Free family fun at Waterford Harvest Festival

press release

Free family fun at Waterford Harvest Festival

Young foodies and aspiring chefs will flock to the Waterford Harvest Festival this weekend, with an abundance of FREE events for families taking place from 6 – 8 September. Having just been named Foodie Destinations 2019 winner by the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Waterford will showcase its gourmet status at the annual festival, with free cooking demonstrations, markets and workshops for all the family. Full details are available at www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie.

Festival Director, Tommie Ryan said: “We are delighted to kick off another exciting Harvest Festival this weekend. Waterford has just been announced winner of Foodie Destinations 2019 because of its sense of local awareness, pride and passion for food tourism… and Harvest epitomises just that. This weekend is for all the family to enjoy, with over 70 free and ticketed events.

“We urge everyone to don their walking shoes or grab their bikes, as the Greenway Grazing food market opens the festival with food stalls dotted along the Waterford Greenway to celebrate the launch of Fáilte Ireland’s new #TasteTheIsland campaign. There will also be fantastic cooking demos throughout the weekend by celebrity chefs Edward Hayden and the GastroGays, as well as well-known local chefs at the Dawn Meats Demo Tent. From drama workshops to cake making; drum circles to science fairs, there is a huge mix on offer to keep kids entertained.”

Further free highlights include the Festival Market, located at Arundel Sq./Michael Street, showcasing Irish products across the weekend. The Copper Coast Market will feature local artists and food producers at the Applemarket on Saturday. Experience the handmade produce of exciting start-ups at the South East Makers Market, located on Broad Street, Friday to Sunday; and the Food the Waterford Way Market and Demos at the Applemarket on Sunday, featuring some of Waterford’s finest producers.

Paddy Casey performs a free concert in the Churchyard, Bailey’s New Street on Saturday; the SE2 Music Stage at Arundel Square puts on three days of live music, while the festival favourite Blaa Eating Competition is on the Sunday. Expect music and fun at the Cultural Quarter Block Party at Tully’s on O’Connell Street on Friday.

LiveWell Day takes place on Friday, offering young children the chance to experience yoga, pilates, massages and dance workshops. The event is free however pre-booking is essential. Children can enjoy Drum Dance Ireland’s interactive drum show at Ballybricken Green and the Calmast Maths, Science and Technology Fair on Broad Street, both on Saturday and Sunday. A free chocolate biscuit cake-making workshop takes place at Carter’s Chocolate Café on Sunday.

The Team Ireland Butchery Demonstration takes place on Sunday, with the team representing Ireland at the World Butchery Challenge in California in 2020 displaying their world-class butchery skills in the Dawn Meats Demo Tent, John Roberts Sq.

Ballybricken Fair will put on woodcarving demos, an educational and interactive mobile farm, a fairground, and falconry at Ballybricken Green on both Saturday and Sunday.

There are pay-as-you-go events at Harvest 2019 such as a Mexican Day at No. 9 and the Meat Lovers Feast at the Bodega, both Saturday. Ticketed highlights this weekend include Celebrating Seaweed at Momo with the seaweed expert, Marie Power aka The Sea Gardener; and the Thai and Vietnamese Street Food Feast at Sabai.

For all details visit www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie or follow:

•      Facebook: @waterfordharvest

•      Twitter: @harvest_fest

•      Instagram: @harvest_fest

Viking Feast at Walsh's Bakehouse. Gastro Gays Demo Scandi Skills

Viking Feast  at Walsh's Bakehouse

GastroGays Demo Scandi Skills

Knekkebrød

It wasn't the best of days as we drove to Waterford last Saturday but the perfect antidote was waiting for us in the shape of a Viking Feast at Walsh’s Bakehouse. 

Dermot Walsh welcomes one and all

After a warm welcome at the door, we were in for an eye-opener: tables already laid out with colourful inviting food. “Sit where you like”, invited Avril and so we did, eagerly.

We resisted temptation during the short speeches by Michael and Dermot Walsh. The GastroGays, Patrick and Russell, who were the brains and the cooks behind the feast were introduced. All the while, that food was untouched!

