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Arts / Culture

By Waterford City & County Council

Temporary Road Closures for Waterford Spraoi Festival 2025

Waterford City and County Council wishes to advise the public that a number of road closures will be in effect from Thursday, 31st July to Monday, 4th August 2025 to facilitate the Waterford Spraoi Festival.

These closures are being made under Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993 and will affect several streets in Waterford city. Motorists and residents are asked to please take note of the affected routes and plan accordingly.

Roads Closed & Times

Thursday 31 July to Monday 4 August

  • O’Connell St. (Hanover St. to Gladstone St.): 6pm Thursday – 11pm Monday
  • Gladstone St.: 6pm Thursday – 1am Monday
  • Sergeants Lane: 6pm Thursday – 1am Monday

Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August

  • The Mall: 7pm Friday – 11.45pm Sunday
  • Mall Lane: 7pm Friday – 11.45pm Sunday

Saturday 2 August

  • Henrietta St.: 12 midday – 6pm
  • Lady Lane (Bakehouse Lane to Michael St.): 2pm – 3.30pm & 4.30pm – 6pm

Sunday 3 August

  • Henrietta St.: 12 midday – 6pm
  • Lady Lane (Bakehouse Lane to Michael St.): 1.30pm – 3pm & 4pm – 5.30pm
  • Johnstown: 8.30pm – 10pm
  • Parnell St.: 8.30pm – 10.30pm
  • Parade Quay: 9pm – 11.30pm
  • Custom House Quay: 9pm – 11.30pm

The Waterford Spraoi Festival promises a vibrant line-up of events and performances, and these road closures are essential to ensure the safety and success of the festival. The Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation.

By Waterford City & County Council

Ted & Mary O’Regan 2025 Arts Bursary Awards

The 2025 Ted & Mary O’Regan Arts Bursaries were presented at a ceremony in Garter Lane Arts Centre this week. Adjudicated by external assessor Robert Browne, this year’s bursaries were awarded to visual artists Stephen Walsh and Molly Hennessy, filmmaker John Bermingham, and theatre artist Natasha Everitt.

Stephen Walsh’s bursary will support the creation of a book and accompanying exhibition, featuring original poetry and illustrations inspired by the birds of Ireland. Molly Hennessy, a recent graduate in Fine Art Painting from NCAD, will use her award to undertake a focused period of research and travel, culminating in a multimedia exhibition in both Waterford and Dublin during 2026/27.

Filmmaker John Bermingham’s award will enable him to take up a place on the two-year MSc in Computer Animation at Dundalk Institute of Technology.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Waterford Panto Society kindly sponsored an additional Musical Theatre Bursary, which was awarded to theatre maker Emma Nathan. The bursary will support her upcoming production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, to be staged in 2026 under her direction.

Now in its 21st year, the Ted & Mary O’Regan Arts Bursary was established by friends and colleagues to honour the couple’s lasting contribution to the artistic and cultural life of Waterford. The bursary is supported by Waterford City & County Council, Garter Lane Arts Centre, Spraoi, Theatre Royal, and Waterford Youth Arts, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bursary Committee Chair Bertie Rogers thanked the sponsors for their continued support. To date, more than €135,000 has been awarded to over seventy-five Waterford-based practitioners across a wide range of disciplines. Mr. Rogers extended particular thanks to Waterford Panto Society for their generous donation and congratulated them on their milestone anniversary.

In a further boost to the Bursary Fund, Bowler Hat Theatre Company’s recent one-night performance of The Gods Are Angry Miss Kerr by Jim Nolan at the Theatre Royal raised €2,500. These proceeds will go towards the establishment of a new one-off fund in 2026 to support an emerging young Waterford writer.

