The West Waterford Festival Of Food Is Nearly Here!

Dungarvan and its neighbouring villages and towns will be buzzing with food lovers over the weekend of April 14th-16th as the West Waterford Festival Of Food returns.

Having taken place in June last year, the festival is back at its traditional April date and it is always a weekend not to be missed.

This year will be the 14th annual West Waterford Festival of Food and since its beginnings, it has become synonymous with fabulous food, fantastic family events and most importantly lots of fun!

Organisers promise that 2023 will be bigger and better than ever and from looking at the programme of events, we tend to agree already.

There are many events across the weekend to suit everyone's tastes, from dining to demos, tastings to trails, and plenty of entertainment for kids and adults. However, we've chosen 5 that we think you just have to check out if you're planning to take a visit to the West Waterford Festival of Food.

5 Things To Check Out At This Year's West Waterford Festival Of Food

1. Park After Dark, Davitts Quay Carpark (Friday)

To kick off the festival in style, head along to the Park After Dark in Davitts Quay Carpark from 7pm - 10pm.

Expect bands, bars and bia!

Bars will include Blackwater Gin, Dungarvan Brewing Company, Legacy Cider and Dungarvan Wine Buff.

Festival Street Food will include a hog roast from Siobhan and Ross at Newbard Farm, Little Catch Seafood, IXCA Tacos, Rom Lau Coffee & Crepes, Dinky Donuts amongst others.

Bands include Presto, Saoirse and Seascapes.

Tickets are priced at €15 and cover entry and music. This event is for over 18s only.

2. Tirlán Family Fun, Davitts Quay Carpark (Saturday)

Tirlan will host a free family fun zone at Davitts Quay Carpark on Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm, which is suitable for all ages.

Get up close and personal with animals at the mobile farm, meet the birds of prey, plant a seedling, enjoy the kid's rides and take part in wellness taster sessions in this relaxed family space all in Davitts Quay Carpark.

A horticulturist from the award-winning Tirlán Garden Centre will also be on hand on Saturday to help children plant vegetable seeds into pots to bring home and enjoy watching them grow.

3. RNLI Duck Race, Davitt’s Quay (Saturday)

This is always a highlight of the festival weekend!

At 3pm on Saturday, watch make sure and catch the duck race on Davitt’s Quay for Helvick Lifeboat Station.

Ducks cost €3 each or two for €5 and there are lovely prizes for the winning ducks!

While you're there, check out the entertainment, fun and food along the quayside.

Browse and buy from over 30 traders selling hot food, larder supplies and crafts.

4. Taste Waterford, Town Hall (Sunday)

From 11am-4pm on Sunday, make sure to head along to the Town Hall in Dungarvan for Taste Waterford's Festival Demos.

Enjoy demos and chats, food and drink from local people who make their produce right here in Waterford.

The wonderful Dvir Nusery from Mezze Restaurant is one of the demo chefs, he promises to share some of his cooking tips and also show some recipes from his new cookbook.

You'll also hear from Liam McDonnell who will share the story of Legacy Cider and Aisling Larkin who graces our screens almost every week of the year on the Six O Clock Show. Aisling
will share some delicious dishes using produce from Sea Gardner Marie Power and Comeragh Mountain Lamb from Willie Drohan’s farm.

Mags Kirwan a favourite on RTE’s Today Show will join us to cook some family favourites, and Head Chocolatier and founder of the wildly successful Gra Chocolates, Grainne Mullins will share some of her sweet secrets.

5. One Horse Pony Live, Merry's 1868 (Sunday)

Live @1868 at Merry's will host a concert with One Horse Pony from 7pm-9pm on the last night of the West Waterford Festival Of Food.

Tickets are priced at €10 and you'll experience original alternative roots and stompin’ rhythms from Ireland’s deep south.

From the muddy waters of Ireland’s deep south, One Horse Pony, a four-piece alternative roots outfit whose DNA might be traced to the swamp lands of Louisiana, smouldering with earthy Cajun tones and raucous intent.

The perfect way to round off the festival weekend!

Check out westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com for more info.

Listen back to Kieran O'Connor's interview with festival CEO Eunice Power.