Thomas Lyons The West Waterford Festival of Food is set to welcome over 70,000 visitors next weekend. As the first major Irish food festival of the year, the culinary extravaganza will take place in Dungarvan and will feature more than 70 events over three days from April 14-16. The festival will include foraging trails, workshops, cooking demos by top chefs, and one of Ireland’s largest outdoor markets. Since its launch in 2008, the festival has hosted a wide variety of events throughout the region, culminating in a huge outdoor market with over 100 stalls in the town centre on Sunday.
This year’s festival will feature a Gala Dinner in honour of Paul and Máire Flynn of The Tannery restaurant in Dungarvan, cooked by a team of former Tannery chefs. Another highlight will be a supper and concert by descendants of The Clancy Brothers in the unique surroundings of Dungarvan Mart. Additionally, zero-waste chef Ralph Utto will prepare a five-course feast made from surplus food. The festivities will move to Walton Park at night for a street-party-style celebration, with performances by Presto, Saoirse and Seascapes, and bars provided by Blackwater Gin, Dungarvan Brewing Company, Legacy Cider and Dungarvan Wine Buff. On Friday night, burlesque dancer Foxy will transform 1868 upstairs in Merry’s pub to create The Peacock Parlour. The festival will also offer plenty of activities for children, including sensory cooking classes, a Chocolate Masterclass, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and family fun zone.
Renowned chef and Festival Director Eunice Power said: “Over the years, the festival has been a showcase of the food of the region, provides a forum for important conversations around food, as well as hosting many top chefs, fresh, interesting venues and diverse influences. This is one festival where there is something for everyone.”
The West Waterford Festival of Food has something for everyone, from food enthusiasts to families with children. The festival celebrates the best of Irish cuisine and showcases the diverse culinary influences that have shaped the region’s food culture. With over 70 events planned, including foraging trails, cooking demos, and workshops, visitors will have a chance to sample some of the finest food the region has to offer. The festival’s outdoor market is one of the largest in Ireland, with over 100 stalls selling everything from artisan cheeses to freshly baked breads.
This year’s festival will feature a number of exciting events, including a Gala Dinner in honour of Paul and Máire Flynn of The Tannery restaurant in Dungarvan. The dinner will be cooked by a team of former Tannery chefs and promises to be a highlight of the festival. Another must-see event is the supper and concert by descendants of The Clancy Brothers, who will perform in the unique surroundings of Dungarvan Mart. Additionally, zero-waste chef Ralph Utto will prepare a five-course feast made from surplus food, demonstrating the importance of reducing food waste.
The festival will also offer plenty of entertainment for visitors, with performances by Presto, Saoirse and Seascapes, and bars provided by Blackwater Gin, Dungarvan Brewing Company, Legacy Cider and Dungarvan Wine Buff. On Friday night, burlesque dancer Foxy will transform 1868 upstairs in Merry’s pub to create The Peacock Parlour. The festival will also offer plenty of activities for children, including sensory cooking classes, a Chocolate Masterclass, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and family fun zone.
Renowned chef and Festival Director Eunice Power has described the festival as a showcase of the food of the region, providing a forum for important conversations around food, as well as hosting many top chefs, fresh, interesting venues and diverse influences. With something for everyone, the West Waterford Festival of Food promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. For the full programme and tickets, visit westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com.
