Spring dates confirmed for West Waterford Festival of Food

Ireland’s largest food festival, West Waterford Festival of Food will return to its traditional Spring date next year, taking place from 14-16 April 2023, it has been revealed.

The confirmed date comes as the festival reveals record attendance figures of 67,000 for the 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food, which was held in June. The programme featured an eclectic mix of events for all ages; ranging from seven-course tastings and sharing plates, to outdoor discovery and a long table feast.

West Waterford Festival of Food Chairperson Anita Geoghegan said: "The last two years, for so many, highlighted how food can bring us together even when we are apart and the importance of supporting local. The record-breaking attendance this year shows how much people are embracing this new love of food, as they came out in their droves to experience the exceptional produce of our local and national producers. Such success in numbers also brings huge economic benefits to the region, as 67,000 visitors provides a major financial stimulus. Following a difficult two years for the hospitality and tourism industry, this is very much welcomed".

Anita added the 14th annual West Waterford Festival of Food will look to match and exceed the record visitor figures when it returns to its traditional Spring date in 2023. The full programme of events will be announced in February/March next year. "We made a decision to hold the festival in June this year to allow all those involved the time to prepare following a turbulent two years,” she said.

“As we look ahead to the future, we are delighted to announce the return of an April date next year, kicking off the Irish food festival season. Taking place after the Easter weekend, and we look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces and showcasing the beautiful West Waterford region, its produce and unrivalled hospitality,” Anita said.

Over 80 events took place at the 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food, with highlights including the West Waterford Festival of Food Long Table Feast, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group on Castle Street, with 100 diners experiencing an al fresco feast prepared by Paul Flynn and Greg Harris.

Renowned chef Tom Walsh cooked at the Walled Garden Dinner at Woodhouse Estate, sponsored by Flahavan’s, and The Old Bank saw its Executive Head Chef David Larkin join Luis Martin, Head Chef at Mount Juliet’s Hunter’s Yard, for a seven-course tasting menu centred around the restaurant’s farm produce, Al Eile. Renowned Mexican Irish chef Lily Ramirez-Foran was also in attendance at Dungarvan Brewing Company.

The 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food was supported by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership, with sponsors McCarthy Insurance Group, Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Expressway, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater, SuperValu Food Academy, Coillte, FBD, Local Link, and AIB.

The organisers look forward to welcoming everyone back to the West Waterford Festival of Food in April 2023!