Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Waterford from 20 March to 1 May 2026, featuring a fantastic selection of culinary delights, heritage walks, live theatre, tribute concerts, dance performances, and specialised gatherings across Dungarvan, Waterford City, Lismore, Tramore, and more. This spring period showcases the county’s rich food culture, Viking history, scenic trails, and vibrant performing arts scene, with Easter (3-6 April) adding family-friendly energy.
Major Festivals & Multi-Day Events
- Waterford Festival of Food (24-26 April): Ireland’s longest-running community food festival returns for its 17th year, primarily in the picturesque harbour town of Dungarvan, with an expanded programme extending into Waterford City for the first time. Over 150 events include artisan markets, guided taste tours, foraging walks, cooking demonstrations by renowned guest chefs, street food, talks, and family activities-celebrating local producers and culinary creativity in a festive atmosphere.
- St Declan’s Way Annual Pilgrimage (18 April – 24 May, main guided stages starting 18 April): A heritage-focused guided walking pilgrimage following the ancient route of St. Declan from Cashel (Co. Tipperary) to Ardmore in Waterford, divided into stages (e.g., early pairs on 18-19 April from Cashel to Goatenbridge and beyond). It offers historical insights, scenic countryside paths, and a spiritual community experience through Waterford’s landscapes.
- Waterford City Tattoo Convention (1-3 May, starting on the final day): A lively three-day tattoo event at Cill Barra Gym & Sports Centre in Waterford City, bringing together artists, enthusiasts, and visitors for exhibitions, live tattooing, art displays, and a weekend of creative ink culture.
Specific Live Performances & Shows
- “Holy God… Ivarr the Boneless is Comin’ up the Suir!!” (20-21 March): A humorous theatrical production at the Theatre Royal in Waterford City, offering a zany, comedic take on the county’s Viking heritage and local legends.
- IE/DC: AC/DC Tribute Performance (21 March): High-octane live tribute by Ireland’s premier AC/DC band at Bank Lane in Waterford City, rocking out with classic anthems and energetic stage presence.
- The Dance 4 Trish (22 March): A special evening of dance performances at the Theatre Royal in Waterford City, honouring Trish Roche, founder of Akasha Movement, with community choreography and movement tributes.
- Ardscoils Got Talent 2026 (25 March): A charity talent showcase at Ardscoil na Mara in Tramore, featuring local students in music, dance, comedy, and more to raise funds for Barretstown children’s charity.
- Youth Dance for Life (26 March): An uplifting dance performance at the Theatre Royal in Waterford City, supporting the Solas Cancer Support Centre through youth talent and heartfelt expression.
Social & Specialised Events
- 90’s & 00’s House Music Night (28 March): A nostalgic DJ-led dance event at Revolution Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar in the Apple Market, Waterford City, spinning classic house tracks from the 1990s and 2000s.
- IMRA Mountain Run (4 April): A competitive and recreational mountain running event organised by the Irish Mountain Running Association, taking place in scenic Waterford trails-suitable for runners seeking challenging terrain and fresh spring air.
- Club 30+ Waterford (18 April): A dedicated social dance night for those aged 30 and over at The Reg on The Mall in Waterford City, offering music, dancing, and a relaxed atmosphere for mingling.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Waterford, known for its Viking history and the Copper Coast, hosts several major international festivals and renowned food celebrations.
- West Waterford Festival of Food (April): One of Ireland’s largest and most prestigious food festivals, held in Dungarvan, featuring massive outdoor markets, celebrity chef demos, and “bus Bia” food tours.
- Waterford Festival of Architecture (May): A celebration of the city’s unique built heritage: from Viking and Medieval to Georgian: featuring guided tours, talks, and exhibitions.
- Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (May/June): Ireland’s premier summer opera festival, featuring world-class performances, concerts, and recitals in the historic houses and gardens of the Blackwater Valley, including Lismore Castle.
- Lismore Immrama Festival of Travel Writing (June): A unique literary festival in Dervla Murphy’s home town of Lismore, bringing together world-renowned travel writers, adventurers, and broadcasters.
- Dungarvan Agricultural Show (July): A traditional rural showcase featuring livestock competitions, show jumping, and local artisan crafts at the Dungarvan Showgrounds.
- Comeraghs Wild Festival (July): A celebration of the Comeragh Mountains and the surrounding villages, featuring outdoor concerts, mountain treks, and local storytelling.
- WLR Spraoi International Street Arts Festival (August): A massive three-day event that transforms Waterford City with international street theatre, circus performers, live music, and a spectacular illuminated night parade.
- Waterford Walls (August): An international street art festival where world-class muralists transform the city’s gable ends and public spaces into an open-air gallery.
- Vitamin Sea Festival (September): A coastal celebration in Tramore focusing on sea swimming, wellness, local seafood, and the unique lifestyle of the Copper Coast
- Harvest Festival (September): A major food celebration in Waterford City focusing on local producers, featuring the “giant Picnic,” honey shows, and city-wide tasting trails.
- Imagine Arts Festival (October): A multi-disciplinary autumnal arts festival featuring a mix of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, often incorporating the John Dwyer Trad Weekend.
- Waterford International Film Festival (November): A showcase of independent cinema focusing on short films, documentaries, and screenwriting competitions held in the city.
- Winterval (November/December): Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, turning Waterford City into a winter wonderland with a giant ice rink, festive markets, light shows, and the Winterval Express train..
Festivals
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Waterford:
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