ENDS

Photos: John Power

Captions

1. Attending were Natasha Everitt and playwright Jim Nolan.

2. Attending were Zoe, Wayne and Anne Brown.

3. This year, an additional Musical Theatre Bursary, kindly sponsored by Waterford Panto Society to mark its 40th Anniversary, was presented to theatre maker, Emma Nathan. This
award will assist with costs for a production of The Guy Who Didn’t like Musicals, to be produced and directed by Emma in 2026. Pictured is Anne Brown, Waterford Panto Society presenting Emma Nathan with her Bursary. Included are Bertie Rogers, Chair and Pauline Kennedy O’Regan and a group of Emma’s friends.

By Waterford City & County Council

8 Arch Gallery Launches at Kilmacthomas Woollen Mill

This summer marks a transformative moment for Kilmacthomas as the historic Old Woollen Mill reopens its doors, with the first floor of the mill reimagined as the 8 Arch Gallery—a new cultural space in the heart of the town. To celebrate this reopening, the gallery proudly presents its inaugural exhibition, featuring work by seven of Ireland’s most significant living artists.

  • Charles Tyrell
  • Bernadette Kiely
  • Gerda Teljeur
  • Paul Mosse
  • Eilis O’Connell
  • Eamon Colman
  • Pat Harris

This landmark show brings together an exciting collection of drawings, paintings and sculptures. Each artist has been carefully selected for their contribution to the visual arts, and the unique voice they bring to Ireland’s evolving cultural narrative.

Exhibition Opening: Saturday, 12 July, 3pm–6pm
Dates: 12 July – 26 September 2025
Location: 8 Arch Gallery, The Old Woollen Mill, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm
Admission: Free

All are welcome.

Media Enquiries:
medb@8archgallery.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Bestselling Author Shelia O’Flanagan to visit Tramore Library

SheilaOFlanagan

Waterford Libraries are delighted to welcome bestselling author Sheila O’Flanagan to Tramore Library on Tuesday, July 22nd at 7pm as part of their popular Writers at Waterford Libraries series.

Irish author O’Flanagan has written 20 novels as well as three collections of short stories and two novels for children, all of which have been bestsellers both in Ireland and overseas.

These include The Hideaway, What Happened That Night, Isobel’s Wedding and Suddenly Single, with sales topping 8million around the world. She is renowned for telling a good story and making her readers feel like they know the characters.

O’Flanagan explains, “Ireland is famed for its writers, but for me growing up most of the novels were rural in both their settings and their points of view. I wanted to read books about people like me, who lived in the city… I also wanted to read novels in which the women were the heroes of their own stories and not simply there because they were someone’s wife, mother or daughter.”

She is also a passionate advocate for increasing literacy and helping people who have come to reading late in life so that they can find the same pleasure in reading as she has.

Waterford City & County Librarian Mary Conway, who founded the Writers at Waterford Libraries programme in 2023 said, “Our series of writer events aims to unite readers and writers through free, accessible events in their local library branches.

“Waterford Libraries are presenting a line-up of unique and engaging voices in Irish writing and we are delighted to welcome Shelia O’Flanagan to Waterford as part of this.”

The event is free, but booking is essential. Phone Tramore Library on 051 849594 to reserve your place.

The Writers at Waterford Libraries series is a programme of Waterford City and County Council Library Service. For further details see http://waterfordlibraries.ie/writers-at-waterford-libraries/

By Waterford City & County Council

Celebration of Trad, Dance and Fun Filled Programme of Children’s Events set for Comeraghs Wild 2025

CW Festival

From 10 to 13 July 2025, County Waterford will come alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Irish tradition as the Comeraghs Wild Festival returns beneath the majestic Comeragh Mountains. Under this year’s evocative theme, Nostalgias, the festival offers a spellbinding four-day celebration that transports visitors into the heart of Ireland’s cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and joyful family adventures.

A standout feature of the festival is its vibrant homage to Irish traditional music and dance. On Saturday, July 12th, festivalgoers can enjoy an afternoon of pure cultural immersion. Starting at 3 pm, the Rambling House Session hosted by the much-loved Joe Power invites all to gather round and take part—whether by singing an old tune, telling a treasured tale, or simply soaking up the camaraderie of a gathering that echoes the oral traditions of generations past. Expect laughter, warmth, and a strong cup of tea in the company of new friends and old souls.

