- Concerts at Dromore Yard include Magdalene Ho Finghin Collins Dearbhla Collins and Niamh O’Sullivan with Gary Beecher.
- Free open-air events in Lismore Dungarvan Youghal and Castlemartyr.
- Gourmet table picnics and formal opera dining will be curated by Eunice Power featured local produce.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival returned to Waterford and East Cork from 26 May to 1 June 2026 with over 24 events across 13 historic venues in Lismore Youghal Dungarvan and Castlemartyr. The programme featured four performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Lismore Castle Gardens conducted by Peter Whelan and directed by Tom Creed with predominantly Irish cast and Irish Baroque Orchestra. Handel’s Acis and Galatea took place by candlelight in St Carthage’s Cathedral Lismore starring Jade Phoenix Dean Power Edward Grint Patrick Hyland with Irish Baroque Orchestra conducted by Oliver-John Ruthven. New venue Ballynatray House hosted recitals including sold-out Tara Erraught performance.
The festival expected over 5,000 visitors and engaged 2,000 students through educational outreach.
Support came from Arts Council of Ireland Waterford City & County Council Kildare Village and John Pollard Foundation.
Eamonn Carroll Festival Director of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival shared “As we celebrate our 16th festival we are pleased to present a programme that reflects what Blackwater Valley Opera Festival does best – ambitious productions exceptional performances and artists of the highest calibre from Ireland and beyond.”