Russell (left) and Patrick

And then, wisely perhaps, the signal to eat was given, the demos could wait! And we were off on the first of seven “courses”, the Gastro version of Gravadlax: Irish salmon cured the Scandinavian way (lemon, dill, beetroot) with a Blackwater Gin twist. Raw grated beetroot gave the fish an extra colour, Patrick told us during the later demo.

The platters were now moving up and down the tables, our plates filling. The Köttbullar, Swedish meatballs with Lingonberry Jam, were well appreciated. “These are iconic in Sweden, every family has its recipe”.

Gravadlax

Every now and then something extra, including plates of salads, was introduced to the table. Janssons Frestelse was perhaps the most tempting. It isn’t called Janssons Temptation for nothing, this creamy potato, onion and pickled sprats bake.

Walsh make a series of Blaas, including a mini and this was the vehicle for Skagenröra or Toast Skagen, the not so little breads topped with shrimp. Delicious.

Hot Dog, Nordic style, with onions two way (soft and crisp)

Walsh also make a terrific brioche and that was put to good use in the Pølser or Pylsur. These are favourites at the Danish Pølsevogn (food trucks) and the GastroGays take on Hot Dogs, Nordic style, was yet another winner. As were those eye catching Knekkebrød, open crispbread sandwiches.

By now, the generous offerings of the first phase had been dispatched and the plates and cutlery were cleared away. Coffee, supplied by Coffee House Lane, was being poured. Dawn Meats and local brewery Metalman (with a special limited edition Blaager) also contributed to the excellent event.   

Mini Blaa with shrimp

While all this was going on, Patrick and Russell were doing a few demos and explaining some of what we had already eaten.  They also showed us how they preserve red onions and courgettes (they prefer these to the usual cucumber) in brine. 

Russell

The whole lunch-time experience was quite an eye-opener into how ideas in food can cross from one culture to another, how we can learn from other countries to make the best of what we have, how we can preserve and cut down on wastage. And have a good time while doing so. Big thanks to Russell and Patrick for bringing and spreading the message and the techniques.

And they were ready for the grand finalé, the unique Semblaa! In Sweden, in the run up to Lent, they gorge themselves on Semla buns. And, now in an exclusive collaboration between Walsh’s and GastroGays, we had the sweetest finish, a Waterford take on the Swedish classic, the Semblaa, packed to the detached (and then reattached) top with almond cream, more cream, all over jam, all under a coating of sugar enthusiastically applied by Russell. Munchious!

And there was one for everyone in the audience. Actually two for everyone as we all got one on the way out. The Walsh’s are a generous family indeed and it was great to meet them and their lovely staff. And thanks a million to Avril, who looks after Sale and Marketing, for the invitation.

The Semblaa Sensation!

Note on the Blaa

Over the centuries, there has been something of a religious twist in the story of the Blaa with both the Huguenots and later Christian Brothers involved. It is still something of a religion in Waterford with between ten and twelve thousand Blaas eaten each day.

In 2013, the Waterford Blaa Bakers Association succeeded in getting PGI designation for the Waterford Blaa. PGI *** stands for Protected Geographical Indication, which essentially means that only Blaas made by specialist bakers in Waterford city and county can be called Blaas. This guarantees an authentic heritage product, based on the traditional methods and the unique skills of the bakers. Waterford Blaas are now supplied by traditional family bakers operating since the 1800’s. The same time honoured recipe has been handed down from generation to generation.

Red onion in brine

Meals with a difference. 2016

Meals with a difference. 2016
(In no particular order)

Good Things dessert

1-Good Things (Skibbereen) with La Stoppa and Le Caveau

Greene's

2-Greene's, with Food & Wine Magazine

3-Isaac's, with Green Saffron

Sushi

4-L'Atitude, with Miyazaki. What to drink with sushi?