As the sun dips behind the mountains, the rhythm carries on. At 7 pm, the Rathgormack Hiking & Community Centre will thrum with the foot-tapping energy of “Dance Neath the Comeraghs.” Set dancers of every age and ability will feel right at home here, with music provided by Neily O’Connor Band, and the dazzling young talents from the band Ceol Craobh Crotaigh will also play. With a sizzling BBQ and local ice-cream on hand, this is more than a dance—it’s a village celebration under the mountain sky, where the joy of the set is infectious.

For families and young adventurers, the festival offers a feast of imagination and outdoor wonder. Crough Wood becomes a child’s dream world on Friday and Saturday, when Claire O’Sullivan’s Creative Children’s Summer Camp invites little ones into a realm of nature crafts, leafy treasure hunts, gentle mindfulness, and woodland magic. Designed for children but welcoming to their grown-ups too, the camp runs from 10 am to 12:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and offers the chance to connect with nature in playful, meaningful ways over one or two days.

The enchantment continues just down the way with a journey aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. From 11 am to 4 pm, families can hop aboard for a 40-minute scenic ride along the lush, meandering Greenway. Onboard, kids can meet the ever-popular Honey and Barry Bear, take part in a whimsical treasure hunt and enjoy cheerful face-painting—all part of a heartwarming day out that’s sure to become a family memory for years to come.

For those drawn to the sea, Bunmahon Surf School will be making waves with their “Kids Only Surfing Lesson” at 2 pm on Saturday. Designed exclusively for under-12s, this energetic, splash-filled experience introduces youngsters to the thrill of the ocean in a fun, safe, and unforgettable way. Places are limited and booking is essential, so make sure to catch the wave in time.

From forests to windswept beaches, from the fiddle’s lilt to the dancer’s leap, the Comeraghs Wild Festival, supported by Waterford City and County Council,  is a joyful tribute to the stories, songs, and spirit that shape the country’s soul. All details, ticket information, and the full festival programme are available online at comeraghswild.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Stunning Central Library window art showcases steps to a Climate Neutral Waterford.

In a collaboration between Waterford’s Central Library, Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Team and talented local artist Kathi Burke, stunning artwork was created for display in six windows in Central Library, Lady Lane.

The artwork aims to inspire individuals and communities in Waterford City to work together to make small changes to prepare for a changing climate while creating Ireland’s first Carbon Neutral City, containing messages such as Let’s Get Wild, Fix Up–Look Sharp, and Growing at Home.

The then Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, Cllr. Joe Kelly who launched the artwork with artist Kathi Burke said, “It is important for all our communities to get a chance to connect and engage with the Council’s ambitious Climate Action Plan. All of the small environmental changes we make will contribute to ensuring Waterford City’s pathway to decarbonisation.”

The artworks depict our city with repair cafes, swap shops and biodiverse spaces where wildlife can thrive and where you can pick up what you need while reducing waste and saving money. A city where our homes and communities use locally sourced energy, and we are investing in our own future. A city where walking or cycling to work are just some of the ways that can help to make Waterford a safer, greener place with cleaner air.

Each of Kathi’s illustrations are based on concrete examples from Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Plan and show how the Council can lead communities towards a Carbon neutral future. Artworks will be displayed for the next year on the external window of Central Library for the public to enjoy.

Kathi Burke is an artist, illustrator and author from Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. Over the past decade her work has led her into the worlds of exhibition, children’s books, brand collaborations, printmaking, merchandise design and creativity workshops for young people. She is based in Garter Lane Visual Arts Studio in Waterford city.

The project was made possible with the support of Creative Waterford, which is part of the Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-government initiative committed to enhancing access to, engagement with, and enjoyment of Ireland’s culture and creativity.

