland’s star-spangled southeast is a beacon for gourmet explorers.
www.ireland.com
www.kilkennytourism.ie
www.savourkilkenny.com
www.trailkilkenny.ie/food-trail