Trout at Granary

5-Waterford Harvest Fest. Producers Brunch at The Granary.
6-Celtic Ross. Breton Night.
7-Fish and Chips by Candlelight in the Dingle Aquarium
8-Cafe Paradiso with friends
9-Social Eating at Samphire in Garryvoe Hotel

Crawford

10-Munster Wine & Dine Dinner at Crawford Gallery Cafe

2016 Reviews - see also
Cafes by the side of the road.
Best Places to Stay
Best Hotel Dining Rooms

Best Steaks & 3 Best non-Cork Restaurants 2016

Best Wine Events

Fine Art and Fine Dining at Greyfriars Church. Superb Waterford Gallery

Fine Art and Fine Dining at Greyfriars Church

Superb Waterford Gallery

Hake

Might as well have been a Philistine that walked into the old Greyfriars Church for the EAT Waterford Tasting Menu last Sunday afternoon. Oh, I knew about the multi-course lunch and the combination of local restaurants that had worked so hard to put it together and showcase their different skills. But I had no idea that the old church is now a gallery, has been since 2001.

But soon, one or two local enthusiasts were pointing me away from the tables, to the walls. I hadn't really noticed all the artwork hanging here. And so I started viewing before too many diners came in. “There’s a Yeats there,” I was told. And so there was, an oil on canvas titled While Grass Grows.

Greyfriars and Jack B. Yeats

And close by there’s a Paul Henry (Evening in Kerry), a Mainie Jellett (Virgin and Child), an Evie Hone (abstract), one by George William Russell, better known as AE, called Boy with Donkey on Skyline, a Louis Le Brocquy (Belfast Refugees at Mespil Road, Dublin, 1941), and quite a few more, thirty nine in all.

The 39 have been selected from the Waterford Municipal Art Collection by Patrick Murphy, director, Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin and were exhibited in the RHA in 2015. There is not much time left to see the current display in Greyfriars as it due to finish at the end of the current month. All the Greyfriar details here.

Amuse Bouche

 So back then to meet the strangers at our table - not strangers for long - and time to study the menu with a glass of wine in hand. Some pretty pictures soon on our plates, starting with the Colcannon, Leek compote and Bacon Crumb Amuse Bouche.

An amazingly juicy Heirloom tomato from the local Grantstown nurseries was the feature of our starter, a salad with ribbons of local vegetables. The next course, the fish, was possibly the highlight of the afternoon: Seared Dunmore East Hake “Chu-Chie”, coconut, Thai Spice Rub, Kaffir Lime Leaves and pickled veg, a perfect balance between the delicate fish and the spices.

Starter

Next up was the meat course: Honey mustard glazed pork neck, smoked bacon choucroute, home-made white pudding, and red wine apple purée. Another excellent balanced combination. I liked that choucroute and the purée went so well with the pork.

Tom Cleary popped up on nearly every table over the weekend but it was something of a surprise to some to see the well-known grower of salads and vegetables contributing to the dessert: Bavois of Tom Cleary’s organic beetroot, pistachio, wild blackberry glaze, lime and basil sorbet.

Pork

 The Tasting Menu was the work of EAT Waterford, a collaborative initiative by the restaurateurs of Waterford City, that is aimed at helping food lovers to find the best places to eat in Waterford.

This year it was the turn of Athenaeum House Hotel, Bellissimo, L’Atmosphere, Loko, Momo, the Olive Tree, Sabai and the Tower Hotel, all ardent supporters of local produce to contribute their time and skills. No shortage of local drinks either at Greyfriars with beers from Dungarvan Brewery and gin from the Blackwater Distillery on hand. Wines too, of course, but we haven’t started to grow enough grapes to make our own yet!

Dessert

See also:

Dinner at La Boheme
Waterford Producers Brunch at The Granary Cafe
House of Waterford Crystal Tour
Bodega, Waterford. Good Food & Lots Of Buzz
EAT Waterford. 5 Course Menu de Luxe on The Mall
Harvest Days in Waterford. Visiting the Viking City

The Granary’s Waterford Brunch. And more from the harvest streets

The Granary’s Waterford Brunch

And more from the harvest streets

Goatsbridge trout

Peter Fowler, owner of The Granary, was in great form as he welcomed guests to the bright and spacious cafe. The guests came in numbers for the Producers Brunch, one of the highlights of the annual Waterford Harvest Festival. It was a sell-out, with part of the proceeds going to the local Samaritans.

