Waterford's ‘most ambitious' Festival of Food serves up €2.5m feast in Dungarvan

Irish Independent

28-04-2025

In 2024, the festival attracted 75,000 visitors, and all the signs suggest an even stronger showing in 2025. Over the weekend, April 25 - 27, crowds flocked to Dungarvan and surrounds to soak up the sunshine, flavours, and community spirit of the sixteenth 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,' said a spokesperson.
Across three 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.
Isabel Ronayne, of Isabelle's Place Gift Shop, Dungarvan, said: 'Waterford Festival of Food is a fantastic boost for the town—it's one of our best weekends of the year for retail.
"The whole community comes together, and it's the perfect opportunity to showcase everything Dungarvan has to offer. It brings real energy during the shoulder season and makes everyone so proud to be from here.'
Stephen Cass of Cass & Co Dungarvan, commented: 'Waterford Festival of Food is a real highlight for Dungarvan – it brings a huge buzz to the town. As a relatively new business in the square, it's a brilliant opportunity to get new eyes on what we do and introduce visitors to Cass & Co.
'The whole event is a credit to festival CEO Eunice Power and the amazing work she puts in, along with the council who always ensure the town looks its best. Everyone pulls together to showcase what makes Dungarvan such a special place.'
Michael Sheehan, of The Wine Buff, Dungarvan added: 'It's an incredible weekend for Dungarvan. It brings such great energy into the town and really shines a light on our local businesses.
"What's remarkable is how the festival, now in its 16th year, continues to reinvent itself. It grows year after year, thanks to a dedicated committee and team that are positive and full of enthusiasm. The whole community gets involved, and that spirit is what makes it one of the most vibrant and popular festivals in the country.'
As the festival 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,' said Ms Power. '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.'
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 coastal dining experience aboard a fishing vessel with Aishling Moore (Goldie), a 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.
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 '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.