By John – Irish Tourist Radio
There’s something special about the August Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland. Whether it’s live music, colourful street performances, or discovering somewhere new, it’s a wonderful time to get out and experience the best of what Ireland has to offer.
This year, I’m delighted to be heading back to Spraoi International Street Arts Festival in Waterford, one of Ireland’s biggest and most exciting free festivals, running from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August 2026.
“One of my favourite discoveries during Spraoi 2025 was the fantastic live music at Tully’s Bar, where performers kept the festival atmosphere going well into the evening.”
Last year, I spent an unforgettable weekend exploring Waterford’s vibrant streets, meeting visitors from around the world, enjoying fantastic live entertainment, and recording interviews for Irish Tourist Radio. I captured hundreds of photographs and produced a video that brings the atmosphere of the festival to life.
This year, I’ll be returning to do it all again!
Watch My 2025 Spraoi Adventure
Before this year’s festival begins, take a look at my video from last year’s August Bank Holiday, where I combined visits to the Spraoi Festival in Waterford with the Light the Fire event in Slane. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere before setting off on your own adventure.
“August Bank Holiday | Spraoi Festival & Light the Fire in Slane 2025”)
What’s Happening at Spraoi 2026?
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Waterford’s historic streets will come alive with:
- International street theatre
- Circus performances
- Live music
- Family entertainment
- The spectacular Spraoi Parade
- Evening performances and outdoor shows
The festival is completely free to attend and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This year’s headline parade spectacle is “Howl,” celebrating wolves in Irish mythology, taking place on the evening of Sunday 2nd August.
Explore with Irish Tourist Radio
To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve created Irish Tourist Radio’s Interactive Guide to Spraoi 2026.
The guide includes:
- Festival venues
- Parade information
- Visitor facilities
- Nearby attractions
- Places to eat and drink
- Travel information
After the festival, I’ll be updating the map with my own photographs, interviews, favourite discoveries and recommendations, making it an even better guide for future visitors.
Staying in Waterford
If you’re planning to stay for the weekend, I’d recommend booking accommodation early. During previous visits, I’ve enjoyed staying at both the Fitzwilton Hotel and the Waterford Marina Hotel — both great bases for exploring the festival and Waterford city on foot.
Whether you’re visiting Spraoi for the first time or returning as a regular festival-goer, I hope you’ll follow along as Irish Tourist Radio brings you all the colour, creativity and atmosphere from one of Ireland’s greatest festivals.
I look forward to seeing you in Waterford!
Explore Waterford with Irish Tourist Radio
Use this interactive guide to discover Spraoi performance venues, visitor attractions, cafés, restaurants, accommodation, parking and visitor information. During and after the festival, I’ll be updating the map with my own photographs, interviews and personal recommendations from around Waterford.
🗺️ How to Use Irish Tourist Radio’s Interactive Guide
The interactive guide is designed to help you explore Waterford before and during the Spraoi Festival.
Here’s how to get the most from it:
📍 Click any marker
Select any icon on the map to view more information about that location.
🎭 Browse by category
Use the menu on the left-hand side of the map to switch different layers on or off, including:
- 🎪 Festival Venues
- 🎉 Spraoi Parade
- 🏛️ Visitor Attractions
- ☕ Food & Drink
- 🏨 Accommodation
- 🅿️ Visitor Information & Parking
🔍 Zoom in
Zoom into Waterford city to discover attractions, cafés, hotels and festival venues within easy walking distance of one another.
📱 On your phone
Open the map on your smartphone while you’re walking around Waterford. Tap any location for directions and information.
