From Star Chefs to Street Feasts: Waterford Festival of Food Will Serve Something for All Tastes

Big names, bold flavours, and brilliant fun —  Waterford Festival of Food 2025 returns next week  from 25-27 April for a packed weekend of headline chefs, family-friendly entertainment, and fabulous free events.

Now in its 16th year, the food festival will see over 100 events in Dungarvan and surrounding villages, celebrating the region’s rich food culture, strong community spirit, and deep-rooted traditions. From street food to seaside suppers, the programme promises something for every palate.

This long running festival has some serious food credentials and the 2025 line-up will see some of Ireland’s most acclaimed chefs come to the table as they take part in demos, pop-up kitchens, and one-off collaborations with local producers.

Highlights include a coastal dining experience aboard a fishing vessel with Aishling Moore of Goldie, a wellness retreat at Salterbridge House with Aisling Larkin, and a wild food masterclass with Liam Finnegan, Executive Head Chef at the renowned Ashford Castle. Other chefs participating include Patrick Lee, Caitlin Ruth, Patrick Powell, Danni Barry, Temple Garner, Luis Martin and Johnny Boyle.

Food talks and storytelling remain at the heart of the programme, with a new series of lively discussions, panel events and demos at Tom Curran’s Store on Davitt’s Quay, where visitors can meet the personalities shaping Ireland’s dynamic food culture. A curated photography and stories exhibition, Behind the Bite, will honour Waterford’s own food heroes with striking black-and-white portraits and personal stories.

Families are well catered for, with a weekend-long programme of fun that includes funfair rides, street performers, cookery classes, a petting farm, and the return of the ever-popular Kids Kitchen Takeover with wholefood chef Oliver McCabe. The charming Ceol um Lón sessions will offer music and rhymes as Gaeilge in a welcoming, family-friendly space.

The festival’s commitment to sustainability and local agriculture will be woven throughout, with guided foraging trails, farm visits, and educational workshops that connect visitors directly with the land and producers of the region. Pop-up events in unexpected locations and a focus on conscious cooking will offer plenty of inspiration for those with an interest in living, and eating, more mindfully.

Of course, no trip would be complete without a wander through the legendary Festival Markets. From Thursday through Sunday, Dungarvan’s streets and squares will come alive with bustling farmers, country and quayside markets, culminating in the grand finale Festival Market on Sunday at Grattan Square — now featuring a new demo tent and festival stage as a central hub of culinary action.

From seaside feasts to mountain farm tours, and markets brimming with character, Waterford Festival of Food 2025 promises another unforgettable weekend in one of Ireland’s best food regions. 

For the full programme and bookings, visit waterfordfestivaloffood.com.

Slán go fóill.