By Waterford City & County Council

Comeraghs Wild Festival set to celebrate Heritage

Events include 200 Years of Portlaw & the Opening of a Brand New Art Gallery at the Restored Woollen Mills in Kilmacthomas

Waterford’s Comeragh Wilds Festival returns this July 10th to 13th with a rich line-up of heritage and history events that showcase the region’s deep cultural roots and dynamic storytelling traditions.

From industrial innovation and village life to myths, memory, and modern art, the 2025 Comeragh Wilds Festival offers a unique blend of experiences across the Comeragh region. Over several days, festival-goers can explore a rich tapestry of events designed to spark curiosity, awaken the senses, and stir the imagination. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on workshops, captivating talks, live performances, or atmospheric village walks, the festival offers a rare chance to connect with the heart and soul of the Comeragh region.

Kilmacthomas will unveil a stunning new chapter in its cultural life with the opening of the 8 Arch Gallery, located in the beautifully restored Old Woollen Mill. Once a powerhouse of local industry, the mill is now reimagined as a creative hub, launching with an inspiring exhibition of works by some of Ireland’s most respected living artists.

In Portlaw, the past comes vividly to life with a series of events marking 200 years since the arrival of the Malcolmson family and the transformation of the village into a thriving centre of cotton production. Renowned historian Dr. Tom Hunt will deliver a compelling talk on the village’s industrial journey, hosted in the Portlaw Heritage Centre. Visitors can then lace up their walking shoes for an immersive heritage walk through the village’s historic heart, where every building and street corner tells a tale of innovation and resilience.

Rathgormack invites cinema lovers and locals to gather for a special photographic exhibition commemorating 50 years since the filming of Barry Lyndon in the Comeraghs. Curated by photographer John Foley, this evocative collection celebrates a unique moment in local and film history. Those who were part of the production or have memories to share are especially welcome to join the celebration.

As the sun sets, the art of storytelling takes centre stage. Author and performer Terri Ryan will bring her inimitable blend of humour, folklore, and song to Micilín’s Bar in Kilrossanty, where the crackle of stories and traditional music will fill the night with magic and laughter.

For those who prefer a more hands-on connection to heritage, expert craftswoman Margaret Ryan will lead a wet felting workshop in Kilmacthomas. Participants will learn this ancient textile art and create their own felted piece using soft, locally sourced Comeragh wool—an experience that blends creativity with tradition.

And for a true taste of the Comeraghs, Cooney’s Yard will host a lively outdoor BBQ showcasing succulent Comeragh lamb. With fire-grilled flavours, local produce, live music, and fireside stories, this is more than a meal, it’s a celebration of place, people, and shared moments under open skies.

This year’s festival is a vibrant tribute to the culture, history, and living stories of the Comeragh region. This is just a flavour of the many events on offer, with other highlights including an outdoor concert with The Dolans and Waterford’s very own The Wackateers, Gina and The Champions in concert in the Town Hall Theatre Dungarvan plus a full programme of children’s and family events, adventure, guided mountain hikes, yoga and wellness retreats and lots more.  For full listings, tickets see comeraghswild.com

ENDS 

By Waterford City & County Council

Gentle Adventures Await at Comeraghs Wild Festival in Waterford

CW Festival

Prepare to unplug, unwind, and dive into a world of gentle adventure at the 2025 Comeraghs Wild Festival in County Waterford, returning from July 10th to 13th in the heart of one of Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Set against the backdrop of the wild and beautiful Comeragh Mountains, the festival promises an uplifting mix of wellness, exploration, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious wanderer, or simply in search of a moment of peace, there’s something here for everyone—from calming yoga flows to exhilarating mountain biking, and from tranquil forest walks to vibrant cultural events.

