By John | Irish Tourist Radio
“Some festivals are simply events. Spraoi is an experience.”
Returning to Waterford
There are some places in Ireland that draw you back year after year, and for me, Waterford during the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival is one of them.
After such a fantastic experience last year, I couldn’t wait to return for Spraoi 2026.
We set off early on Saturday morning, and as we arrived in Ireland’s oldest city, the weather couldn’t have been better. The sun was shining, the streets were already beginning to fill with performers and visitors, and there was an unmistakable sense of excitement in the air. You could tell something special was about to happen.
This year’s base for the weekend was Priory House Student Accommodation, just a short stroll from all the festival action. We stayed in a spacious three-bedroom apartment that proved to be an ideal base for exploring Waterford over the weekend.
My bedroom even came with an unexpected local landmark.
Looking out of the window, I found myself directly across from Brennan’s Fast Food, a Waterford institution that’s been serving locals and visitors since 1976.
Naturally, before I unpacked the camera or switched on the microphone, there was only one thing to do…
First Stop: Brennan’s Famous Fish & Chips
Before heading into the crowds, I decided to fuel up with one of Waterford’s best-known takeaways.
The choice wasn’t difficult.
Fresh haddock and chips.
It turned out to be an excellent decision.
The fish was beautifully cooked, the batter was crisp without being heavy, and the generous portion certainly set me up for an afternoon of walking, photographing and recording interviews around the city.
One of the things I enjoy most when travelling around Ireland is discovering the local favourites. Brennan’s has earned its reputation over nearly fifty years, and after my visit, I can certainly understand why generations of Waterford people continue to recommend it.
With camera batteries charged, microphone packed and notebook in my pocket, it was finally time to immerse myself in Spraoi once again.
A City Transformed
One of the remarkable things about Spraoi is how completely it transforms Waterford.
For one weekend, the city becomes an enormous open-air theatre.
Every street corner seems to reveal something unexpected.
A brass band appears around one corner.
A giant puppet strolls through the crowds.
Acrobats perform high above the streets while children stare upwards in amazement.
Musicians from around the world fill the air with everything from traditional tunes to energetic rhythms that encourage complete strangers to stop, smile and dance together.
As I wandered through the festival with camera in one hand and microphone in the other, it quickly became clear that Spraoi isn’t simply something you watch.
It’s something you become part of.
Whether you’re chatting with performers, meeting local families who have been attending for decades or sharing a laugh with fellow visitors, everyone seems to become part of the same story.
That welcoming atmosphere is one of the reasons so many people return year after year.
The People Who Make Spraoi Special
Festivals are often remembered for their performances.
I remember them for the people.
One of the highlights of the weekend was chatting with local people who have made Spraoi part of their lives. Their stories reminded me that this isn’t simply a festival that visits Waterford once a year—it’s woven into the city’s identity.
One of the first people I met was Ailís Cavanagh, who was helping during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
When I asked where visitors should go for food and a pint, she smiled without hesitation.
“If you’re looking for a great pint and really good food, I’d definitely recommend Geoff’s Café Bar here in the Apple Market.”
As it turned out, that recommendation would become one of my own favourites before the weekend was over.
“We’ve Been Coming Since It Began”
One of the first people I met was Sabrina, a proud Waterford native whose connection to Spraoi stretches back almost as far as the festival itself.
She smiled as she explained that attending Spraoi has become a family tradition.
“I’ve been coming since I was very young. I used to bring my youngest brother, and now I bring my daughter. She’s 26 now and has been coming since she was little.”
That single sentence probably says more about Spraoi than any brochure ever could.
For many families in Waterford, the festival isn’t simply something to attend—it’s something they’ve grown up with.
Sabrina also shared a few recommendations for anyone planning a visit.
For a good meal, her advice matched what I’d already heard from others.
“For food, I’d definitely say Geoff’s Café Bar. It’s fantastic.”
She also suggested taking a short trip outside the city to Jack Meade’s, describing it as a wonderful place for visitors looking to explore beyond Waterford’s streets.
Three Generations, One Festival
A few minutes later, I asked Sabrina if I could take a photograph of her family.
Standing together were three generations.
Her mum, Vera Power.
Sabrina.
And her daughter, Rebecca.
It turned out to be one of my favourite moments of the entire weekend.
As we chatted, Sabrina laughed while remembering Rebecca’s very first Spraoi.
“I remember bringing her here when she was only a couple of months old. During the fireworks she was bouncing up and down trying to catch them. She absolutely loved it.”
Now, twenty-six years later, mother and daughter were standing together watching the same festival.
Some traditions are worth keeping.
Spraoi is clearly one of them.
Sunday at Geoff’s
Sunday morning began at a much slower pace.
After making breakfast back at Priory House, I enjoyed a relaxed walk through Waterford before the streets filled once again.
Even before the performers arrived, there was a quiet excitement in the air.
Cafés were opening their doors.
Volunteers were preparing for another busy day.
Street performers were getting into costume.
The city was waking up for another day of Spraoi.
By lunchtime, I decided to follow the recommendation I’d heard more than once during the weekend and headed to Geoff’s Café Bar in the Apple Market.
