I love Waterford in the Spraoi time
Spraoi festival is a three day street party showcasing theatre, music and art - and even better, all events at Spraoi are free!
Now entering its 18th year, Spraoi is a firm favourite for locals and visitors who throng the streets of Waterford. The festival also has a wide and varied music programme promoting both local and international musicians. The two main stages are located in the city on John Roberts Square and William Vincent Wallace Plaza, and have platformed such diverse acts as the Royal Drummers of Burundi and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. As night falls a full schedule of indoor music gigs is on offer, and to top it all of the gigs and activities are free of charge!
Guinness Rhythm Routes - follow the black stuff
On the music front there'll be The Destroyers from the UK to look forward to, creating a swirling spectacle of sensation and sound. Rueben Richards and his band Soul Train will bring a touch of deep down soul to the event, and old favourite's Los Albertos return with their blend of ska, funk and rock. There's also the Guinness Rhythm Routes - a list of pubs and venues hosting a spectacular range of live music slots throughout the festival.
Family Festival Fun
There's lots just for the kids too! SprÓg, incorporates fun and interactive performances, workshops and exhibitions in dance, puppetry, music and story telling by national and international companies (for those under eight years old). Spraoi Drums is the perfect chance for older kids (10 -18 years), to get stuck into some serious drum banging, which blends a mix of African, Brazilian and Caribbean beats.
Punk Folk Poetry?
Meanwhile, for those looking for something a little more bizarre, Stage 2 at Blackfriars is the place to go. Acts like Big Paulie Kool, the punk folk poet troubadour, will captivate, humour and possibly shock with his spectacular interpretations of the world of music.
After hours
In traditional festival style, Spraoi festivalites can keep the party going into the early hours of the morning by joining the Festival Club. These strictly over 18's late night events, featuring top DJs and bands, will take place at The Forum. A limited number of weekend passes, at €30 each, are available for these sessions.
What else is there to do around Waterford?
- You can't visit Waterford without seeing the amazing craftsmanship of Waterford Crystal. After centuries of traditional production they now collaborate with top designers like John Rocha and Marc Jacobs.
- Frolic on Tramore Strand. This stretch of golden sand is brilliant for a dip in the ocean, or for the more adventurous, make the perfect backdrop to learn to surf. The protected bay offers long, rolling, gentle waves - ideal for beginners.
- Treat yourself and enjoy dinner in the Bishop's Palace! Arlington Lodge was home to their ‘Graces' for the past 200 years, and this beautifully converted Georgian building now plays host to delicious home-cooked food in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
Waterford has its own international airport, and you can get there with Aer Arann from London Luton, Birmingham, and Manchester. Or you can hop in the car and take the ferry to Rosslare with Stena Line and Irish Ferries. For more offer to get you there, click here.
Ferry Special Offer: Pack the car and don't worry about your luggage allowance! 2 adults and 2 children return on the ferry for £186 from Pembroke to Rosslare.
Where to Stay
There's a huge range of accommodation to choose from in Waterford. You'll always find a warm welcome at the B&Bs, or for those on a budget there are a number of great campsites in the ‘Sunny South East'. It's well worth having a night treating yourself though - this area is particularly rich in the classic Georgian houses that dot Ireland's countryside, many of which are now open to visitors. For more offers on staying there, click here.
Hotel Special Offer: This 17th century Georgian hotel allows you to immerse yourself in Ireland's history - the deluxe version! 2 nights B&B and 1 dinner from £105-120pps. You also get passes to historic Reginald's Tower and the Waterford Museum of Treasures.
For more information on visiting Ireland, visit DiscoverIreland.com, the official tourist board site which pulls together top deals and info on the latest events.
Also, check out the Galway festival.
12 July 2010
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