Taste of Westmeath to launch with food, drink and craft event at Killua Castle, Clonmellon
A new chapter in local food and drink is about to begin with the official launch of Taste of Westmeath, a county-wide network dedicated to supporting and celebrating Westmeath’s food and drink producers.
Taste of Westmeath is a grassroots initiative born from a passion for local produce and a commitment to community. Its mission is to showcase the richness of Westmeath’s culinary heritage by connecting high-quality, small-batch producers with consumers who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
“Taste of Westmeath is about more than just great food – it’s about building a community of makers and supporters,” say the organisers. “We want to create a platform that empowers local artisans and strengthens the connection between producers and the people who enjoy their work.”
Inaugural event at Killua Castle
To mark the launch, Taste of Westmeath will host a celebration of food, drink, and creativity at Killua Castle on Sunday September 28 (11am-4pm).
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and sample products from Taste of Westmeath members, including: An Olivia Chocolate, Dempsey Jams, Fore Distillery, BreaDelicious, Bonny Bó, Crust Gluten Free, Irish Craft Soda, Love Food, Barbavilla Dairy, Greene’s Free Range Eggs, Killucan Honey, Killua Castle, Kilbeggan Chocolate.
Those are only some of the producers who represent the heart of Westmeath’s food and drink scene. Taste of Westmeath welcome any food or drink producer who lives or produces in County Westmeath to become members. Application for membership reopens on October 1, 2025.
The event will also feature: food trucks serving delicious, locally inspired food; artisan craft stalls showcasing handmade products; family-friendly activities, and entertainment throughout the day; a raffle with prizes such as villa accommodation for 1 week in Majorca, apartment accommodation for a weekend in Madrid, dinner for two in Twelve Points Restaurant, Killua Castle, hampers, chocolate painting workshop, and more.
“We’re bringing together the best of Westmeath’s food, drink, and creative communities. It’s a celebration of what makes our county special,” the organisers added.
Admission is free, and everyone is invited to join in a special day and be part of a growing local food and craft movement.
Community-driven revival of local food and drink
As part of the Westmeath Local Development Strategy 2023–2027, which envisions “a county with an active and inclusive society, supported by strong communities and a vibrant sustainable economy…”, the 2023-2027 LEADER programme continues to back grassroots initiatives that address locally identified needs and challenges.
One such initiative is the newly revitalised Taste of Westmeath, a network that emerged from consultation with food and drink producers across the county. Facilitated by the Westmeath Community Development LEADER team, the discussions highlighted several key challenges facing the sector, including:
• Rising production and operational costs
• Reduced customer demand due to the cost-of-living crisis
• Difficulties sourcing seasonal labour
• Intense competition from large retail own-brands
• Lack of consumer awareness around the value of artisan and local produce
• Gaps in training, upskilling opportunities, and promotional platforms.
In response, producers identified the need for a local food and drink producers network, a shared platform to promote collaboration, provide peer support, and raise the profile of local produce.
Out of that, Taste of Westmeath was born. It is dedicated to celebrating the culinary and creative heritage of Westmeath, connecting small-batch, high-quality producers with consumers who value authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
“Taste of Westmeath is about more than just great food – it’s about building a community of makers and supporters,” say the organisers. “We want to empower local artisans and strengthen the connection between producers and the people who enjoy their work.”
With LEADER support, Taste of Westmeath members have already accessed fully funded training in key areas such as:
• Food Photography
• Videography
• Website Design Ideas and Maintenance
These capacity-building opportunities are helping local producers enhance their online presence and market reach, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Taste of Westmeath marks the beginning of a new chapter in the county’s food and drink story and the official launch is part of a food, drink and craft event at Killua Castle, Clonmellon, on September 28 (11am-4pm).