Published on
December 23, 2025
In a recent council meeting, the idea of creating a new annual summer festival in Wexford town was dismissed by local representatives, emphasizing instead the importance of supporting existing festivals, particularly the Rockin’ Food Festival in Enniscorthy. This debate, which follows the departure of the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from the town, reflects ongoing tensions around the distribution of funding for cultural and tourism-related events in the county.
For several years, Wexford town has enjoyed hosting large-scale events, including the two-year run of the Fleadh Cheoil, but with the Fleadh’s departure, many had hoped a new, family-friendly music and culture festival could step in to fill the void. However, recent discussions and budget allocations have focused instead on the Rockin’ Food Festival, a well-established event that already draws tens of thousands of visitors to Enniscorthy each year.
The Debate: New Festival vs. Supporting Existing Events
At the heart of the dispute lies a funding disagreement, particularly regarding the amount of money allocated to different towns and their respective festivals. During the December budget meeting, it was revealed that Enniscorthy would receive €106,000 for its festivals in 2026, marking no increase from the previous year, despite rising costs due to inflation. This figure was notably €25,000 less than what Wexford town received, sparking concern among Enniscorthy representatives.
Councillor Aidan Browne voiced his frustration with the current funding structure, arguing that existing festivals, particularly the Rockin’ Food Festival, should take priority over any new events. He pointed out that Enniscorthy’s festival had become a significant draw for tourists, attracting an estimated 50,000 people during the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2025. Browne highlighted the Rockin’ Food Festival as the county’s signature event, emphasizing that it deserved more financial backing to continue growing and making an even larger impact on both the local economy and tourism.
The Impact of the Rockin’ Food Festival on Wexford Tourism
The Rockin’ Food Festival, held annually in Enniscorthy, has been a critical driver of tourism for the Wexford region. The festival, with its eclectic mix of street food, local produce, and live music, has attracted food enthusiasts, families, and tourists from across Ireland and beyond. With over 50,000 attendees in 2025, the festival stands as one of the largest and most successful cultural events in the county, showcasing Wexford’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage.
The festival’s success has significantly contributed to regional tourism in Enniscorthy, particularly during the off-season. Visitors flock to the area not only to sample local food and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere but also to explore the town’s historic sites, local landmarks, and natural beauty. This influx of tourists supports local businesses, from restaurants and hotels to shops and service providers, boosting the economy and promoting local culture.
Given the increasing costs of hosting major events, including security, infrastructure, and entertainment, Councillor Browne and other Enniscorthy leaders argue that more support is needed for existing festivals like the Rockin’ Food Festival to ensure they continue to thrive. The concern is that diverting resources towards new festivals, such as the one proposed for Wexford town, could dilute the success of already-established events, leading to competition for limited funding.
Wexford Town’s Call for a New Festival
Despite the objections from Enniscorthy, there remains a strong push from some quarters for Wexford town to establish a new summer festival. This push comes after Wexford town enjoyed significant attention during the two consecutive years it hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, one of Ireland’s biggest traditional music festivals. These festivals not only celebrated Irish music and culture but also attracted thousands of visitors to the town, providing a substantial economic boost.
The idea of creating a family-friendly music and culture event in Wexford town starting in 2026 would aim to replicate some of the success of the Fleadh Cheoil, offering another major draw for tourists during the summer months. Supporters of the festival argue that a new event would fill the gap left by the Fleadh, helping to rejuvenate tourism and keep Wexford town in the spotlight for both domestic and international visitors.
However, local representatives from the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) remain skeptical about the need for another major festival in the area, especially when funding for existing events is already stretched thin. They believe that Wexford town should focus on promoting its current festivals and supporting local initiatives before expanding into new ventures.
The Role of Festivals in Local and Regional Tourism
Festivals play a crucial role in boosting tourism and supporting local economies, particularly in regional areas like Wexford. Major cultural events such as music festivals, food festivals, and seasonal celebrations provide significant opportunities for tourism development, bringing in visitors from outside the area, supporting the hospitality sector, and encouraging visitors to explore beyond the main urban centers.
For towns like Wexford and Enniscorthy, having a well-established, signature festival provides a unique identity and helps draw people to the area year after year. In a competitive tourism environment, where visitors have many options for travel, offering a distinct festival experience can be a deciding factor in choosing one destination over another.
By continuing to support established festivals and ensuring that they receive adequate funding and resources, local authorities can help ensure that these events continue to thrive and attract tourists. Moreover, as seen with the Rockin’ Food Festival, these events often extend beyond just the festival days themselves, contributing to a year-round tourism strategy that promotes the local area’s food, culture, and heritage.
Balancing New and Existing Festivals
The debate over whether to create new festivals in Wexford town or focus on existing ones highlights the tension that many regional governments face when it comes to distributing funding and resources for cultural and tourism initiatives. On one hand, the creation of new events can inject fresh energy into a town and attract new visitors, but on the other hand, supporting existing festivals ensures that they can continue to grow and evolve, benefiting the region as a whole.
In Wexford, this balancing act is especially important given the county’s reliance on tourism for economic growth. If the county continues to expand its festival offerings, it must also ensure that it maintains a sustainable approach to event planning, recognizing that supporting and expanding existing events can often yield better returns in terms of tourism revenue and long-term success.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Wexford’s Festival Scene?
As Wexford town contemplates the possibility of creating a new festival, the focus remains on ensuring that existing festivals, such as the Rockin’ Food Festival in Enniscorthy, receive the support they deserve. With Enniscorthy’s festival attracting thousands of visitors each year and contributing significantly to the local economy, the importance of investing in and expanding existing events cannot be understated.
As the discussions around festival funding and tourism development continue, it is clear that Wexford’s festival scene has the potential to grow even further. Whether through expanding the reach of existing festivals or introducing new events that complement the county’s cultural identity, there are many opportunities for Wexford to establish itself as a leading destination for tourism in Ireland.
Ultimately, the goal for Wexford will be to strike a balance between creating fresh and exciting events and nurturing the success of the festivals that have already become integral to the region’s tourism industry. Only through careful planning and strategic support can the county continue to grow as a cultural and tourism destination that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion: Fostering Sustainable Growth in Wexford’s Festival Tourism
While the debate over new vs. existing festivals in Wexford continues, it’s clear that festivals are a vital part of the region’s tourism and economic growth. The Rockin’ Food Festival in Enniscorthy stands as a testament to the power of well-established events in driving regional tourism, and its continued success should serve as a model for future festival planning. By supporting both existing and potential new events, Wexford can continue to grow as a top destination for travelers seeking cultural experiences in Ireland.
