Dungarvan wasn’t on your list. But it’s about to be.
You thought about taking a break, maybe waiting until summer, perhaps heading somewhere familiar. But if you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re looking for something different—a place where the streets don’t feel crowded, the best table in town isn’t booked out for weeks, and the mornings actually belong to you.
This is the season where Dungarvan does its best work. Brighter days, easier plans, and a lineup of events worth staying for. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend trip, a midweek reset, or an excuse to stretch the bank holiday into something longer, this is where you should be.
March & April in Dungarvan: Stories Waiting to Be Lived
Imagine arriving in Dungarvan just as the Waterford Festival of Food kicks off from April 25th to 27th, 2025. The town transforms into a haven for food lovers, with over 80 events showcasing Waterford's rich food heritage.
You start your day at the Quayside Market, where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the salty sea air. Local farmers proudly display their produce, and the chatter of satisfied visitors fills the streets. You hadn’t planned on buying anything, but a loaf of sourdough and a wedge of artisan cheese find their way into your bag.
Later, you find yourself at a chef's masterclass, watching in awe as culinary experts craft dishes that are both art and sustenance. Inspired, you make a mental note to try recreating that dish at home, knowing it won’t be quite the same.
As evening falls, you follow the Taste Waterford Tapas Trail, winding through three of Dungarvan’s best restaurants, including 360 Cookhouse, where the food is made for lingering, the drinks pair effortlessly, and the atmosphere pulls you in for longer than expected. You take a seat, sip your wine, and settle in. This is the part of the trip you’ll be talking about long after you’ve left.
Laughter Echoing Through the Night
The sun sets, but Dungarvan’s energy doesn’t fade. You wander into 360 Cookhouse, drawn by the sound of laughter spilling onto the street. It’s the Dungarvan Comedy Club!
You find a seat, order a drink, and settle in. The host, Tom O’Mahony, warms up the crowd with his quick wit, setting the stage for an evening of belly laughs. Comedians like Willa White & Emma Doran set to take the stage in the coming months.
The next day, the first thing you notice is the quiet. No alarm, no rush, just the slow warmth of morning light stretching across the room. You should check the time, but you don’t.
Outside, the town is already moving at its own unhurried pace. Cyclists glide past on their way to the Waterford Greenway, the sound of distant chatter drifts from the market, and the clatter of cups signals another round of coffee orders at a corner table. Shop doors open, deliveries arrive, and Dungarvan eases into another day.
You step outside with no real plan. A walk, maybe. A second breakfast if the mood strikes.
Dungarvan wasn’t on your list. But it should be.
In this town, serendipity replaces schedules, and every turn leads to something you didn’t plan for but wouldn’t trade. Whether it’s staying for one more drink, one more meal, or just one more night, Dungarvan has a way of convincing you that whatever’s waiting back home… can wait a little longer.
So pack a bag, take the scenic route, and find out why people who visit once always seem to come back.