The Granary put on a fantastic spread last Sunday morning for guests that included Gay Byrne. “This is the first time for The Granary,” said the enthusiastic Peter. I don't think it will be the last time. “We have met the best suppliers, suppliers that we wouldn't otherwise have met. Events like these put ideas in your head.” He had praise too for his staff “the best in Waterford”.

Anyone for porridge?

 The event was sponsored by John Flahavan; Flahavan's are long time supporters of the festival. For over 200 years Flahavan’s has been operating its oatmill beside the River Mahon in Kilmacthomas, John reminded us as we sampled their Bircher muesli with Deise honey, fruit compote and cinnamon!

John then handed the mike over to another John, John McKenna. “What an unbelievable spread,” enthused McKenna. “This would not have been possible in the years when Sally (who was in the audience) and I were starting out”. He went on to list the advantages that Waterford food enjoys and can enjoy into the future, “unique food, including the blaa”. “You have everything here to stake a claim to be food capital of Ireland's Ancient East”.

Dessert?

The choices on the groaning tables were eye-catching, everything from Hot and Cold Choices, salads, cheeses, desserts, and drinks. Hard to list them all but here’s a few highlights:

Cod from Jim Doherty with a Metalman Pale Batter;

Baked fillets of Goatsbridge Trout;

Broccoli, tomato and Dungarvan Cheese Salad;

Blaas by Walsh's Bakery, sourdough by Seagull Bakery;

Cheese selection by the Little Milk Company;

Granary desserts, especially that massive Blackberry Pavlova;

And brunch drinks from Clodagh Davis and Cahir's Apple Farm.

Smoke on the street

 We had arrived in Waterford around lunchtime on Saturday and, having found parking (not easy, but we got lucky!), we started looking at the hot food stalls. Quite a few around, lots of smoke rising but as soon as we reached the Irish Piedmontese stand, we stopped and ordered a pair of their delicious burgers. Tasty stuff. Enjoyed them sitting on the sun as the band played on the Thin Gin stage.

Barry John was sampling his award winning flavoured sausages. How about Bacon and Cabbage? Maybe Cheddar Cheese and Chilli? No shortage of pizzas. There was a taste of Portugal. Stuff to bring home too, honey from Knockmealdown, trout from Mag of Goatsbridge and jams from Wexford Preserves both in the SuperValu area. There were Cocktail Classes, Whiskey Tastings, Iyer’s Pop Up and so much more.

Here be friendly dragon.

There was a massive dragon under the Bishop’s Palace and he, multicolored against Saturday’s blue sky, was dominating the Mall but no one worried - he looked a friendly fellow. All kinds of art all over over the place, on the streets, on the quays. The larger than life size tables and chairs, there was even a deck-chair, attracted kids of all ages. Tango dancers entertained us too. There was a Tapas River Tour also and we heard it was great.

And we would return to the streets again on Sunday to enjoy the fun of the Market, The Fit & Wellness Area, The Food Heroes Exhibition, Farm to Fork at Ballybricken, The Viking Rocks Craft Beer Fest, The Festival Fair, the SuperValu Food Academy. We didn't get to them all. Looks like we’ll have to go back next year!

Haute cuisine. Have you got the bottle?

See also:

Dinner at La Boheme
Fine Art, Fine Dining at Greyfriars
House of Waterford Crystal Tour
Bodega, Waterford. Good Food & Lots Of Buzz
EAT Waterford. 5 Course Menu de Luxe on The Mall
Harvest Days in Waterford. Visiting the Viking City

Pleasures of the Sea at La Bohème

Pleasures of the Sea at La Bohème

If you walk up Gladstone Street from the Waterford quays, you will immediately see, straight ahead, an elegant Georgian building. We are headed for the equally elegant basement underneath to enjoy the fruits of the sea served up by Eric Théze and his team in La Bohème.

