Big names, bold flavours, and brilliant fun —  Waterford Festival of Food 2025 returns next week  from 25-27 April for a packed weekend of headline chefs, family-friendly entertainment, and fabulous free events.

Now in its 16th year, the food festival will see over 100 events in Dungarvan and surrounding villages, celebrating the region’s rich food culture, strong community spirit, and deep-rooted traditions. From street food to seaside suppers, the programme promises something for every palate.

This long running festival has some serious food credentials and the 2025 line-up will see some of Ireland’s most acclaimed chefs come to the table as they take part in demos, pop-up kitchens, and one-off collaborations with local producers. Highlights include a coastal dining experience aboard a fishing vessel with Aishling Moore of Goldie, a wellness retreat at Salterbridge House with Aisling Larkin, and a wild food masterclass with Liam Finnegan, Executive Head Chef at the renowned Ashford Castle. Other chefs participating include Patrick Lee, Caitlin Ruth, Patrick Powell, Danni Barry, Temple Garner, Luis Martin and Johnny Boyle.

Food talks and storytelling remain at the heart of the programme, with a new series of lively discussions, panel events and demos at Tom Curran’s Store on Davitt’s Quay, where visitors can meet the personalities shaping Ireland’s dynamic food culture. A curated photography and stories exhibition, Behind the Bite, will honour Waterford’s own food heroes with striking black-and-white portraits and personal stories.

Families are well catered for, with a weekend-long programme of fun that includes funfair rides, street performers, cookery classes, a petting farm, and the return of the ever-popular Kids Kitchen Takeover with wholefood chef Oliver McCabe. The charming Ceol um Lón sessions will offer music and rhymes as Gaeilge in a welcoming, family-friendly space.

The festival’s commitment to sustainability and local agriculture will be woven throughout, with guided foraging trails, farm visits, and educational workshops that connect visitors directly with the land and producers of the region. Pop-up events in unexpected locations and a focus on conscious cooking will offer plenty of inspiration for those with an interest in living, and eating, more mindfully.

Of course, no trip would be complete without a wander through the legendary Festival Markets. From Thursday through Sunday, Dungarvan’s streets and squares will come alive with bustling farmers, country and quayside markets, culminating in the grand finale Festival Market on Sunday at Grattan Square — now featuring a new demo tent and festival stage as a central hub of culinary action.

From seaside feasts to mountain farm tours, and markets brimming with character, Waterford Festival of Food 2025 promises another unforgettable weekend in one of Ireland’s best food regions.  For the full programme and bookings, visit waterfordfestivaloffood.com.

Culinary Icons Take the Stage

Ashford Castle Masterclass: Wild Food from the Wild West – in this exclusive masterclass with Ashford Castle’s Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan and his expert team, learn about wild food, pickling, preserving, and the culinary secrets behind one of Ireland’s most iconic estates.

Goldie goes on an Adventure at Sea – hop aboard the Klevia for a seafaring lunch like no other with the brilliant Aishling Moore at the helm. Expect top-notch fish dishes and a truly unique dining adventure.

Wellness Reimagined: A Retreat at Salterbridge House with Aisling Larkin – this restorative day blends self-care, conscious living, and modern luxury – all designed to nourish body, mind and soul.

Paddy Lee at the Church – chef Patrick Lee takes the stunning St. Mary’s Church for a special three-course dinner celebrating his journey from Dungarvan to Dublin and beyond. Showcasing the finest seasonal Irish ingredients, each dish reflects Paddy’s roots, passion, and flair.

An Evening with Chef Patrick Powell at The Tannery – renowned UK-based chef Patrick Powell returns to Ireland for a special evening of inventive, elegant dining at The Tannery, blending classic technique with creative flair for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

A Feast of Family Fun

Hurdy Gurdys Funfair Rides – visit the amusements at Dungarvan Castle on Saturday and Sunday for fun and thrilling rides such as the Ferris Wheel, Cups & Saucers and more!

Cool Food School – award-winning food educator Deirdre Doyle brings her signature playful approach to this fun, hands-on cooking class designed to get kids excited about healthy food. Classes for 3-6 years as well as 6-12 years.

Nore Valley Park Farm – visit the pop up pet farm at Dungarvan Castle on Saturday and Sunday, where you’ll meet baby bunnies, fluffy chicks, guinea pigs, and many other furry friends.

Ceol Um Lón – an opportunity for families with young children to come together for songs, rhymes and fun through Irish. A snack will be provided for the children and families and all levels of Irish are welcome.

The Kids Kitchen Takeover with Oliver McCabe – wholefood chef and cookbook author Oliver McCabe hosts a fun, family-friendly food demo, packed with tasty tips and interactive cooking – perfect for curious young chefs.

Free Events for All Appetites

Festival exhibition at Currans Store ‘Behind the bite’ and ‘Bitesize: Stories Behind the Bite’ – curated by Jane Gormley and Joleen Cronin, this exhibit features powerful black-and-white portraits of local food heroes alongside bite-sized stories that explore their journeys and the community spirit behind Waterford’s food culture.

Waterford Festival of Food Demonstrations and Discussions – hosted by Sharon Noonan, host of Best Possible Taste, presents a day packed with expert insights, lively discussions, and cooking demos at Tom Curran’s Store on Davitts Quay.

Festival Markets – Thursday’s Dungarvan Farmers Market, the traditional Country Market on Friday, Quayside markets Saturday and the famous Festival Market on Sunday.

RNLI Duck Race – Head to Davitt’s Quay for a fun-filled afternoon of duck racing in support of Helvick Lifeboat Station. Buy your ducks, cheer them on, and stand a chance to win fabulous prizes.

Live Traditional Music at The Local Bar – an unforgettable weekend of live traditional music, from 10pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, at The Local Bar on the Square, enjoy performances from internationally renowned musicians.