Now in its 17th year, the West Waterford Festival of Food sees more than 120 events take place until Sunday, bringing together leading chefs, local producers and food lovers.

The festival will be felt across the county, with activity unfolding in a wide range of settings including the quayside in Dungarvan, cultural venues in Waterford City, coastal locations, farms and restaurants.

The programme reflects the festival’s strong connection to the Déise, offering opportunities to experience the people, produce and landscapes that define Waterford’s food culture.

This year also sees the festival open out into Waterford City, creating new opportunities for wider audiences to engage with the programme.

Events at SETU Waterford, Waterford Medieval Museum and the House of Waterford bring together chefs, producers and food voices from across the region, while city-based events and experiences make it easier for more people to take part, complementing the festival’s established base in Dungarvan and West Waterford.

For those planning a last-minute visit, a large part of the festival can be enjoyed without booking, with plenty of events free and open to all across the weekend. 

Highlights include:

  • Quayside Market at Davitt’s Quay (Saturday, 11am–4.30pm), where the festival atmosphere comes to life with local producers, hot food, music and a lively waterfront setting
  • Festival Market (Margadh na Féile) in Grattan Square, Dungarvan Town Centre (Sunday, 10am–5pm), the showpiece event of the weekend and one of the largest artisan food markets on the island, with more than 90 stalls showcasing the region’s best producers and makers)
  • Holding Court with Sharon Noonan at The Courthouse, Dungarvan (Saturday from 11am), a full day of free cookery demonstrations featuring Orla Drumgoole (11am), Karen Hally (12pm), Rory O’Connell (1pm), Edgar Kirby (2pm), Yoshimi Hayakawa (3pm) and Shane Smith (4pm)
  • Taste Waterford Talks and Demos at The Courthouse, Dungarvan (Sunday from 11am), a full day of free talks and demonstrations hosted by Richard Povey, featuring Zsofia Turmezei of Sophie’s Taste Creations(11am), Claire O’Sullivan ‘The Mystic Holistic’ (12pm), Paul Ryan of Barefoot Farm with Jenny Flynn of Faithlegg (1pm), Krisztina and Wayne Halloran of The Olive Café (2pm), Cormac O’Dwyer and Tom Dauber of Dungarvan Brewing Company with Liam McDonnell of Legacy Irish Cider and Blackwater Distillery (3pm), and Judit McNally of Cocoa by Judit with Mary O’Sullivan of Beara Bitters (4pm)
  • Family events at Dungarvan Castle, including cookery workshops, farm encounters, creative sessions and inclusive activities designed to welcome children of all ages and abilities
  • RNLI Duck Race at Davitt’s Quay (Sunday at 3pm), a lively, family-friendly highlight in support of Helvick Lifeboat Station, where hundreds of ducks take to the water with prizes up for grabs

Across the weekend, visitors can expect a mix of large-scale and intimate experiences, from bustling markets and free demonstrations to ticketed dining events and immersive food trails.

Highlights include a series of chef collaborations in unique venues, garden-to-plate dining experiences, coastal and river-based events, and a strong programme of wellness and nature-led activities that reflect the growing connection between food, environment and wellbeing.

Dungarvan will once again form the heart of the festival, with markets, demonstrations and informal gatherings creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the town.

Accessibility continues to be a key focus, with autism-friendly supports, quiet hours and inclusive design features in place throughout the weekend, delivered in partnership with Autism Friendly Dungarvan and a partnership with Age Friendly Ireland in place..

For more information and tickets, visit www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow @waterfordfestivaloffood on social media.