Festivals in Waterford: your guide to summer fun in the Deise
International Festival of Time
Waterford city is welcoming the return of the International Festival of Time, set to take place on Friday and Saturday, May 23 – 24. This globally celebrated event brings together master watchmakers, horology enthusiasts, collectors, and artisans for an unparalleled celebration of timekeeping excellence.
The city is home to Ireland's only dedicated museum of watches and clocks, The Irish Museum of Time in the Viking Triangle, and is just a short distance from New Geneva, where Genevan watchmakers had decided to relocate their entire industry in 1784.
The festival highlights for 2025 include Exhibitions of Rare and Exquisite Timepieces, which will showcase a breathtaking collection of handcrafted mechanical watches and antique timepieces.
'The International Festival of Time is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of cutting-edge horology while experiencing the vibrant culture and heritage of Waterford,' said a spokesperson. Tickets at waterfordtreasures.com.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival
Black Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) is returning to Waterford from May 27– June 2 for its fifteenth anniversary. Ireland's summer opera festival offers a richly-curated programme of opera and classical music set in 12 historic homes and venues across the Blackwater Valley.
'Join us for a week of 23 special events including full-scale operas, intimate concerts, bespoke dining experiences and free open-air recitals,' said an organiser. 'This year's programme has something for everyone, from opera fans to new audiences, from families to foodies.'
The festival has evolved from a 2010 pop-up event into a flagship festival for Waterford, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The festival celebrates opera, classical music events, and dining at venues including Lismore Castle and the semi-restored Dromore Yard.
Highlights this year include Benjamin Britten - A Midsummer Night's Dream on May 28, 30, 31 and June 1, for which there are limited tickets remaining.
Lismore Castle will play host to conductor David Brophy and director Patrick Mason, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, while Henry Purcell - Dido and Aeneas are on May 27 and 29 in St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore, with Paula Murrihy, Dean Murphy, Kelli-Ann Masterson, the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Nicholas McGegan.
The Dromore Yard hosts on Niamh O'Sullivan and Gary Beecher with When Birds Do Sing, on June 1 and on June 2 it is Paula Murrihy, Irish Baroque Orchestra, and Nicholas McGegan.
Recitals are from May 27 –June 2 in Salterbridge House, Tourin House, Villierstown Church, St Carthage's Cathedral, and Woodhouse Estate, with bespoke dining experiences at Lismore Castle.
Final tickets are now on sale. Contact the box office at +353 87 407 9250 or visit blackwatervalleyopera.ie.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival transforms Waterford city from Friday to Sunday, August 1 - 3 into a giant stage where artists from around the world perform for free.
The festival attracts audiences of all ages with an exciting programme of street performers, contemporary circus, music, dance, fireworks, and the Spraoi Festival Parade.
This year is Spraoi Festival number 33, it began life under the wing of Red Kettle Theatre Company before flying on its own. The name was suggested by Dáithí Kimber.
Since then thousands of performers have featured at Spraoi, audiences numbering hundreds of thousands have delighted in the magic, and Waterford is established as Ireland's street performance capital. See events at spraoi.com.
Tramore Horse Racing Festival
The four-day August festival at Tramore Racecourse brings the seaside town alive, with racing each evening leaving days free to explore the coastline or Tramore's many bars and restaurants.
Running from August 14-18, the Friday evening will be BBQ night at the racecourse, and on Saturday evening it's all about style as the winners of the lucrative best dressed competitions will be crowned.
There is racing over the jumps on Thursday evening too and a final afternoon card of racing, again over jumps, on Sunday. Tickets at tramoreraces.ie.
Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival
Set in one of Waterford's most-loved seaside towns, the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival brings together musicians from all over the world to celebrate their take on bluegrass or country music.
Headliners last year included young US duo Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small, who hail from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia and singer songwriter Hank Wangford from the UK.
The 30th renewal is set for August 22, 24 and 24, with the line-up of acts and events to be revealed soon at discoverdunmore.com.
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