Waterford is set to come alive with colour, creativity and culture this August as Waterford Walls Festival 2026 returns to the city from 7th to 16th August.
Now in its 12th edition, Waterford Walls transforms streets, buildings and public spaces across the city into an incredible open-air gallery. With artists from Ireland and around the world creating large-scale murals, there is something new to discover around almost every corner.
For guests staying at Dooley’s Hotel Waterford, the festival is a wonderful opportunity to explore the city on foot, experience some of Waterford’s best-known street art and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the city’s most creative weekends of the year.
What is Waterford Walls?
Waterford Walls is an international street art festival celebrating creativity, public art and community.
The 2026 festival will feature 52 street artists from across the world, painting live across Waterford City. The programme also includes workshops, family events, music, artist talks, film screenings and guided tours.
The festival has become an important part of Waterford’s cultural identity. The Walls Project’s recent impact research found that 93% of surveyed locals said the murals make them feel proud of their neighbourhood, while 89% said the murals help attract people to new parts of the city.
Waterford Walls 2026 Highlights
There is plenty happening throughout the ten-day festival.
Visitors can join daily guided tours from the Festival Hub, offering an opportunity to learn more about the artists and the stories behind the murals. There are also free events throughout the programme, including Kids Walls, DJs, live painting and street culture events.
Some of the 2026 highlights include:
- Kids Walls – creative street-art activities for younger visitors.
- Graffiti workshops – opportunities to learn about street-art techniques.
- Live street art – watch international artists create murals across Waterford.
- Artist talks – hear directly from artists about their work and influences.
- Street parties and live performances.
- Guided Waterford Walls tours.
- Spray & Sip events.
- Music and DJ performances.
With events taking place across the city, Waterford Walls is a great excuse to explore areas you might otherwise miss.
Explore Waterford on Foot
One of the best things about Waterford Walls is that you don't necessarily need a strict itinerary.
Start in the city centre and follow the murals, stopping for coffee, lunch or a drink along the way. Waterford's compact city centre makes it easy to combine the festival with a visit to the Viking Triangle, Waterford Treasures museums, local shops and the many cafés, bars and restaurants around the city.
Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, and one of its charms is the way its historic streets and buildings sit alongside contemporary art and culture.
Proud Sponsors of Waterford Walls
At Dooley’s Hotel, we’re proud to be a sponsor of Waterford Walls, one of the city’s most exciting and distinctive cultural festivals.
We’ve seen first-hand how the festival has transformed Waterford’s streets and buildings through incredible international street art, and we’re delighted to play our part in supporting an event that brings so much creativity, colour and energy to the city.
Our own walls at Dooley’s have become part of that story.
Last year, we were thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed artist Nerone, whose spectacular mural added another striking piece of street art to the heart of Waterford.
And this year, we’re delighted that our walls will once again become a canvas, with Fio Silva and Fintan Magee creating new murals at Dooley’s as part of Waterford Walls 2026.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for our guests to experience the festival before they even leave the hotel — and for everyone visiting Waterford to see world-class street art right in the city centre.
As proud sponsors, we’re looking forward to welcoming artists, visitors and festival-goers to Waterford this August and watching our city come alive with art, music and creativity.
Whether you’re coming to discover the murals, take part in the events or simply enjoy the atmosphere, Dooley’s Hotel is the perfect base for experiencing Waterford Walls and exploring everything Waterford has to offer.
Stay in the Heart of Waterford
Dooley's Hotel is located on Merchants Quay in the heart of Waterford City, making it an ideal base for visitors coming to experience Waterford Walls.
Our city-centre location means guests can easily head out and explore Waterford's streets, attractions, restaurants and festival events before returning to the comfort of the hotel.
After a day spent walking around the city and discovering new murals, enjoy a relaxing meal or drink before planning your next day's adventures.
Make a Weekend of It
Waterford Walls is more than an art festival. It is a chance to experience Waterford at its most vibrant, with art, music, workshops, food and culture bringing the city to life.
Whether you're visiting with friends, bringing the family or simply looking for a different weekend away, August is a fantastic time to discover Waterford.
Waterford Walls 2026 takes place from 7th–16th August.
For more information about the festival programme, artists and events, visit the official Waterford Walls website.
Planning a visit? Book your stay at Dooley’s Hotel Waterford and enjoy the convenience of staying right in the heart of the city.
