Waterford Festival of Food set to return to Dungarvan this spring

The 16th annual Waterford Festival of Food is set to return to Dungarvan from April 25 to 27.

The festival is expected to bring over 75,000 visitors to the town and highlights Waterford's rich food heritage.

Boasting over 80 planned events, the weekend will see farmers, fishers, chefs, artisan producers, and food lovers come together to celebrate sustainable practices and local produce.

Festival Director, Eunice Power said: “Waterford Festival of Food is about more than just incredible food—it’s about bringing people together, creating moments of joy, and appreciating the community that makes this region so special. The festival is a source of immense pride in our community and shines a light on the generosity, warmth, and talent here in Waterford.

"The festival is a major boost for the region, attracting visitors who explore our restaurants, cafés, and shops. It’s an opportunity to showcase what makes Waterford so special and share our food culture with the world.” 

The festival's programme, set to be officially launched on March 6, promises a weekend filled with unmissable culinary experiences.

Highlights will include the bustling Quayside Market on Saturday and the lively Farmers Market on Sunday, as well as a variety of engaging events for all ages.

Visitors can enjoy immersive food trails, farm visits, foraging adventures, and even a unique blend of wellness with sunset and sunrise yoga.

For younger attendees, there’s a range of fun activities such as cake decorating, pizza making, and the ever-popular Cuddly Farm.

In addition, this year’s festival will feature a diverse lineup of visiting chefs, including: Liam Finnegan, the Ashford Castle Team, Danni Barry (Ireland's first female Michelin star chef), Aisling Moore, Aisling Larkin, Caitlin Ruth, Temple Garner, Luis Martin, Jonny Boyle, Paddy Lee, and Patrick Powell.

These chefs will host masterclasses, pop-up dinners, and special lunches that will showcase the creativity and passion behind food in Ireland and Waterford's culinary scene.

The festival will also feature thought-provoking exhibitions, including the launch of Sound Bites, a new addition to this year’s event that builds on last year’s Behind the Bite portrait exhibition.

Sound Bites will give visitors a chance to hear the stories of the hardworking people behind Waterford’s food industry, providing a deeper connection to the faces behind the food on our plates.

Sustainability, inclusivity, and respect for provenance are core values of the festival, ensuring that every event reflects the festival's commitment to supporting the land, the sea, and the passionate people shaping the food culture in this extraordinary region.

For more information, the full programme of events, and booking details, visit www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com.