Festival-goers are invited to roam the breathtaking trails of the Comeraghs with expert guides who will share stories of the land’s rich biodiversity, folklore, and history. One of the weekend’s highlights, Reach the Cruachan Summit with Mario from Muddyboots, sets off at 10am on Saturday, July 12th. This 10km guided hike will take roughly four hours, leading adventurers to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Ireland, offering panoramic vistas that sweep from Youghal to Tramore, with the Knockmealdowns and Comeraghs framing the horizon.

On Sunday morning, July 13th, the Coumshingaun Ridge Hike offers an unforgettable experience above Europe’s most magnificent corrie lake. Towering cliffs wrap around the sparkling lake below in a dramatic horseshoe route that makes you feel as though you’re walking through a mythical landscape. This is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights.

Also on Saturday, fans of film and history can step into cinematic nostalgia with The Barry Lyndon Experience Looped Walk. Guided by Michael O’Donoghue of Rathgormack Ramblers, this 8km moderate forest trek traces the very locations where scenes from the iconic 1975 film were shot, blending natural beauty with film magic.

If inner peace is more your path, Zen in the Park in Kilmacthomas offers a revitalising yoga session on Saturday from 10 am to noon beneath the soaring arches of the Greenway bridge. Led by senior yoga teacher Virginia Giani, this gentle flow blends breathwork, sound immersion, and mindful movement, followed by delicious barista coffee and a smoothie bowl from Signal Box Coffee.

Sunday morning continues the wellness journey with Find Your Way with The Holistic Coach at Scéal Nua gardens in Clonea Power. This outdoor workshop blends meditation, visualisation, and life coaching in a serene garden setting, helping participants reconnect with purpose and possibility.

From 11 am to 3pm on Sunday, immerse yourself fully in nature at the Comeraghs Wild Wellness Retreat in award-winning Crough Wood. Guided by resident nature expert Claire O’Sullivan, the day includes forest therapy, mindful foraging, gentle yoga, and even a refreshing waterfall plunge for the brave-hearted. Afternoon tea in the woods—featuring wildcrafted treats and herbal teas—adds a deliciously wholesome touch.

For those craving a bit more adrenaline, the Nire Valley Drop mountain biking and gravel biking event kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday in Ballymacarbry. With thrilling off-road routes across some of the most scenic terrain in the region, riders can choose between a 50km Gravel Grinder or the classic 45km mountain biking route, with optional shortcuts for those who like their adventure on a gentler slope.

But the Comeraghs Wild Festival is much more than hiking boots and yoga mats. The festival opens with Indigestion, a moving one-man play by Seamus O’Rourke, and continues with hands-on fun like felt-making and surfing, live outdoor music with The Dolans, and family rides aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Kids will love the joyful Creative Children’s Summer Camp in Crough Wood, while Saturday evening brings a lively céilí feel with Dance Neath the Comeraghs, music from Neily O’Connor, and a special screening of Barry Lyndon excerpts in celebration of the  area where Ryan O’Neal’s character’s family cottage was located.

Brought to you by Waterford City and County Council, the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 is an invitation to reconnect with nature, community, and creativity in one of Ireland’s most captivating landscapes. From the forest to the stage, and from summit to sea, this is a festival that speaks to the soul.

For full programme details, visit www.comeraghswild.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer Stars Reading Programme 2025

Summer Stars Reading Programme

Summer Stars Reading Programme runs from now until August 31st in Waterford Libraries.  Pick up your child’s Reading Card, complete it before August 31st and drop back to your local library.

Any child who completes the Summer Stars Reading Programme will receive a medal and certificate in October 2025.

Summer Stars is a free national programme running in all libraries across Ireland.  See www.waterfordlibraries.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council invites entries for Waterford Poetry Prize 2025

Waterford City and County Council invites entries for Waterford Poetry Prize 2025

Waterford City & County Council Arts Office is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the Waterford Poetry Prize 2025.

The Waterford Poetry Prize is open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland. This prize has emerged from the influence of the late Waterford writer Seán Dunne whose poetry continues to inspire.

