17th edition sees a 10% increase in attendees as more than 150 events unfold from Dungarvan to Waterford City, delivering a strong boost to the regional economy
There was a huge buzz across Waterford this weekend. Not only was it the sunniest weekend of the year but Waterford Festival of Food brought an estimated 80,000 people to Dungarvan, Waterford City and surrounds.
From busy quayside markets to packed dining rooms, and from orchards and mountain farms to events in unique pop-up venues, the 2026 edition brought a noticeable lift in energy, footfall and experiences across the county with local businesses reporting a strong uplift in trade.
Running from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April, the 17th Waterford Festival of Food delivered more than 150 events across four days, marking a significant evolution for the festival as it extended beyond its Dungarvan and West Waterford hub to include a programme of events in Waterford City, including a stunning dinner in House of Waterford. The result was a festival that felt broader in reach, but still grounded in the community, character and food culture that have defined it for nearly two decades.
Across the weekend, visitors moved between a wide range of settings and experiences, from bustling large-scale outdoor markets and live cookery demonstrations to intimate dining events, food trails and immersive workshops. What connects them all is a shared sense of place, with the festival continuing to build its reputation for bringing people closer to the landscapes, producers and traditions behind the food.
This year’s programme featured a strong line-up of leading chefs and collaborators alongside the producers and makers at the heart of Waterford’s food story.
Dungarvan remained at the centre of the festival atmosphere throughout the weekend. The Quayside Market and Sunday’s large-scale outdoor market once again drew significant crowds, offering a vibrant showcase of local producers, artisan food and the region’s culinary identity. Streets, venues and public spaces across the town were animated from morning through to evening, reinforcing the festival’s long-standing reputation as a welcoming and accessible event for all.
Beyond the town centres, the programme continued to draw people into the wider county. Visitors travelled through the Blackwater Valley on guided tours, explored orchard walks in Cappoquin, took part in foraging experiences in the Comeraghs and gathered for coastal and river-based events that highlighted the connection between food, landscape and season. These elements remain a defining strength of the festival, offering experiences that go well beyond the plate.
Family programming once again played a central role, with Dungarvan Castle serving as a lively hub for younger visitors. Across the weekend, children and families engaged with cookery workshops, farm experiences, creative activities and inclusive events designed to ensure broad participation. This year’s family programme was dedicated to the memory of long-serving board member Paul Clerkin, whose contribution to this element of the festival was recognised throughout the weekend.
Accessibility and inclusion remained a key focus, with autism-friendly supports, quiet hours and thoughtful design features helping to ensure that the festival was welcoming to as many people as possible. The continued partnership with Autism Friendly Dungarvan, alongside a growing emphasis on age-friendly design, reflects the festival’s commitment to building an event that is both ambitious and accessible.
As the festival came to a close, attention turned not only to its scale and success, but to its ongoing role within the region. With strong visitor numbers, high levels of engagement and clear economic impact, Waterford Festival of Food continues to contribute meaningfully to tourism, local business and the wider food ecosystem across the county.
Waterford Festival of Food CEO Eunice Power said the 2026 festival was one of the best yet but the thing she is most proud of is the way people kept saying it’s such a friendly and welcoming place to come. “This year felt like a natural expansion of everything the festival has been building towards. To see the programme extend into Waterford City while still holding on to the sense of community and connection that defines the festival has been incredibly positive. What stands out most is how people engage with it, not just attending events, but connecting with each other, with the place and with the stories behind the food. That is what gives the festival its lasting value. And so many people mentioned to me that it’s such a welcoming and friendly place to visit. I would like to thank all of our partners, sponsors, volunteers and the wider community who make it possible each year.”
Supported by Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and a wide network of local partners, Waterford Festival of Food continues to showcase the strength, creativity and identity of one of Ireland’s leading food regions.
For more information, visit www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow @waterfordfestivaloffood on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
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