27 reasons to visit Waterford this summer, as 27 fun-filled festivals get underway!

Kicking off on the summer solstice of June 21, the first of 27 different festivals gets underway in Waterford as the city and county are abundant with summer festival fun.

TuneFest in Dungarvan will commence on June 21 and will see the market town alive with trad sessions, recitals and workshops.

Also taking place over the solstice weekend is the Waterford Viking Marathon, followed by the Dunmore East Small Boats Festival. Closing the month, June 29 will see The Waterford Distillery Festival take place.

In July, there is an abundance of art, literature, Vikings, family and children's festivals on offer.

Some highlights include the Seán Dunne Literary Weekend and the inaugural Seán Dunne Poetry award prize giving and the standalone children's festival Sprog which celebrates all things 'play'.

The Comeraghs Wild Festival captures all that is special about the Comeragh Mountains, the Copper Coast and the Nire Valley. For adventure seekers, the cross-country MTB endurance challenge 'The Nire Valley Drop' offers a 40km challenging route.

The Elemental Waves Festival in Dunmore East on July 13 will offer wellness and educational skills on how to sustain well-being in everyday living. The Waterford Chamber Music Festival in Mount Congreve Gardens will offer a symphony of classical music concerts from July 26 to 28. 

The August Bank Holiday Weekend other-wise known as the SPRAOI Weekend in Waterford is abuzz with festivities and events, with Europe's largest street theatre festival filling the streets with magic, vibrancy and fun.

The "Good Old Days'' festival on August 4 in Carbally is a celebration of our heritage, featuring singing, dancing, live music, arts and crafts, and traditional cooking. The international street art festival 'Waterford Walls' offers a host of live art, digital art programmes, music hubs, workshops and guided tours from August 9 to 18.

Lismore Street Festival kicks off in the picturesque heritage town on August 11. Also in August, RESTIVAL at Mount Congreve Gardens offers a weekend of tranquillity and well-being and the All Together Now Festival at Curraghmore has a lineup of top music acts, comedy, food and more.

The Copper Coast Culture and Heritage Festival will showcase the nature, creativity and history of the area. In Tramore, the Vitamin Sea Festival is a weekend programme of sea-inspired events.

In Dunmore East, the Bluegrass Festival will have the village rocking from August 23. Taking the summer festival series to a close in September is the OldVelos Festival, an annual festival for cycling enthusiasts.

Speaking of the summer festival series, Sara Dolan Chair of Visit Waterford said: "Every weekend in Waterford sees more than one festival on offer across the City and County with many taking place offering free access or nominal ticket fees. 

"The variety of heritage, culture, family, adventure and sports events is astounding. There is certainly something on offer for all interests and sporting enthusiasts."

For festival-goers wishing to plan and enjoy a stay in Waterford, there are a variety of accommodations on offer from Glamping pods in Ardmore to Gatelode stays in Mount Congreve Gardens, to a range of hotel and guesthouse accommodations. See more at www.visitwaterford.com