West Waterford Festival of Food launched with over 70 events to look forward to

The West Waterford Festival of Food, one of Ireland’s largest and longest running food festivals, has launched their 2023 programme, with over 70 events planned.

They are set to take place in and around Dungarvan from 14th to 16th April. Highlights among the diverse range of events include gala dinners tapas trails, workshops, a food stage, pop-up experiences in unusual locations, a full children’s programme, foraging trails, bus tours, cooking demos, top chefs, high-end and casual dining experiences, plus one of Ireland’s largest outdoor markets. 

Teddy Drohan from Abbeyside age 4, launching this year’s West Waterford Festival of Food. Photo: David Clynch

The main hub for the 3-day festival is in the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan with events also taking place in nearby Lismore and throughout the West Waterford region, making it a truly local celebration.

The festival market is a huge draw with dozens of colourful and appealing stalls inviting festival goers to graze their way around the bustling town square and along the quayside and in Walton Park. This is the perfect excuse to stock up on fresh, local produce, artisan baking, Irish and international cuisine or eat out while soaking up the music and atmosphere.

New event highlights this year include a very special Gala dinner set in the resplendent Lismore Castle, which will honour Paul and Maire Flynn and be cooked by Chefs who are all ‘past pupils’ of the Tannery. The culinary couple will also chat to award winning author John McKenna.

Another unmissable dinner humorously titled ‘Chefs on Trial’ will bring fun and flavour to the unusual location of The Courthouse in Dungarvan. Here a gastronomic feast will be lovingly prepared by recently graduated cooks from Ballymaloe Cookery School!

Two high profile ‘Guest Chef’ events will take place at The Tannery over the weekend as TV Chef Mark Moriarty and Aisling Moore of Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded ‘Goldie’ each take turns at the pass for what promises to be foodie’s dream.

Richard Jacob of ‘Bia not Bluster’ and Eunice Power Festival Director look forward to the  ‘Toast Off’ during the festival 

Other dinner events during the festival weekend include; a Burlesque dinner,  a ‘Surplus to Spectacular’ Supper with Food Cloud Kitchen,  dinner events entitled ‘A Seasonal adventure with Irish Food’ and ‘From the Mountains to the Sea’ and a collaborative 7 course farm tasting menu. For lighter bites options include a Taste Waterford Tapas Trail, a ‘Night of Antipasto’, cocktails and pizza at Blackwater Distillery, a Jazz Brunch, Beer and Bites tasting event to mention just a few! 

Adding further substance to festival line-up will be a new concept called ‘Bia not Bluster’ curated by conversation starter Richard Jacob, formerly of Idaho Café.

Taking place at Dungarvan Town Hall high profile thought leaders and food industry experts will join in a series of panel discussions on topics of importance to the future of food. Topics will include farming, sustainability, and the future of restaurants.

Amid these proceedings, a hotly contested “Toast off” will see 6 well known chefs from Cork and Waterford battle to see who can make the best toastie in 15 minutes, armed with local ingredients and a Breville sandwich toaster. 

Popping up at the unusual location of Dungarvan Mart will be two charming events, with a musical theme, bringing this agricultural trading space to life by night.  ‘Clancy’s Kitchen’ will regale the audience with songs, stories, and music from the household of the Clancy Brothers. While Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley will bring evening of songs and stories fusing food and music. In true mart tradition a simple supper of ham sandwiches, crisps and mulled apple juice will be provided at both events. 

For the creative types check out the food photography or Art of Tablescaping workshops.

Richard Jacob of ‘Bia not Bluster’, Eunice Power Festival Director and Chef Paul Flynn of the Tannery

There is an abundance of family fun planned this year including an incredible Tirlán family fun zone at Walton Park with a host of free events from 11am to 3pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the festival there is lots to love for young and old including a ‘Junior Bake Off’ contest, sensory cooking classes, a teenager and young adult food workshop, Teddy Bear’s Picnics, guided hillwalking and yoga, the Agri Aware Mobile Farm, Wobbly Circus stilt walkers, and even a Family Fun Dog Show! 

Of course, there will also be adult only events such as the Park after Dark with bars, bia and bands, Wine Tastings and more!

Ensuring the festival is as accessible as possible a mobile sensory unit for people on the autism spectrum will be at the festival provided by Autism Ireland to give the option of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the event if needed. A Lámh signed cookery demonstration with Chef Aisling Larking will be a fun event for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and communication needs and their families, with a song or two from Nollaig Hennessy added in!

Part of the charm of a weekend immersed in the West Waterford Festival of Food is how bespoke the festival experience can be. Whether you wander the stalls, dip into a food trail or pop into a drop in event there is plenty to whet your appetite. A more dedicated festival goer may want to pour over the programme in advance and book in for a dining experience, masterclass or any of the other ticketed workshop or tasting events which are sure to be hugely popular.

The West Waterford Festival of Food is funded by Waterford Council, Waterford Leader Partnership, Fáilte Ireland and Waterford LEO and would not be possible without the support of sponsors, friends circle and the community.

For the full programme, more information and bookings for ticketed events see www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com (Tickets available from Tuesday 7th March at 9am)