Jam packed programme of free, family fun and food events at Waterford Festival of Food this weekend!

Waterford Festival of Food, one of Ireland’s largest and longest running community food festivals will get under way this coming weekend.

Now in its 15th year Inspired by the theme of ‘Connecting People with Food’, more than 80 events are set to take place from 19th to 21st April 2024.

With the weather tipped to improve at the weekend with mostly dry and sunny spells it’s a great reason to get out and enjoy this gorgeous festival.

The main hub for the 3-day festival is in the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan Co. Waterford with events also taking place in nearby Lismore, Villierstown, Kilmeaden, Cappoquin and Ardmore making it a unique showcase of the flavours and characters local to this food region.

Highlights from the diverse range of events on this year's programme include guided taste tours, kitchen table talks with influential people from Ireland’s food scene and beyond, high profile guest chef dining events, sustainability workshops, and pop-up experiences in unusual locations.

There will also be foraging trails, food waste talks, bus tours to farms and mountains, live cooking demos, and the festival's famous market, which is Ireland’s largest outdoor market, in the town's Market Square on the final day.

Many of the events on this year's programme are free to enjoy for festival goers. Check out some of the amazing FREE events on this years lineup:

Kitchens Through Time Vintage Appliances Exhibition

Curated by electrical and vintage appliance enthusiast. Bernard O’Connell an exhibition of Vintage Electric Kitchen Appliances will go on display at Dungarvan Library, located on Davitts Quay from Thursday 20th April 

Outdoor Markets

Over the festival weekend there is the opportunity to enjoy all that the region has to offer at the ever popular markets.

Beginning on Thursday with Dungarvan Farmers Market, and continuing on with their traditional Country Market on Friday.

Browse the stalls at the Quayside Market on Saturday 20th, with over 40 market stalls, live music and entertainment.

On Sunday 21st, make sure not to miss out on the showpiece of the Waterford Festival of Food, as Dungarvan town centre is turned into one of Ireland’s largest artisan markets with over 80 local and artisan producers selling their wares.

This year there is a ban on single use cups so either bring along your own keep-cup or use the 2GoCup Deposit and return scheme when getting your tea or coffee!

Behind the Bite Exhibition, Tom Currans store on the Quay (all weekend)

A visually stunning exhibition of black and white portraits of 40 local food trailblazers, captured by photographer Joleen Cronin was unveiled at the programme launch event.

This exhibition titled ‘Behind the Bite: a Portrait Series of our Local Food Heroes’ captures the spirit of the diverse culinary community in Dungarvan and Waterford —from bakers to brewers and everyone in between.

Each portrait offers a glimpse into the lives of those who craft, create, and enrich local food and will be showcased at an exhibition over the festival weekend. This is free to drop into and well worth checking out!

More info at www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com/behind-the-bite/

Tírlán Family Fun Zone

Running daily on Saturday and Sunday, join the fun in the Tirlán Family Fun Zone where you can get up close and personal with the animals at the mobile farm, meet the birds of prey, plant a seedling, enjoy the kids rides and take part in wellness taster sessions in this relaxed family space all at Dungarvan Castle.

Kitchen Table Talks with well-known faces from the Irish food scene, Tom Currans Store on Davitts Quay Saturday 20th April from 11am

This year’s festival has a mission of ensuring that local people who grow, produce, cook, and sell food have a central presence.

The Kitchen Table (Talks) promises familiar faces and lively conversation around the Kitchen Table, featuring Darina Allen, Kate Ryan, Sally Barnes, Fintan O’ Toole, Paul Flynn, Michael Sheehan, Moe Dunford and Ryland Teifi. These free talks take place hourly from 11am until 3pm. 

More info at www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com/event/the-kitchen-table-talks/

Taste Waterford Deno Stage presented by Richard Povey

A collective of food and drink producers along with guests will chat about all thing’s food for a series of talks and demonstrations curated and presented by Richard Povey.  

Speakers throughout the day will include Fergal Walsh - Dún Artisan Bakery, Niamh Condon - Dining with Dignity, Cáitlín Uí Aodha and Ciaran Martin from IASC Seafood Bistro, Tom Dauber - Dungarvan Brewing Company, Shane Smith an award-winning pastry chef, Marie Power - The Sea Gardener a passionate coastal forager and cook.

More info at www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com/event/taste-waterford/

Waterford Festival of Food Junior Bake Off

The festival's hotly contested junior bakers’ competition offers young people an opportunity to showcase their baking skills and creativity.

Bakers are to deliver their creations to Causeway Tennis Club, Abbeyside, Dungarvan by 9.30-10.30am for Judging. The categories are ‘Most Creative Cookie’ for  Under 12’s and  ‘Most Creative Sponge Cake’ for 12 and over.

Winners will be announced at 1.00pm from the Festival Stage on the square. 

Bake Off application forms can be downloaded from: www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com/event/waterford-festival-of-food-bake-off/

Finally, not totally free but certainly low cost, fun filled and for a very worth cause.

The RNLI Duck Race 

Taking place on Saturday 20th April at 2.45 on Davitts Quay Dungarvan.

This family fun event will see 600+ rubber ducks enter the water at 3pm in Dungarvan in aid of RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Station. Ducks cost €3 each or two for €5 and there are lovely prizes for winning ducks! You’d be quackers to miss it!

The 2024 Waterford Festival of Food programme is very diverse, with events for all ages and interests and a significant number of free family fun events also included.

The festival will also offer designated car parking in the middle of Dungarvan for people with mobility issues and accessible toilet facilities.

Waterford Festival of Food is funded by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Leader Partnership, Failte Ireland, Waterford LEO, and would not be possible without the support of Taste Waterford, OPW, sponsors, friends circle and the community.

Check out the full programme on waterfordfestivaloffood.com.