When Eric and his wife Christine came here, it was love at first sight. “What endeared us to the vaults of the Georgian building we chose to restore was its flagstone floors, lime washed walls and arched ceilings that reminded us of the great kitchens of the French chateaux, their old world charm and classic culinary ambience. It was meant to be a restaurant. It has the heart and soul of a kitchen with the warmth and character of a home.” La Bohème started in 2006.

It is a taste of France in the heart of Waterford but the restaurant is very much committed to using Irish produce. “Fresh, free range, organic and delivered daily is like music to our ears.” Elda Wild, M & D Bakery, Tom Cleary, the Ballybeg Horticulture Initiative (salads, herbs, veg, even the flowers in the window boxes outside!), Butler’s Family Farm, Larousse, fishermen James and Maurice O’Rourke, Grantstown Nurseries, Sheridan's Cheese, Dawn Meats, Knockalara (sheep) and Killeen (goat) for cheese, Billy Burke fish, Tea Pigs and Fancy Fungi are among their suppliers.

In the city for the annual Harvest Festival, we started our meal last Saturday evening with Croustillant of local hand-picked local Crabmeat, Julienne of vegetables with a sweet and sour Vietnamese Sauce. Enhanced by that exquisite sauce, probably the best crab dish I’ve ever come across.

 Next up was another classy treat, the Lobster Salad (Organic Leaves, Semi-sun dried Grantstown Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado Puree, Grapefruit, Watercress Mayonnaise, Raspberry Vinaigrette). A delicious memorable cold-plate! Lots of pairings here with the lobster, all good though my favourite was perhaps the ruby grapefruit. Wouldn't mind trying all those tasty mouthfuls again!

Then came the pièce de résistance, a duo of pan-fried John Dory and steamed Black Sole (in a plait!) and served with steamed new potatoes and a Pot au Feu of Tom Cleary Organic Vegetables, celeriac purée, and Lemon and Sorrel Butter Sauce. Hard to beat that gorgeous plateful but so easy to eat.

No resistance though to dessert: chocolate (lots of it!), sea-salt and vanilla ice-cream. It was a pleasure and a privilege to dine here. Merci beaucoup to Eric and Christine.

• West Cork diners will have that privilege and pleasure at the Celtic Ross this Thursday when Eric, along with Alec Petit of the hotel, will serve up a Breton night as part of A Taste of West Cork. Don't miss it! I won't.
  
  
  La Bohème
  2 George's Street
  Waterford
  051 875 645
• Facebook: @LaBohèmeWaterford
• Twitter: @bohemewaterford
• Web: http://labohemerestaurant.ie 

See also: 

La Bohème Waterfor.d Home of the Celtic Chef
Waterford Producers Brunch at The Granary Cafe
Fine Art, Fine Dining at Greyfriars Church
House of Waterford Crystal Tour
Bodega, Waterford. Good Food & Lots Of Buzz
EAT Waterford. 5 Course Menu de Luxe on The Mall
Harvest Days in Waterford. Visiting the Viking City

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EAT Waterford at Harvest Festival 2016

The EAT Waterford Taste Experience was a highlight of the Harvest Festival last year and is back. 

EAT Waterford at Harvest Festival 2016

A fusion of taste offered by eight Waterford restaurants

Following on from the success of last year’s debut at Waterford Harvest Festival, the EAT Waterford Taste Experience is back for 2016. 

As part of the three day, jam packed food festival (September 9th to 11th), the EAT Waterford Taste experience, a collaboration between eight local restaurants, will create a five course taste extravaganza, served in one of Waterford’s finest cultural hubs, Greyfriars Church, in the Viking Triangle.

The restaurants behind the initiative, Bellissimo, Momo, The Olive Tree, Sabai, The Bistro at the Tower Hotel, Loko, Zak’s at Athenauem House Hotel and l’Atmosphere, are ardent supporters of local produce and will create the dishes using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Stan Leslie, Proprietor of Loko is looking forward to the event.  “We had a fantastic experience last year.  All our sittings were sold out and I think the public really enjoyed the different elements brought to the courses by the different chefs.  Despite each chef having a unique style and personality, the overall result was that it gelled well and, most importantly, presented a very vibrant food scene in our great City.”

