Tickets go on sale tomorrow for Waterford Festival of Food: here's what not to miss
Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Waterford Festival of Food (L–R) Linda Tutty, Autism Friendly Dungarvan, Eunice Power, WFOF, Faith Tutty, Kara Baumann, Autism Friendly Dungarvan, and Mary Foley, WFOF. The launch event brought together chefs, producers, organisers, sponsors and supporters to unveil plans for the 17th Waterford Festival of Food. Photo: John Foley
Now in its seventeenth year, few foodies in Waterford and indeed Ireland can remember a time before the Waterford Festival of Food (previously the West Waterford Food Festival).
This year’s programme is especially exciting with 150 market stalls and 140 events. Between strolling around the Dungarvan market, going for afternoon tea or taking a class from a world-renowned chef, there is something for everyone.
However, with so much to choose from and only one weekend (April 24-26) of events, it's easy to be overwhelmed. Here are my must-dos at this year's festival:
There are plenty of fitness classes, wellness talks and appreciation for the earth at this festival with a strong focus on sustainability.
An Enchanting Foraging escape is happening on the Friday and Saturday of the festival from 10am to 12pm. You will meet Claire O’Sullivan at the Mahon Bridge Car Park and take a walk through Crough Woods, exploring seasonal edible plants. There is also an optional dip underneath a waterfall! Tickets are €45.
Also on the Friday is a ‘Sound, Sauna and Supper’ event. For €40 you will be treated to a sound bath, a 30-minute sauna and a meal from Lana – all enjoyed on the beautiful Clonea beach.
Waterford has some of the best sommeliers, craft brewers and apple orchards for cider in all of Ireland. The programme is packed with a mix of educational events where you can learn how your favourite drink is made and also plenty of opportunities to enjoy a drink or two among friends.
The popular Tramore restaurant ‘Mezze’ is joining forces with Dungarvan Brewing Company for a ‘Beers and Bites' event on the Friday night. Attendees will be treated to a live cooking demonstration followed by a tour of the brewery. All this will be topped off with some food and of course some beer. The event will run from 6-9pm in Dungarvan Brewing Company and tickets are €75.
If beer and mezze isn’t your thing, maybe chocolate and wine is? ‘A night of bold pairings’ hosted by Micheal Sheehan and Judit McNally in The Wine Buff in Dungarvan promises to inspire attendees who can sample unexpected pairings. The event is on the Friday night at 7.30pm and tickets are €35.
Although many of the events are free, some people may be willing to fork out that little bit extra for some truly unique dining experiences.
For one night only, owners of the Tannery in Dungarvan, Paul and Máire, are hosting their favourite restaurant down in Dungarvan. A Spanish restaurant located in the heart of Dublin, Uno Mas, is considered one of the best in the country. For €90 per person it's not cheap but is guaranteed to be an unforgettable dining experience.
Although a lot of the festival is based in Dungarvan, it has expanded to Waterford City. There are three ‘Tapas trails’ based in Dungarvan and one in Waterford. They will last for three hours and include three stops in some of the best restaurants in the county, including Everett’s, The Moorings and an Aisling Larkin pop-up. It's on the Friday night only and tickets are €70.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, there are also loads of free and family-friendly events happening, including a teddy bears' picnic, a duck race and lots of interesting talks and demonstrations.
The full programme can be accessed on Waterford Festival of Food’s website.
Hurry though because tickets for the festival will go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10am.
