What to expect, before you arrive.
This guide is written for disabled visitors and anyone who finds new places easier with a bit of preparation. It walks through the festival step by step — arrival, moving around, quiet spaces, toilets and who to ask for help. Print it, save it, or read it on the day.
The festival happens all over Dungarvan — in restaurants, pubs, halls and gardens, and at the big open-air market on Grattan Square on Sunday. There is no single gate or festival site. Your booking confirmation tells you the venue for each event, and if anything is unclear you can email info@waterfordfestivaloffood.com before you travel.
Arriving
Dungarvan is a compact town, so most visitors park once (or arrive by bus) and walk between events. The Plan Your Visit page has current travel notes. If getting from parking to a venue is the hard part of your day, tell us through the access support form and we’ll help you plan the shortest route.
Finding your venue
Every event listing on this site names its venue, and each venue page shows the location on a map with any access notes we hold. Events take place in real working venues — some are modern and level, some are older buildings with steps or narrow doorways. If a listing doesn’t tell you what you need to know, ask us and we’ll check with the venue directly.
The Sunday market
The market on Grattan Square is outdoors at street level and free to enter. It is the busiest part of the whole weekend — late morning through afternoon is the peak. If crowds, noise or queues are difficult, the first hour is the calmest, and the streets just off the square stay much quieter all day.
Quieter moments
Because the festival lives in a real town, there is always somewhere calmer nearby — a side street, the quay, or a short walk along the harbour. Weekday-style calm returns quickly even on market day once you step away from the square.
Toilets
Indoor venues have their own facilities — venue staff will point you to the most accessible option. Public toilets are available in the town centre; ask any festival volunteer for the nearest.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in all outdoor festival areas, including the market. For indoor dining events, mention your dog when you book so the venue can seat you comfortably.
Who to ask for help
Festival volunteers and stewards are out across town during the weekend — any of them can help or find someone who can. Before the festival, email info@waterfordfestivaloffood.com or use the access support form.
Before you come
If you’d like anything arranged in advance — seating, step-free routes, sensory considerations, or something this guide hasn’t covered — tell us through the access support form and we’ll do our best to sort it before you arrive. General access information lives on the accessibility page.