“This year, we have added some new restaurants to the mix and we’re excited about the new dynamic.  Waterford has a broad range of award winning restaurants, all punching above their weight.  By coming together for this taste experience, not only can we showcase the breadth of great produce on our doorstep, but also the talent, commitment and enthusiasm that thrives in restaurants and their kitchens throughout the city.”

The EAT Waterford Taste Experience takes place at 8pm on Friday, September 9th and Saturday 10th and at 2pm on Sunday, September 11th.  

Catherine Heffernan of Sabai is also happy to be involved in the Eat Waterford showcase event. “This year we have also added a casual lunch to the schedule.  The Flavour Experience will be served on Saturday, September 10th at 2pm.  This lunch will give diners the opportunity to enjoy even more food styles that our diverse local food scene has to offer whilst soaking up the atmosphere of the festival.”

“Added to the mix is the fantastic setting of Greyfriars Church.  It’s bright, spacious, atmospheric and brimming with charm and we really do believe that it is going to bring an extra dimension to the whole dining experience.”

Tickets for both EAT Waterford events, the five course taste experience and the Flavour Experience (casual lunch) are €39 and €19 respectively and are available from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 051 874402 or online at www.theatreroyal.ie

The 8^th Waterford Harvest Festival takes place from Friday, September 9th to Sunday, September 11^th and promises an exciting, eclectic three - day food and fun filled festival with over 100 events for all the family to enjoy.

To find out more the Waterford Harvest Festival full programme of events is available on www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie. Be sure to keep up to date on all things Harvest Fest by checking it out on Facebook and Twitter #Harvestfest16

Some more highlights

New ingredients added to festival favourites!

www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie

Now in its eight year, Waterford Harvest Festival makes a colourful, tasty and aromatic return to the streets of Waterford from September 9th to September 11th.

As a city and county that takes huge pride in its food producers, this year’s festival will shine the spotlight on its “food heroes”, the people who grow, cultivate, harvest, produce, prepare, promote and serve some of the country’s best food.

Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, boasts 1100 years of food heritage and will pay homage to that proud tradition with festival markets, harvest kitchens, a health and wellness showcase, pop-up restaurants, baking competitions, enterprising food start-ups, a celebration of Irish whiskeys, a GIY oasis, an opportunity to meet the makers and so much more!

New to this year’s festival are the Harvest Fit Food and Wellness area, the Harvest Blaa Eating World Championships, Sunset Seaweed Foraging, Tapas River tours, Iyer’s Pop-up restaurant and the Flahavan’s Harvest brunch, along with the firm festival favourites that never fail to thrill!

Ballybricken, affectionately known as the ‘top of the town’, was traditionally the hub of Waterford’s livestock and bacon curing industries. The area will enjoy a broader portfolio of events this year and be shrouded in the tantalising sights, smells and sounds of the Ballybricken Fair, Junior HQ and Farm to Fork.

There are over 100 fun, family and food- fueled events taking place, with 80 of those free for the young and young at heart to enjoy.  Some of the highlights this year include:

Harvest Festival Market:

The Festival Market is all about local, quality produce and their dedicated producers and Waterford’s Viking Triangle is transformed into a feaster’s fantasy with a weekend of taste bud tempting events! The Mall will be stuffed with producers showcasing mouth-watering food and beverages. It’s a veritable bounty of Waterford’s best Harvest.

EnterpRISING Food Village:

From the traditional and famous Blaa to exotic seaweed based breads, the return of hand roasting coffee in the region to locally famous ice cream makers, these and more local food producers will be pitching their tents in Cathedral Square, Waterford City and creating the EnterpRISING Food Village!

EAT Waterford Taste experience:

An exciting collaboration between eight local restaurants, which will create a five course taste extravaganza, served in one of Waterford’s finest cultural hubs, Greyfriars Church, in the Viking Triangle.

The Flavour experience, a more casual affair…a semi-formal lunch will give diners the opportunity to enjoy a more tapas taste experience, whilst still enjoying the best of local produce from an eight- strong restaurant team.

