2024 Festival Guide: 27 reasons to visit Waterford this summer

Waterford is the place to be this summer, with 27 different festivals being held across the city and county.

Whether you're a local planning a staycation or a tourist visiting for the first time, Waterford will keep you entertained with 27 fun-filled events taking place over the summer season. One thing is for certain, you won't run out of things to do!

"Every weekend in Waterford sees more than one festival on offer across the city and county with many taking place offering free access or nominal ticket fees," says Sara Dolan, Chair of Visit Waterford.

"The variety of heritage, culture, family, adventure and sports events is astounding. There is certainly something on offer for all interests and sporting enthusiasts."

JUNE

The first of the summer festivals kicked off over the Summer Solstice weekend. TuneFest in Dungarvan (held June 21-23) celebrates traditional Irish music, song and dance with trad sessions, recitals and workshops. Also taking place over the solstice weekend is the Waterford Viking Marathon, followed by the Dunmore East Small Boats Festival.

On June 29th, The Waterford Distillery Festival sees an annual celebration of natural whisky at 'the Facilitator' with great food, great drinks and tours on offer.

Starting in June and lasting throughout the summer, the Waterford City's Summer in The City program by Waterford City & County Council sees a celebration of live music and the arts on offer on the streets every weekend, and at The Reg, the Churchyard Sessions will see Bailey's New Street transform into a live open-air music venue every weekend.

Summer in the Apple Market offers a series of "Music under the Roof" in Waterford City Center every weekend with food and drinks available from the surrounding bars & restaurants.

JULY

In July, there is an abundance of art, literature, Vikings, family and children's festivals on offer. Some highlights include the Seán Dunne Literary Weekend with exciting new workshops, a gathering of writers, a book launch, a new literary tour and the inaugural Seán Dunne Poetry award prize giving and the standalone children's festival Sprog which celebrates all things Play.

At the gorgeous Joan Clancy Gallery, an exhibition of a stunning collection of new work by the outstanding young emerging artist Saoirse Radford opens on June 26th.

The Comeraghs Wild Festival captures all that is special about the Comeragh Mountains, the Copper Coast and the Nire Valley, with unique events including mountain and wildlife walks and talks, storytelling indoors and outdoors, traditional music, food skills, and artisan food produce.

SPRAOI Weekendin Waterford. Credit: Visit Waterford

For adventure seekers, the cross-country MTB endurance challenge The Nire Valley Drop offers a 40km challenging route.  It takes place on July 13 in and around the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and the Nire Valley.

The Elemental Waves Festival in Dunmore East on July 13 will offer wellness and educational skills on how to sustain well-being in everyday living.

The Waterford Chamber Music Festival in Mount Congreve Gardens will offer a symphony of classical music concerts from July 26-28, 2024. 

AUGUST

The August Bank Holiday Weekend, other-wise known as the SPRAOI Weekend in Waterford, is abuzz with festivities and events, with Europe's largest street theatre festival filling the streets with magic, vibrancy and fun.

The "Good Old Days'' festival on August 4 in Carbally is a celebration of our heritage, featuring singing, dancing, live music, arts and crafts, and traditional cooking.

The international street art festival Waterford Walls offers a host of live art, digital art programs, music hubs, workshops and guided tours from August 9 to 18.

Lismore Street Festival kicks off in the picturesque heritage town on August 11.

Also in August, RESTIVAL at Mount Congreve Gardens offers a weekend of tranquillity and well-being and the All Together Now Festival at Curraghmore has a lineup of top music acts, comedy, food and more.

Waterford Walls in Waterford City. Credit: Visit Waterford

The Copper Coast Culture and Heritage Festival will feature imagery, art, and stories from across the Copper Coast showcasing the nature, creativity and history of the area.

In Tramore, the Vitamin Sea Festival is a weekend program of sea-inspired events; it celebrates the wealth of natural resources and businesses that can be found in and around the seaside town through collaborations, coastal excursions and taste tours.

In Dunmore East, the Bluegrass Festival will have the village rocking from August 23.

SEPTEMBER

Taking the summer festival series to a close in September is the OldVelos Festival, an annual festival for cycling enthusiasts focussing on vintage racing cycles and Ireland's cycling heritage at Curraghmore House and Gardens.

For Waterford's full summer festival program as well as accommodation offers, visit www.visitwaterford.com.