While final numbers are still being tallied, early indications from businesses in Dungarvan point to an increase in both footfall and sales at this year’s Waterford Festival of Food.

In 2024, the festival attracted 75,000 visitors — and all signs suggest an even stronger showing in 2025.

This weekend (April 25–27), crowds flocked to Dungarvan and surrounds to soak up the sunshine, flavours, and community spirit of the 16th annual event. With nearly 100 free and ticketed experiences, this year’s edition proved the festival’s most ambitious yet — reaffirming its status as one of Ireland’s leading community food experiences.

Across three vibrant days, chefs, producers, families, and visitors gathered in kitchens, on fishing boats, in fields and along the quayside to celebrate connection, creativity, and the power of good food. The festival attracts visitors from around the world and has also become a natural homecoming for many with roots in Waterford, as families and friends return year after year to reconnect and celebrate.

This long-running festival boasts serious food credentials. The 2025 line-up brought some of Ireland’s most acclaimed chefs to the table for demos, pop-ups, and exclusive collaborations with local producers. Highlights included a stunning coastal dining experience aboard a fishing vessel with Aishling Moore (Goldie), a serene wellness retreat at Salterbridge House with Aisling Larkin, and a wild food masterclass with Liam Finnegan of Ashford Castle. Patrick Lee, Caitlin Ruth, Patrick Powell, Danni Barry, Temple Garner, Luis Martin, and Johnny Boyle also left their mark on the sold-out programme.

Thousands of people gathered on Davitt’s Quay in the heart of Dungarvan for the annual Waterford Festival of Food. For more information, visit waterfordfestivaloffood.com.
Photo: Joleen Cronin.

Food talks and storytelling remained at the heart of the weekend, with a compelling series of free discussions and demos at Tom Curran’s Store on Davitt’s Quay. Here, festival-goers met the personalities shaping Ireland’s dynamic food culture — from award-winning chefs and foragers to brewers, bakers, and food historians. Running alongside was the striking “Behind the Bite” Exhibition, a celebration of Waterford’s food heroes captured in powerful black-and-white portraits and personal stories.

While Dungarvan Harbour and Grattan Square provided the bustling heart of the action, festival energy stretched far beyond, reaching Lismore, Ardmore, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Ballyduff, and Kilmeaden. Guests found themselves hiking in the Comeraghs, dining in castles, picnicking by rivers, and dancing to live music in Dungarvan Town Hall.

Food and wellness proved a natural pairing throughout the weekend. Early risers embraced Flahavans’ Fit for Breakfast at Town Park with personal trainer Karl Henry, followed by wholesome, oat-inspired breakfasts at 360 Cookhouse. Wellness events continued across the festival, from sunset yoga to forest bathing and mocktail workshops, offering welcome moments of calm.

Families were warmly welcomed, with a packed programme for younger visitors. From fairground rides and street performers to hands-on cookery classes, a petting farm, and the ever-popular Kids’ Kitchen Takeover with Oliver McCabe, there was no shortage of memorable moments. Budding bakers shone at the Kids’ Bake-Off at Curran’s Store, while little learners enjoyed cupcake decorating, pizza-making, and GIY planting sessions. Sensory-friendly events, including Hive’s Tactile Taste Sensory Stars and a LÁMH cookery demo at Dungarvan Castle, ensured all children could take part joyfully and comfortably.

The Mountain Splendour Taste Tour introduced visitors to sustainable farming, shepherding, and foraging in the Comeraghs, while the “Grain, Grape and Apple” food trail celebrated the region’s best brewers, cider makers, and distillers. Cheese farm visits, honey tastings, and orchard tours offered further immersion into local traditions. The ever-popular Taste Waterford Tapas Trail also returned, guiding guests through Dungarvan’s most flavour-packed spots.

Accessibility and inclusivity remained central to the festival’s ethos, with strong partnerships with Autism Friendly Dungarvan. Clear accessibility markers, a mobile sensory unit, accessible toilets, and inclusive cookery demos ensured the festival was welcoming for all.

As the Waterford Festival of Food wrapped, organisers reflected not only on its cultural impact but also its growing economic significance. Festival CEO Eunice Power noted the Waterford Festival of Food’s critical role as a driver of regional development and identity, delivering an estimated €2.5 million boost to the local economy.

“This festival is much more than a weekend celebration,” Power said. “It is a long-term investment in our food ecosystem. It strengthens local businesses, encourages young people into the industry, and puts Waterford firmly on the map as a world-class food destination. By celebrating local gastronomy, we are laying foundations for sustainable economic and community growth.  I’d like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors, who help make it all possible.”

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