Blaa Eating World Championship:

The story of the Blaa goes back to the 1690’s, when the French Huguenots arrived in Ireland introducing white flour and their baking skills. Over 300 years later, it remains a firm staple, not just of the Waterford diet, but of thousands of Irish diaspora scattered throughout the world.  A proud Waterford foodstuff and a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product.

Put your competitive hat on and come and sample a range of competitions at Blaa Fest! Teams and individuals welcome to compete for some great prizes including a cash prize.  Or just pop down and watch those who are brave enough to participate. 

Flahavan’s Harvest Brunch:

A celebration of Waterford food producers, with a buffet style brunch in the company of John McKenna of John and Sally McKennas’ Guides. There will be a veritable feast of local produce on hand and the producers will also be there to tell their stories and pass on their passion for their food. Hosted by The Granary, recent award winners of Munster’s Best Cafe, at the Irish Restaurant Awards, there’ll also be live jazz accompaniment.

Harvest Fit Food and Wellness Area at the Millennium Plaza:

An area dedicated to health, well - being and mindfulness. Featured will be the Community Garden Competition where Three Waterford community groups have designed and planted their own micro garden! Ballybeg Greens will show you how to grow your own, with a particular focus on late crops, as we approach Autumn.

You won’t want to miss the great line up of two days of talk shops about Kangoo jumping, Living and foraging from the sea, baking “good” bread, raw food, community gardens competition, the power of juice, yoga, sports nutrition, healing herbs, Zumba, meditation, meditation drumming and fermented drinks.

Tapas River Tour:

A pop up restaurant from Waterford’s popular tapas venue and wine bar, The Olive Tree, on board the Brian Boru, a traditional gaff rigged wooden sailing ketch, on the River Suir. Enjoy Waterford’s best tapas and amazing wine, while taking a 90-minute tour downriver.

The SuperValu Food Academy Village:

Located adjacent to Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre on the Mall, the SuperValu Food Academy Village features the very best of Irish artisan food producers who have taken part in the SuperValu Food Academy.

 

Viking Rocks Craft Beer Fest:

This hugely popular event returns to Baileys New Street once again and promises to be one of the top attractions at this year’s Harvest Festival. Hosted by The Reg and The Munster Bar, sample a choice of Irish Craft Beers from Metalman Brewery (Home of the Blaager) and Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewery.

Cider Wasps headline on Saturday night with Papa Zitas wrapping Harvest up in style on Sunday evening.

GIY at Palace Square:

GIY brings their enthusiasm and love of food to the Harvest Festival every year. This year will be no different with the GIY patch promising to be an oasis in the city. Wander among the fragrant herbs, chat to the growers and stock up on all your food growing necessities. Relax on the pallet benches and learn how to create your own edible nirvana at home in any space.

Iyer’s Pop Up restaurant at La Boheme:

The award winning chef-proprietor of Iyer’s Restaurant in Cork, Gautham Iyer, will bring his Brahmin culinary philosophy to Waterford’s La Boheme Restaurant on Sunday, September 11th as part of the Waterford Harvest Festival menu.

Whiskey tasting at Revolution:

Enjoy a celebration of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey with Gerard Garland, Irish Whiskey Ambassador for Midleton Distillery. On the night taste four of Ireland’s quintessential and finest Whiskey’s. The Whiskeys are Greenspot Leoville-Barton, Powers Johns Lane 12 Year Old, Redbreast 21 Year Old and Midleton Dair Ghaelach.

100% of the Barley (Malted and Unmalted) used in the production of these four Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey’s is grown by Irish farmers in the south east of Ireland.

In association with Irish Distillers Pernod-Ricard and World Wide Wines.

Just some of the highlights of the 8th Waterford Harvest Festival from Friday, September 9th to Sunday, September 11th.  

To find out more the Waterford Harvest Festival full programme of events is available on www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie. Be sure to keep up to date on all things Harvest Fest by checking it out on Facebook and Twitter #Harvestfest16