Lismore Castle, Waterford
Wednesday 28 May | Friday 30 May
Saturday 31 May | Sunday 1 June
Opera Concerts Recitals Schools & Free Event s
A spellbinding tale of love, mischief, and transformation, this magical opera brings Shakespeare’s timeless comedy to life with Britten’s shimmering, atmospheric score. Featuring a distinguished Irish-led cast and creative team, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, this landmark production marks the first time a 20th-century opera will be performed at the festival.
Music by Benjamin Britten, libretto by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, adapted from William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Unique Opportunity to Entertain at Lismore Castle
Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival Returns for 2025 with Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Come and experience the magic for yourselves in Lismore and along the Blackwater Valley this summer, where you and your guests will receive a warm welcome.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Lismore Castle, surrounded by its magnificent summer gardens, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival presents Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Experience an evening of lyrical beauty, intrigue, and wonder in one of Ireland’s most spectacular settings.
Corporate Experiences at BVOF 2025
Nestled in the heart of County Waterford, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival is firmly established as Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival. Each year, we present a worldclass opera production in the enchanting grounds of Lismore Castle, offering an unforgettable experience that blends exceptional performances with the finest hospitality. Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) is an established Flagship festival for Waterford attracting 1,000’s of visitors annually and celebrates its 15th year in 2025.
“The combination of an outdoor opera with wonderful fare in the magical setting of the Lismore Castle gardens, is absolutely enchanting.”
Dr Colin Hunt, CEO AIB plc
An Evening at the Opera
Packages from €245.00 pp*
The experience begins at 5.00pm with access to Lismore Castle Gardens and champagne reception. At 5.15pm, enjoy The Midsummer Menu in Eunice Power’s pop-up opera restaurant. The performance of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream starts at 7.30pm, with a 40-minute interval for dessert and coffee before the final act.
The evening concludes at 11.15pm, offering an unforgettable blend of world-class opera, fine dining, and exceptional hospitality in a spectacular setting. *Includes VAT Guests enjoy unrivalled access to the historic Lismore Castle gardens, a setting that enhances the magic of live opera. Whether entertaining clients, rewarding employees, or hosting a special corporate gathering, our tailored packages provide the perfect blend of culture, elegance, and exclusivity.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Tuesday 27 May – Monday 2 June
Operas, recitals, concerts, food and fun at 12 fabulous venues along the Blackwater Valley centred around Lismore and the spectacular grounds of Lismore Castle.
#BVOF2025 #BVOFDream #BVOFConcerts #BVOFRecitals #BVOFSchools
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Book your tickets +353 (0)87 407 9250 boxoffice@blackwatervalleyopera.ie www.blackwatervalleyopera.ie
For further information and bookings, please contact: Eamonn Carroll, Festival Director +353 87 286 5207 eamonn@blackwatervalleyopera.ie
Luxury Stays for an Unforgettable Festival Experience
Allow us to plan your visit and explore our choice of luxury hotels, bijou guest houses and country homes near Lismore. Our team of experts can advise with booking festival accommodation to match your choice of opera night during the festival. We know the hidden gems, local recommendations, and can even organise travel during your stay.
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