The winners of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2025 will be announced at the closing event of the Waterford Writers Weekend on Sunday, October 26th 2025.

This year the Arts Office is pleased to welcome poet, essayist and librettist, Jessica Traynor as adjudicator. Jessica is the author of three critically acclaimed books of poetry and poetry editor at Banshee.  Her third poetry collection Pit Lullabies was a Poetry Book Society recommendation.  Her awards include the 2024 Tundish Award from Field Day for contribution to the arts in Ireland and the 2023 Laurence O’Shaughnessy Award for Irish Poetry. Her fourth poetry collection, New Arcana, is forthcoming from Bloodaxe Books in September 2025.

There is no age limit and no entry fee for the Waterford Poetry Prize 2025. First prize is €500 plus attendance at a writing course under the auspices of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore. Second prize is €400, and third prize is €300.  Closing date for receipt of entries is 12 noon on Friday August 15th.

Online entries only will be accepted on the Waterford Submit link  https://submit.link/3Qv or via this QR code.

-ends-

For further information:

Margaret Organ, Arts Officer, Waterford City and County Council

morgan@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

The Dolans and The Wackateers Light Up Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025

An extraordinary night of music, comedy, and nostalgia awaits under the stars in the majestic foothills of the Comeragh Mountains on Friday, July 11th. As part of the much-anticipated Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025, the Dolan family will unite for Remembering Joe, a heartfelt tribute concert to the legendary Joe Dolan, while Waterford’s own comic icons, The Wackateers, return to the stage for one unforgettable performance.

From July 10th to 13th, the Comeraghs Wild Festival transforms County Waterford into a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and nature. This year’s theme, Nostalgias, invites visitors to relive cherished memories and rediscover the cultural heartbeat of this breathtaking region. Through stories, songs, laughter, and wild landscapes, the festival promises to stir the soul and spark the imagination.

Among the standout events is Music and Comedy in the Comeraghs, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mahon Falls at Cooney’s Yard in Crough. With gates opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m., audiences can look forward to an evening that blends soaring vocals, warm memories, and side-splitting humour.

Taking to the stage is the Dolan family as they honour Joe’s extraordinary legacy. Now 18 years since his passing, Joe’s timeless hits continue to resonate, most recently reaching new audiences through Disney’s Cruella. His music remains a source of joy and nostalgia, cherished by fans old and new. The tribute will feature Joe’s brother Ben Dolan, who performed beside him for nearly five decades, offering personal stories and reflections that span a remarkable career. He’ll be joined by niece Sandra, nephews Adrian and Ray, singer Karen Carroll, and members of Joe’s original band. Together, they’ll deliver an emotional, high-energy celebration of one of Ireland’s most iconic voices.

Opening the night with a bang are The Wackateers, whose hilarious blend of impersonations and absurd comedy has made them legends in their own right. This exclusive reunion performance promises sharp wit, outrageous characters, and unfiltered fun as they take on music icons, political figures, and a few surprises along the way.

Speaking on behalf of The Wackateers, Michael shared his excitement: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be stepping back into the spotlight for this one special night. The Comeraghs Wild Festival means so much to the community, and coming together again in such a stunning location is something we couldn’t pass up. There’s a special kind of magic that happens when laughter and music echo through the mountains—we’re here to make sure people leave smiling with stories they’ll be telling for years.”

Early bird tickets are now on sale for €25, and anticipation is already building for what promises to be a truly electric evening.

The festivities continue through the weekend, with a powerful festival finale featuring Gina and The Champions live on Sunday, July 13th, at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan. Part of their Live in ’25 tour, this eagerly awaited performance follows two previously sold-out shows and is set to bring the house down with timeless hits like The Greatest Lover, Do You Wanna Do It, and Give Me Back My Love. The evening will also pay tribute to the late Dale Haze, making it a poignant and celebratory close to an unforgettable weekend.

The Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 continues its celebration of music and community with two more unmissable events that showcase the rich musical traditions and talent of the region. On Saturday afternoon, festivalgoers are invited to The Getaway in Kilnafrehan East, Dungarvan, for The Rambling House Session with Joe Power. This free, informal traditional music session kicks off at 3 p.m. and promises an authentic, heartwarming experience where everyone is welcome, and the hat is passed in true old-style fashion. On Sunday evening, at 4 p.m., the historic Clonegam Church will host a special concert featuring the hauntingly beautiful voice of acclaimed singer-songwriter Moylan, alongside the vibrant Anam Choir from Wexford. Moylan’s ethereal Celtic sound and lyrical intensity will be complemented by Anam Choir’s dynamic renditions of popular favourites, old and new. Tickets for the Clonegam Church concert are €10, with limited places ensuring an intimate and memorable musical evening in a truly atmospheric setting.

The broader festival lineup is as diverse and rich as the landscape itself. From the moving one-man play Indigestion by Seamus O’Rourke on opening night, to the joyful chaos of the Creative Children’s Summer Camp in Crough Wood, the festival pulses with activity. Saturday brings early risers to the Cruachán summit at sunrise, followed by everything from yoga in the park, felt-making, and mountain biking, to surfing and family fun aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Saturday night dances to a traditional rhythm with Dance Neath the Comeraghs and live music from Neily O’Connor.

Sunday continues the magic with wellness retreats, forest therapy, guided hikes, and the whimsical Horgan’s Magnificent Magic Show—plus a special film screening of Barry Lyndon, introduced by acclaimed critic John Maguire.

Brought to you by Waterford City and County Council, the Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 invites you to step into the wild, the whimsical, and the wonderfully nostalgic spirit of the Comeraghs. Whether you’re drawn by music, comedy, nature, or community, this is a festival that feeds the soul.

Tickets, booking details, and the full festival programme are available now at www.comeraghswild.com.

By Waterford City & County Council

Crime Writer Andrea Carter in Conversation

Andrea Carter

Author Andrea Carter will join Waterford City and County Librarian, Mary Conway, for the fifth Writers at Waterford Libraries event of 2025 in Lismore Library on June 18th at 3pm to discuss her latest book, There Came a Tapping and writing life.

Andrea Carter  grew up in Ballyfin Co. Laois,  studied law at Trinity College Dublin, and worked as a solicitor on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, where she ran the most northerly solicitor’s practice in the country. Having practised law for twenty years, more recently as a barrister, she now writes full time. Her first book, Death at Whitewater Church, a winner of the Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair, was followed by Treacherous Strand, The Well of Ice, Murder at Greysbridge, and The Body Falls. She has been the recipient of two Arts Council of Ireland Literature Bursary Awards and a Dublin City Council Bursary Award. Her short story The Lamb was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2019. The Inishowen Mysteries series is in development for television. Her first standalone thriller There Came a Tapping was published in March 2025.

This event is free, but booking is essential, to book your seat for the event contact Lismore Library on 058 21377.

The Writers at Waterford Libraries series is a programme of Waterford City and County Council Library Service. For further details see http://waterfordlibraries.ie/writers-at-waterford-libraries/

By Waterford City & County Council

Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 Announces Full Programme of Events

Open-Air Concert in the Mountains with ‘The Dolans’, Sunrise Hikes, Wellness Retreat & More…

The Comeraghs Wild Festival makes a vibrant return this summer, running from July 10th to 13th, 2025, with a dynamic celebration of culture, nature, music and adventure across the spectacular Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford. With the evocative theme of ‘Nostalgias’, the 2025 festival is set to transport visitors through a rich tapestry of tradition, storytelling, and natural beauty, while reigniting the cultural flame that runs through the county’s mountains, valleys, and communities.

