From Crystal Halls to Woodland Tables, Historic Estates, Mountain Trails, Boats, Apple Orchards, a Bakery, Breweries and a Medieval Museum!

Don’t miss Waterford Festival of Food, taking place next week (24–26 April 2026).  The festival celebrates the connection between the county’s landscape, its producers, chefs and restaurants, but what truly sets it apart are the extraordinary venues that host the weekend’s festivities.

This year’s programme features venues as diverse as the home of Waterford Crystal,  the stone vaults of a medieval museum, to the high slopes of the Comeragh Mountains, a town square, and blooming orchards in Cappoquin.  These pop-up festival highlights are a surprising way to experience the region’s food culture and add to its special appeal.

“The heart of this festival has always been the synergy between our people, our places, and our food,” says Eunice Power, CEO of Waterford Festival of Food. “Alongside the fantastic dining offered by our local restaurants, we love to pop-up in unusual venues that offer something a little different for the festival weekend. Whether it’s a shared table in a millinery studio or a masterclass on a moored boat, these are experiences that you’ll remember..”

10 Unique Places to Indulge at Waterford Festival Of Food 2026

  1. The Home of Waterford Crystal, House of Waterford:  In a sophisticated collaboration, the team from Ashford Castle join Chef Eric Matthews (Kicky’s) for a multi-course dinner at the world-famous House of Waterford. Served in Lismore Essence glassware, the experience is defined by the craftsmanship of Waterford Crystal, which forms the elegant backdrop for this rare convergence of Irish culinary and glass-making artistry.

  2. The 15th-Century Wine Vault at Waterford Medieval Museum: A contemporary “fork supper” with CRAICLY is hosted within the Mayor’s Wine Vault. This atmospheric evening combines local flavours with storytelling in a venue that incorporates two of the island’s most significant medieval chambers: the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th-century Wine Vault.

  3. The 350-Metre Table: Mount Congreve Gardens & Estate: An “Estate-to-Plate” philosophy, Chef Jean-Baptiste Du Bois presents a shared-table experience where the menu travels just 350 metres from the walled garden to the plate. The meal is followed by a thoughtful discussion on food and purpose featuring retired LA Times writer Russ Parsons.

  4. Mountain Splendour: The Comeragh Mountains Taste Tour: This “mountainous taste adventure” takes guests into the heart of the Comeraghs. Led by guide Johnny Landers, the tour includes shepherding with Willie Drohan (Comeragh Mountain Lamb), a visit to the sustainable Comeragh Mountain Farm, and lunch in a charming, converted farm building at Cooney’s Yard.

  5. The Masterclass on Deck: On Board the Klevia: Moored at the Dungarvan Quay, the boat Klevia becomes a unique floating classroom. Oyster expert Sarah Browne (Oyster Master Guild) leads a masterclass in shucking and tasting, connecting participants directly to the maritime heritage of the quay.

  6. The Night-Shift Bakery: Caitlin Ruth x Dún Bakery: In an evening of thoughtful, ingredient-led cooking, West Cork chef Caitlin Ruth returns to Dún Bakery. Guests dine in the heart of the bakery, experiencing the warmth and character of this award-winning Dungarvan staple in a relaxed, evening setting.

  7. The Apple Orchard: Cappoquin Fruit Farm: Join David and Juju Keane for a guided walk through the orchards at Cappoquin during the peak of spring. While strolling beneath rows of flowering branches, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the working farm and purchase fresh farm produce at the source.

  8. The Ancient Oak Forest: Crough Woods: Join Claire O’Sullivan for an “Enchanting Foraging Escape” through Crough Woods. This immersive journey includes foraging for seasonal edible plants and a wild tea ceremony beneath ancient oak trees, reconnecting with the hidden flavours of the forest.

  9. Roving Dining Club meets Boutique Hotel: Mingle x The Hatmaker. The roving dining club ‘Mingle’ brings their seasonal, conversation-led dining concept to the boutique surroundings of Dungarvan’s newest hotel. It is an intimate invitation into a stylish boutique space where a history of traditional craft  (formerly a millinery studio) and modern cooking meet.

  10. The Greenway’s Hidden Gem: The Railway Cottage: This beautifully restored cottage on the Waterford Greenway hosts a “garden-to-plate” dinner featuring Al Eile beef. The night concludes with “Ted Talks”-an engaging conversation with legendary horseman Ted Walsh.