Don't miss the Waterford Festival of Food, one of Ireland's largest community festivals, featuring over 80 events showcasing locally produced food. Enjoy outdoor markets, family activities, cooking demonstrations, and more. Join us from April 19th to 21st for a weekend filled with culinary delights and lasting memories with loved ones.
Celebrate Local Food and Family Fun at the Waterford Festival of Food
( Credit to: Ireland-live )
Get ready for a weekend filled with food, fun, and family at the upcoming Waterford Festival of Food! This highly anticipated event is one of Ireland's largest community festivals and will take place from April 19th to 21st, 2024. The festival aims to bring people together to celebrate and appreciate locally produced, wholesome food from Waterford county.
With over 80 events spread across various locations including Dungarvan, Lismore, Ardmore, and more, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the flavors and characters of this vibrant food region. The theme for this year's festival is "Connecting People with Food," emphasizing the importance of understanding the connection between food, farming, and country life.
Indulge in Local Flavors at the Outdoor Markets
One of the highlights of the festival is the outdoor markets, which showcase the best that the region has to offer. Starting with the Dungarvan Farmers Market on Thursday and the traditional Country Market on Friday, visitors can browse through a variety of stalls offering local produce and artisan products. On Saturday, the Quayside Market will feature over 40 market stalls, live music, and entertainment. The grand finale takes place on Sunday in Dungarvan town center, where over 80 local and artisan producers will gather for one of Ireland's largest artisan markets.
Fun-Filled Activities for the Whole Family
For families looking to immerse themselves in the festival spirit, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The Family Farm Bus to The Comeraghs allows festival-goers to visit local farmers, meet cows and calves, and experience the beauty of the countryside. Children can also bring their teddy bears for a bilingual teddy bears picnic at Dungarvan Castle, where they can enjoy songs, rhymes, and nibbles.
The Tírlan Family Fun Zone at Dungarvan Castle offers a range of activities for all ages, including a mobile farm, birds of prey, kids carnival rides, and wellness taster sessions. The RNLI Duck Race at Devitt's Quay is another fun-filled event where visitors can watch little yellow ducks race in the quay and even participate by purchasing their own racing duck.
Animal lovers will be delighted with the Nore Valley Farm, where they can interact with baby bunnies, fluffy chicks, and other adorable farm animals. The festival also offers cooking classes for kids with the Cool Food School team, led by award-winning food educator Deirdre. Children can learn about food through fun and interactive sessions that engage their senses.
Learn and Be Entertained with Cooking Demonstrations
For those interested in cooking demonstrations, Aisling Larkin will be hosting a Lámh cookery demo, showcasing a manual sign system used by individuals with intellectual disabilities and communication needs in Ireland. Additionally, horticulturist Malachi Doherty will guide children through a "grow your own" session, teaching them how to plant vegetable seeds and watch them grow.
Exciting Competitions and Events
The festival also includes a junior bake-off competition sponsored by Flahavans, where young bakers can showcase their skills and creativity. Participants will be judged on their cookie or sponge cake creations, and winners will be announced on the festival stage.
Don't Miss the Waterford Festival of Food
With such a diverse range of events, the Waterford Festival of Food offers something for everyone. However, it's important to note that several events are already sold out, so pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. For more information, the full program, and ticket details, visit the festival's official website.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate local food, connect with the community, and create lasting memories with your loved ones at the Waterford Festival of Food. Mark your calendars for April 19th to 21st, and get ready for a weekend filled with culinary delights and family fun!