I ordered the seafood chowder.
The locals hadn’t steered me wrong.
It was rich, packed with fresh seafood and exactly what I needed after another morning exploring the festival.
I grabbed a table outside beneath the awning and watched Waterford pass by.
The weather had changed slightly.
A few light showers drifted across the city.
Nobody seemed to care.
Families continued exploring.
Street performers carried on entertaining.
Musicians never missed a beat.
Visitors simply opened umbrellas, laughed and kept enjoying themselves.
It reminded me of something we all know in Ireland.
A little rain has never stopped a good festival.
Music, Friends and the Apple Market
Later that afternoon I met Sarah, who had experienced two very different sides of Spraoi.
Saturday had been all about family.
Sunday was about music.
“Yesterday was all about bringing my daughter in. Today I’m here with friends, so we’re looking forward to the music.”
She explained they were heading to see Three for the Road and Brass & Co., making the most of another lively afternoon in the Apple Market.
When I asked where visitors should stop for food and a drink, she laughed.
“You can’t go wrong with Geoff’s. It’s one of the most popular places in Waterford.”
I had to agree.
When the Sun Went Down, Waterford Lit Up
As evening approached, the atmosphere around Waterford began to change.
The afternoon crowds were still enjoying the street performers and live music, but there was a growing sense of anticipation. Families started gathering along the parade route, children climbed onto parents’ shoulders for a better view, and cameras appeared everywhere as people found the perfect spot.
Everyone knew the highlight of the weekend was about to begin.
As daylight slowly faded, Waterford transformed once again.
The city’s historic streets became the stage for a spectacular procession of giant illuminated creations, colourful costumes, music and imagination. Around every corner came another surprise. Towering puppets drifted through the crowds, musicians filled the streets with infectious rhythms, and performers brought smiles to faces both young and old.
One of the stars of the evening was a magnificent illuminated wolf, towering above the spectators as it made its way through the city. Its glowing eyes and dramatic design drew gasps from the crowd, while countless phones and cameras tried to capture the moment. It was one of those sights that simply had to be experienced in person.
Nearby, lively marching bands brought another burst of energy to the parade. Dressed in colourful costumes, they had the crowd clapping along as they danced and played through the city centre. It’s impossible to stand still at Spraoi for very long—before you know it, you’re tapping your feet, smiling at complete strangers and joining in the fun.
What I enjoy most about Spraoi is that it doesn’t matter where you’re from or how old you are. For one weekend, everyone becomes part of the same audience. Locals and visitors stand shoulder to shoulder, sharing the same laughter, applause and sense of wonder.
As I looked around, I noticed something else.
Nobody seemed to be in a hurry.
Families lingered long after each performance ended. Friends stopped to chat. Visitors wandered through the streets soaking up every last moment. In a world that often feels rushed, Spraoi encourages you to slow down, look around and simply enjoy where you are.
As the parade reached its finale, thousands of people turned their eyes towards the night sky.
Then came the fireworks.
Brilliant bursts of colour lit up Waterford, reflecting off the city’s historic buildings and bringing a spectacular close to another unforgettable weekend. The cheers from the crowd echoed through the streets as each new display painted the sky above Ireland’s oldest city.
Standing there among thousands of smiling faces, camera in hand, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything the weekend had offered.
Wonderful conversations.
Fantastic local food.
World-class street performers.
Music around every corner.
And the warm welcome that Waterford is famous for.
Spraoi is much more than a street arts festival.
It’s a celebration of community, creativity and the joy of bringing people together.
Whether you’re visiting Waterford for the first time or returning, as so many families do year after year, Spraoi has a way of making you feel like part of the city.
As I packed away my camera after the fireworks and took one last look around, I found myself thinking exactly what I thought when I left last year.
I’ll be back.
Some places stay with you long after you’ve gone home.
Final Thoughts
Not because of one spectacular performance or one memorable photograph, but because of the people you meet along the way.
Throughout the weekend I had the pleasure of chatting with volunteers, local families and visitors who all shared the same message: Spraoi is something special.
It’s a festival where three generations of one family can stand together watching the parade.
Where a local happily recommends their favourite café to a visitor.
Where music fills ancient streets and strangers become friends, if only for a few minutes.
That’s the Ireland I love sharing through Irish Tourist Radio.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland over the August Bank Holiday weekend, put Waterford and Spraoi on your list.
Come for the street theatre.
Stay for the music.
Enjoy the local food.
Talk to the people.
You might arrive as a visitor, but there’s every chance you’ll leave already planning your next trip back.
Irish Tourist Radio Tip
If you’re visiting Spraoi, don’t just follow the festival programme.
Take time to wander down the smaller streets, chat with the performers, support the local cafés and pubs, and explore Waterford’s rich Viking history while you’re there.
Some of the best memories aren’t always on the main stage—they’re often found around the next corner.
As I crossed the bridge and left Waterford behind, I realised I wasn’t just taking home hundreds of photographs, hours of recordings and pages of notes.
I was taking home another story.
And like every good Irish story…
this one ends with the promise of coming back.