Organisers have officially launched the programme, promising four unforgettable days of live performances, guided hikes, culinary delights, creative workshops, and heart-warming encounters with heritage and local folklore. This year’s festival aims to revive the past with a fresh spirit, as artists regroup, stories are retold, and traditions are reimagined against one of Ireland’s most dramatic backdrops.

Cllr. Seanie Power, Cathaoirleach Comeragh Municipal District, officially launched the programme today (June 2nd 2025), saying, “The Comeraghs Wild Festival is more than an event—it’s a heartfelt celebration of who we are, where we’ve come from, and the stories that shape us. This year’s theme of ‘Nostalgias’ invites us all to reconnect with our heritage, our landscape, and one another. As Cathaoirleach, I’m proud to launch a programme that honours tradition while embracing creativity, bringing our communities and visitors together in the breathtaking beauty of the Comeraghs. I encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be four unforgettable days of culture, adventure, and connection.”

Opening the festival on Thursday, July 10th, acclaimed playwright and performer Seamus O’Rourke brings his one-man show Indigestion to St. Brigid’s Hall, Kilrossanty. This powerful piece of theatre explores the life of a man navigating loss, love and hope, offering the perfect mix of humour and pathos to launch the weekend.

Friday, July 11th sees creativity in full bloom at the Creative Children’s Summer Camp in Crough Wood, where young minds can meet the “Kings and Queens of the Trees” through crafts, mindfulness and forest fun. That evening, a major highlight takes place in the magical setting of Cooney’s Yard in the heart of the Comeraghs and the gateway to Mahon Falls as the Dolan family presents Remembering Joe, a powerful concert tribute marking 18 years since the legendary Joe Dolan’s passing. On the night, The Dolans will be supported by the famous ‘Wackateers’ who are coming together once again for this very special occasion.

Saturday brings a festival crescendo, starting with an early morning hike to the Cruachán summit with Muddyboots Guides. Yoga enthusiasts can find balance with Zen in the Park in Kilmac at the Signal Box, followed by fresh coffee and smoothie bowls served under the summer sun. Throughout the day, the festival embraces traditional crafts with a felt-making workshop, history and cinema with a Barry Lyndon commemorative loop walk, and the thrill of adventure with mountain biking events, surfing lessons, and a host of family-friendly activities.

Children and adults alike can delight in meeting Honey and Barry Bear on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. The day draws to a joyful close with Dance Neath the Comeraghs set dancing in Rathgormack and live music from Neily O’Connor.

On Sunday, July 13th, the spirit of connection continues. The day opens with a guided hike around the breathtaking Coumshingaun, followed by wellness workshops in Clonea Power’s Scéal Nua gardens. Crough Wood also hosts a day-long Wild Wellness Retreat featuring forest therapy, yoga, foraging walks, and a nourishing afternoon tea in the woods.

Families can enjoy a touch of magic at Waterford Suir Valley Rail Station with Horgan’s Magnificent Magic Show, while film lovers can revisit cinema history with a special screening of Barry Lyndon in Rathgormack, where scenes of the movie were originally filmed, accompanied by commentary from film critic John Maguire.

To close the festival, Ireland’s iconic Gina and The Champions will light up Dungarvan’s Town Hall Theatre as part of their Live in ‘25 Tour. With a set full of beloved hits and tributes to Dale Haze, this final performance promises a fitting end to a weekend filled with memories, music, and community.

The Comeraghs Wild Festival 2025 invites all to immerse themselves in its rich programme and reconnect with the wild, whimsical, and wonderful essence of the Comeraghs. Tickets and full booking details are available via www.comeraghswild.com.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Audiobook interview today on RTÉ Radio 1

Audiobook interview today on RTE Radio 2

On Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1,  our librarians Jennie Loughran and Tracy McEneaney shared their top audiobook picks for all ages this summer.

From thrillers and contemporary fiction to great children’s listens, there’s something for everyone – perfect for holidays, commutes, or quiet evenings.

Catch the full conversation and their recommendations on the RTÉ website: Listen here

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