Blackwater Valley Opera Festival

About Us

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) is Ireland's Summer Opera Festival, celebrated for its world-class performances set against the scenic backdrop of the Blackwater Valley, supporting accessibility and community engagement across all ages and backgrounds. BVOF showcases opera, concerts and recitals in historic homes & venues from Cork to Waterford - with its headline opera at Lismore Castle.
Each year in late May and early June, the festival presents a vibrant week of opera, concerts, and recitals in unique venues throughout the region - from great houses and cathedrals to barns and gardens. The festival’s centrepiece is a fully staged opera production at Lismore Castle, featuring Irish and international artists, creative teams, and orchestras. Alongside this, an expanded concerts and recitals programme showcasing classical, baroque, chamber music, solo recitals, and open-air performances at atmospheric sites such as Dromore Yard. The festival also runs an extensive education and outreach programme, bringing music and opera to schools and communities across the region.
With its strong sense of place and commitment to Irish talent, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival blends artistic excellence with the character of the Blackwater Valley to create an unforgettable cultural experience. Set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful regions, the festival welcomes both seasoned opera lovers and first-time visitors to enjoy exceptional music and shared moments in extraordinary locations.