Over 35,000 visitors set for West Waterford from 10-12 June for the 13th annual food festival

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One of Ireland’s biggest food festivals, the West Waterford Festival of Food will return from 10 – 12 June with almost 100 events, both free and ticketed. Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend the 13th 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. With events showcasing sustainable Irish produce, tickets are available at westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com.

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 an unique part of Ireland. Through the festival we want to reach as many people as possible — both locally and beyond — and show the region to them, shining a spotlight on our producers, chefs, suppliers, growers and brewers. By showcasing their sustainable Irish produce, we are highlighting what those involved in West Waterford Festival of Food do, how they do it and what impact they, and indeed we as a festival have on our society and the environment. 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.

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

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:

 

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