West Waterford Festival of Food

One of Ireland’s biggest food festivals, the West Waterford Festival of Food returns from 10 – 12 June with almost 100 events, both free and ticketed. Over 35,000 visitors are expected to attend the 13th annual festival, which will feature local chefs Paul Flynn of The Tannery and Greg Harris of 360 Cookhouse along with international guests Luis Martin, Head Chef at Mount Juliet’s Hunter’s Yard who previously worked in Jesús Sánchez’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Cenador de Amós; and renowned Mexican-Irish chef Lily Ramirez-Foran. For budding young foodies, there’re a number of family-friendly events this year, many which are free. These include the Glanbia Fun Zone with workshops on Growing Your Own, the National Reptile Zoo and Nor Valley Animal Park, along with a workshop with ceramic expert Martha Cashman. There will also be family farm bus trips; family yoga sessions; a food treasure hunt and teddy bears’ picnic; and workshops on healthy eating, sensory cooking, growing crops from seeds, and reducing food waste. Sustainable farming and food production practices will be showcased by Olympic walker and dairy farmer Jamie Costin; vegetable grower Mairead Costin; dairy and beef farmers, Stephen and Caitriona Fitzgerald; and Lismore Castle’s Head Gardener Darren Topps, who looks after the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland. There will also be a woodland foraging walk with leading forager Andrew Malcolm. Further highlights include the West Waterford Festival of Food Long Table Feast, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group (12 June). With views of Dungarvan Castle and Harbour on Castle Street, 100 diners will experience an al fresco feast prepared by Paul Flynn and Greg Harris. Renowned chef Tom Walsh will cook at the Walled Garden Dinner at Woodhouse Estate (11 June); and The Old Bank will see its Executive Head Chef David Larkin join Luis Martin for a seven-course tasting menu centred around the restaurant’s farm produce, Al Eile (11 June). David will also create a five-course menu for opening night, paired with wines from drinks expert Gerry Gunnigan. This year’s line-up also includes a spectacular supper by FoodCloud and GIY, made with surplus food by chef JB Dubois of GROW HQ Waterford at The 2 Sisters Restaurant (11 June); while Dungarvan Brewing Company welcomes Lily Ramirez-Foran and Anthony O’Toole (11 June); and there’s a Sunday lunch at Dromana House cooked by Chef Colin Hennessy, who co-owns Shanagarry Smoke–House (12 June). The three-day foodie paradise welcomes old favourites — the Festival Market at Grattan Square (12 June) featuring 100 local and artisan producers; and demonstrations in the Taste Waterford marquee with Nicola Crowley of Mezze and guest Lily Ramirez-Foran of Picado. Also returning is the Flahavan’s Greenway Breakfast; the Bake-Off judged by Ethna Sheehan; Afternoon Tea by Judit...