Local events for WW Festival of Food

Last week saw the West Waterford Festival of Food launched, with a host of local events that will run from June 10 to 12. The 13th annual festival is expected to see over 35,000 visitors to the region for a packed programme.

Kicking off the festival on Friday, June 10, the Taste Waterford Tapas Trail will take place in Lismore from 6.30, hitting Foley’s on the Mall, The Bakers Table, Fullers Bistro and The Vault.

The following day, Bus Bia Tours will leave Shandon Car Park with three different tours to choose from, the first of which is ‘The Blackwater’ tour which follows the river to Knockanore to taste local cheeses on Lonergan’s Farm, try ice cream at Baldwin’s farm and then cross the Blackwater to Cappoquin for a visit to Barron’s Bakery.

‘Way out West’ tour heads to Tallow to Meadowfresh Food before discovering wild salmon fishing at Fortwilliam Fisheries and then carries on to Ballyduff for a visit to Blackwater Distillery.

The final tour, ‘Sustainability Bus Tour’ heads to Mairead Costin’s vegetable business in Ringville before continuing to Lismore Castle to learn about the gardens which have supplied the castle’s kitchen annually since 1620.

On both Saturday and Sunday, Picnic River Cruises will be running from Villierstown Quay where people can enjoy a unique Taste of Waterford picnic, while exploring the history, heritage and natural environment of the River Blackwater.

Blackwater Distillery Cocktail Master Classes will run on Saturday, June 11, while the outdoor discovery events on the day include a ‘ Crude Food Trail’ at Glenshelane Woods. In Cappoquin, afternoon teas will be held at Salterbridge house, while a Blind Tasting will take place at Merry’s Gastropub in Dungarvan.

Across West Waterford, several foodie-focused events will take place, with over 100 events listed on the 2022 programme, ranging from dog shows to seaweed foraging, and from teddy bears’ picnics to oysters and prosecco.