Waterford Festival of Food to host family fun and food events to suit every taste

It’s the final countdown to the highly anticipated Waterford Festival of Food, one of Ireland’s largest and longest running community festivals, which takes place from April 19 - 21.

Family fun is at the heart of this community based festival, which invites visitors to gather around a table and break bread together, discover the people and places behind the county’s food, learn new skills and create fun filled memories. The three-day festival shines a spotlight on locally produced, wholesome food, chefs and producers from Waterford county.

It will feature more than 80 events in the scenic harbour town of Dungarvan, County Waterford, with events also taking place in nearby Lismore, Ardmore, Villierstown, Ballyduff, Cappoquin and Kilmeaden, making it a unique showcase of the flavours and characters local to this food region.

Encouraging a greater awareness of the connection between food, farming and country life is a strong theme at the festival, with this year's theme being Connecting People with Food.

With the festival underway in just two weeks, here are some of the events for all of the family to look forward to.

Outdoor Markets

Over the festival weekend there is the opportunity to enjoy all that the region has to offer at the ever popular markets. Beginning on Thursday with Dungarvan Farmers Market, and continuing on with their traditional Country Market on Friday. Browse the stalls at the Quayside Market on Saturday, April 20, with over 40 market stalls, live music and entertainment.

On Sunday, April 21, make sure not to miss out on the showpiece of the Waterford Festival of Food, as Dungarvan town centre is turned into one of Ireland’s largest artisan markets with over 80 local and artisan producers selling their wares.

Family Farm Bus to The Comeraghs

Festival goers will pack a picnic and explore the countryside, visiting some of Waterford’s unique local farmers. From meeting cows and calves with Gillian O’Sullivan (Big Week on the Farm), to a quick stop to Ballyconnery Bo for some farm fresh pasteurised milk before travelling on to Comeragh Mountain Farm to see Clotilde Kiely’s market garden and enjoy some home-made scones and jam, with a few ducks and chickens as companions, on the Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Picnic na dTeidí

Children are invited to bring a teddy or two along for a teddy bears picnic at Dungarvan Castle. A great opportunity for families with young children to come together for songs, rhymes and fun. This event will be bilingual, in Irish and English. Organised by Dún Garbhán le Gaeilge and Glór na nGael. Nibbles will be provided for the children, on Saturday, at 11am.

Tírlan Family Funzone at Dungarvan Castle

Join the fun in the Tirlán Family Fun Zone, where you can get up close and personal with the animals at the mobile farm, meet the birds of prey, plant a seedling, enjoy the kids carnival rides and take part in wellness taster sessions in this relaxed family space all at Dungarvan Castle, with thanks to the OPW. The Tírlan Family Fun Zone will be up and running from 11am on Saturday and Sunday and is suitable for all ages to enjoy.

RNLI Duck Race

A fun activity for all ages, head out to Devitt’s Quay to watch hundreds of little yellow ducks race in the quay for Helvick Lifeboat Station. Join in the fun with your very own little water racer - ducks cost €3 each or two for €5, with prizes for winning ducks. Taking place on Saturday 20th at 2.45pm.

Nore Valley Farm

Delve into a cuteness overload with baby bunnies, fluffy chicks, and snuggly hamsters and guinea pigs. The animal antics continue with baby goats, lambs, a piglet, a pony, a donkey, a rooster with personality, hens, and ducks – making for a whole farm fiesta! Festival goers will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the friendly farm crew, from the chill vibes of a pony to the goofy humour of a piglet. A gorgeous day out for all the family, on Saturday and Sunday from 11am.

Cool Food School

Join Deirdre and the Cool Food School team for fun, interactive kids cooking classes on an exciting food adventure for kids to Dungarvan. Deirdre is a multi-award-winning food educator, children’s cookbook author, influencer and more.

From blind tasting to food listening, your child is bound to love this novel food adventure using the senses. There are four sessions starting from 11am on Saturday, two earlier sessions are suitable for three to six-year-olds and the two following sessions are suitable for children aged six to 12 years. Tickets are just €10 per child for the session.

Lámh Cookery Demo with Aisling Larkin

Aisling Larkin, one of Ireland’s most well-known and liked tv cooks and broadcasters each week is back for a Lámh cookery demonstration. Lámh is a manual sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disabilities and communication needs in Ireland. This promises to be a fun event with a song or two from Nollaig Hennessey. This free event takes place on Saturday April 20 in Dungarvan Castle at 11am

Grow Your Own

Local horticulturist Malachi Doherty from the award-winning Tirlán Garden Centre in Dungarvan will be at Dungarvan Castle Saturday, April 20 from 11am guiding children through a grow your own session. Children will be shown how to plant vegetable seeds into pots and can then bring these home and enjoy watching them grow. This is a free drop in activity.

Waterford Festival of Food Junior Bake Off

Sponsored by Flahavans the festival's hotly contested junior bakers’ competition offers young people an opportunity to showcase their baking skills and creativity. Under 12’s are challenged to bake the best cookie while over 12’s are asked to submit their most creative sponge cake.

Bakers are to deliver their creations and a filled out entry form for judging between 9.30am and 10.30am on Sunday, April 21, at the Causeway Tennis Club, Abbeyside, Dungarvan and winners will be announced at 1pm from the Festival Stage on the square.

Part of the charm of the Waterford Festival of Food is how bespoke the festival experience can be. There’s truly something for everyone with an eclectic programme, added a spokesperson.

Several events are already sold out so pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. For the full programme, more information, and tickets, see www.waterfordfestivaloffood.com