What to expect at this year’s West Waterford Festival of Food

One of Ireland’s biggest food festivals, the West Waterford Festival of Food from June 10-12th with almost 100 events, both free and ticketed. Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend the 13^th annual festival, which will feature local chefs Paul Flynn of The Tannery and Greg Harris of 360 Cookhouse along with international guests Luis Martin, Head Chef at Mount Juliet’s Hunter’s Yard who previously worked in Jesús Sánchez’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Cenador de Amós; and renowned Mexican-Irish chef Lily Ramirez-Foran.

Highlights include the West Waterford Festival of Food Long Table Feast, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group (12 June). With views of Dungarvan Castle and Harbour on Castle Street, 100 diners will experience an al fresco feast prepared by Paul Flynn and Greg Harris. Renowned chef Tom Walsh will cook at the Walled Garden Dinner at Woodhouse Estate (11 June); and The Old Bank will see its Executive Head Chef David Larkin join Luis Martin for a seven-course tasting menu centred around the restaurant’s farm produce, Al Eile (11 June). David will also create a five-course menu for opening night, paired with wines from drinks expert Gerry Gunnigan.

This year’s line-up includes a spectacular supper by FoodCloud and GIY, made with surplus food by chef JB Dubois of GROW HQ Waterford at The 2 Sisters Restaurant (11 June); while Dungarvan Brewing Company welcomes Lily Ramirez-Foran and Anthony O’Toole (11 June); and there’s a Sunday lunch at Dromana House cooked by Chef Colin Hennessy, who co-owns Shanagarry Smoke–House (12 June).

Speaking on the West Waterford Festival of Food  programme launch, Festival CEO Maeve Quill said: “After a two-year break from our physical festival, we’re delighted to welcome visitors back. Nestled between the mountains and the sea on some of the finest agricultural land, West Waterford is a unique part of Ireland. The last two years have given us a deeper understanding of the importance of our food — where it’s from, how it’s prepared and how it brings us together, even in the toughest times. This is what the festival is all about.”

The three-day foodie paradise welcomes old favourites — the Festival Market at Grattan Square (12 June) featuring 100 local and artisan producers; and demonstrations in the Taste Waterford marquee with Nicola Crowley of Mezze and guest Lily Ramirez-Foran of Picado. Also returning is the Flahavan’s Greenway Breakfast; the Bake-Off judged by Ethna Sheehan; Afternoon Tea by Judit McNally at Salterbridge House;  Supper Theatre at Dungarvan Mart; a barbecue at the Comeragh Pods, a blind food and cocktail tasting; and the acclaimed Bus Bia Tours.

Sustainable farming and food production practices will be showcased by Olympic walker and dairy farmer Jamie Costin; vegetable grower Mairead Costin; dairy and beef farmers, Stephen and Caitriona Fitzgerald; and Lismore Castle’s Head Gardener Darren Topps, who looks after the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland. There will also be a woodland foraging walk with leading forager Andrew Malcolm.

For budding young foodies, there’re a number of family-friendly events this year, many which are free. These include the Glanbia Fun Zone with workshops on Growing Your Own, the National Reptile Zoo and Nor Valley Animal Park, along with a workshop with ceramic expert Martha Cashman. There will also be family farm bus trips; family yoga sessions; a food treasure hunt and teddy bears’ picnic; and workshops on healthy eating, sensory cooking, growing crops from seeds, and reducing food waste.

Maeve added: “Thank you to our funders, sponsors, producers, chefs, makers, supporters, venue hosts, friends and volunteers as without them the West Waterford Festival of Food would not be possible. And thank you also to our visitors, who we hope will have an unforgettable three days from 10-12 June, as we present to them our region’s food, drink, live entertainment and stunning views.”

For up-to-date information, visit www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow:

Facebook: @WaterfordFoodFestival
Twitter: @WdFoodFestival
Instagram: @westwaterfordfestivaloffood