A new partnership between Curraghmore Whiskey and Blackwater Valley Opera Festival brings together two established Waterford brands with shared values, craft, heritage and long-term investment in place.
Founded on over 850 years of heritage, Curraghmore Whiskey is a Single Estate Pot Still Irish Whiskey made entirely from barley and oats grown on the historic Curraghmore Estate in County Waterford. The estate has been home to the De La Poer Beresford family since 1167. Every drop of Curraghmore Whiskey is a reflection of provenance, patience, and place - crafted from field to bottle with integrity and purpose. The next phase of development includes plans for an on-site maturation warehouse, with a continued focus on consolidating the product range.
In addition, Curraghmore has developed The Mad Marquess, a brand that tells the story of the 3rd Marquess of Waterford, best known as the origin of the phrase ‘Paint the Town Red!’ This entry level whiskey is designed for the on-trade, with a cocktail-led offer capturing that legacy.
CEO Richard The Earl of Tyrone comments: “Curraghmore Whiskey is proudly quiet in its luxury. It is not made to be loud. It is made to last. We’ve assembled a team with tremendous experience, and we’re fortunate to have so much to work with in terms of brand opportunity given Curraghmore’s history.
“What we’re focusing on now is creating an authentic and enduring product. Building a discerning community seeking something rare and authentic. Representing the quintessential style of Irish Whiskey - pure pot still. That’s quite the challenge, but it’s a most exciting one.”
Founded in 2010, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival has developed into Ireland’s Summer Opera Festival, presenting opera and concerts across historic venues in Waterford and Cork. Its place-led model spans castles, estates, private houses, and cathedral settings, supporting regional tourism while attracting a national and international audience.
Festival Director Eamonn Carroll says: “This partnership is rooted in shared values and place. Both Curraghmore Whiskey and BVOF are based in Waterford, with a focus on creating something that endures.”
“It brings together two audiences - those drawn to premium Irish whiskey and those engaging with live opera - in a way that strengthens both experiences within the festival setting and beyond.”
The collaboration represents a clear and credible partnership between two Waterford propositions - one in premium drinks, the other in cultural tourism - aligned through heritage, audience, and experience.
Demand for 2026 is already strong. Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Lismore Castle is fully booked, with audiences continuing to book across the wider programme, including Handel’s Acis and Galatea, concerts at Dromore Yard, and a full recital series throughout the week.
For the business community, the collaboration connects product, place, and audience through a shared Waterford narrative, with clear potential across tourism, hospitality, and premium Irish exports.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival presents opera and live music across a network of venues in the region, bringing together audiences, artists, and local communities during the festival week.
Further information is available at blackwatervalleyopera.ie
