The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026 will return to County Waterford and East Cork this summer, bringing a week of opera and classical music to some of the region’s most historic venues. Organisers have confirmed that the festival will run from May 26 to June 1, with more than 24 performances planned across locations including Lismore, Youghal, Dungarvan and Castlemartyr. The programme will feature over 100 performers and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the area. The festival will once again use a mix of public landmarks and private estates, including properties linked to UK billionaire James Dyson, helping to create a distinctive setting for performances in the Blackwater Valley.

Opera productions set for historic venues

Opera remains central to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026, with Don Giovanni scheduled for four performances in the grounds of Lismore Castle. The production will feature a predominantly Irish cast alongside the Irish Baroque Orchestra, with Peter Whelan conducting and Tom Creed directing. The opera will unfold in the castle’s stable yard setting, combining elements of drama, humour and supernatural tension. Another major performance will see Acis and Galatea staged by candlelight at St Carthage’s Cathedral. The production will feature a cast including Jade Phoenix, Dean Power, Edward Grint and Patrick Hyland, accompanied by the Irish Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Oliver-John Ruthven. New venues and expanded programme The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026 will introduce new venues this year, including Ballynatray House, which will host recital performances. Organisers have already confirmed strong demand, with the inaugural recital featuring Tara Erraught selling out in advance. Concerts will also return to Dromore Yard, with performances from musicians including Magdalene Ho and pianists Finghin Collins and Dearbhla Collins. The programme will conclude with a performance by Cork-born mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan alongside pianist Gary Beecher. In addition to ticketed events, organisers will stage free open-air performances across towns in Waterford and Cork, with further details expected in the coming weeks.

Festival expected to draw thousands to the region

Festival Director Eamonn Carroll said the programme reflects the event’s focus on high-quality performances and unique settings. He said the festival aims to bring together audiences through shared cultural experiences in historic locations. Organisers expect the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026 to attract more than 5,000 visitors and engage around 2,000 students through its education programmes. These initiatives aim to make opera and classical music more accessible across the region. The festival also continues to receive support from The Arts Council of Ireland and Waterford City and County Council.

Tickets now available

Tickets for the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2026 are now on sale, with organisers advising early booking due to expected demand. The festival will once again position the Blackwater Valley as a key cultural destination, combining music, heritage and tourism across Waterford and the wider south east. For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.