Blackwater Valley Opera Festival partners with Mount Juliet

In a continuation of its partnership with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Mount Juliet Estate will be the location for an exclusive open-air recital in May. 

The performance will be staged in association  with Nespresso and will be set within the elegant Walled Garden at The Manor.

The estate will be transformed into an intimate outdoor performance space, where natural acoustics and the surrounding landscape will combine to create a truly memorable cultural experience. 

This year’s recital will showcase tenor Cathal McCabe, recipient of the 2026 Bríd Phelan Emerging Talent Award, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience a rising Irish voice at a defining stage in his career. 

He will be joined by soprano Eva Kavanagh and pianist Connor Wilcox, for a carefully curated programme of arias and songs, reflecting the exceptional talent connected to the festival each summer.

Mount Juliet Estate’s collaboration with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival reflects a shared commitment to supporting artists and widening access to opera, while introducing audiences to the next generation of Irish vocal talent in a setting that brings performance and audience closer together.

Launched in 2025, the Bríd Phelan Emerging Talent Award is a five-year bursary supporting the development of emerging Irish opera singers. 

Made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor, with additional support from Kildare Village, the award forms part of the festival’s ongoing work to nurture Irish talent at an early stage in their careers.

For guests wishing to extend their visit, the Mount Juliet Estate Blackwater Valley Opera Stay offers an indulgent overnight experience, including reserved seating at the recital, followed by drinks and dinner in the Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant, a digestif in the 1757 Bar, and a luxurious overnight stay in The Manor, with breakfast the following morning. 

Following the performance, guests may also enjoy afternoon tea in The Manor or pre-book a picnic to dine alfresco on the estate grounds. Dining is also available in Lady Helen, where the estate’s celebrated tasting menu is presented in elegant surroundings.

Throughout the afternoon, guests will be invited to enjoy Nespresso coffee as part of the experience, complementing the setting with moments of quiet indulgence before and after the performance.

Speaking on the continued partnership, Mark Dunne, General Manager at Mount Juliet Estate, commented: “Mount Juliet Estate has a long-standing connection to culture and the arts, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Supporting emerging Irish talent and bringing it to our guests allows us to create a truly special and enriching experience in a unique setting.” 

The recital will take place on May 2nd at 12.30pm. Attendance is complimentary, with advance booking recommended due to limited capacity.

For reservations, please contact reservations@mountjuliet.ie, call 056 777 3000, or visit www.mountjuliet.ie for further information.