Wexford Festivals
Taking in a local festival can often impart an intimate understanding of local culture and tradition. A wide range is on offer in Wexford and its surrounding area.
Wexford Winter Wonderland
Each Christmas since 2011, the Winter Wonderland festival transforms Wexford town into a festive hub, with a Santa’s grotto, Christmas light-and-sound display, and a log-cabin Christmas market selling decorations, mulled wine and festive food.
Wexford in Bloom Festival
The Wexford in Bloom festival, held in July, promotes environmental awareness, action and achievement. The week-long programme features, among other events, flower-arranging demonstrations, grow-it-yourself talks, walking tours, and wine and cheese tasting.
Wexford Strawberry Festival
In the neighbouring town of Enniscorthy, the traditional Strawberry Fest, which includes the Strawberry Ball, the All Ireland Farmer’s Market and the crowning of the Strawberry Queen, has been given a twist in recent years with the addition of a music festival featuring an eclectic mix of local, national and international acts. The festival takes place in June each year.
Wexford Festival Opera
The Wexford Festival Opera held in October and November every year since 1951 is one of the world’s most renowned opera festivals. A trio of operas by lesser-known composers is performed in the sublime setting of Wexford Opera House. The corresponding fringe festival brings to Wexford a vibrant mix of theatre, dance, craft, traditional music, and tours of local sites of cultural and historical importance. Many other events are held in the opera house during the year.
Wexford Food and Wine Festival
Spread across three locations in Wexford town, the Food and Wine Festival celebrates local produce and gives Wexford’s artisan producers a chance to show off their delicious wares. Cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs, hog roasts, an open-air food market and free workshops are all on offer.