Step into a Fairytale: Blackwater Valley Opera Festival 2025

This summer, let the hauntingly beautiful melodies of opera transport you to another world at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Just a short 20-minute drive from Cliff House Hotel, this enthralling cultural escape unfolds in the heart of the Blackwater Valley, with its crown jewel being the magnificent Lismore Castle.

Perched on the banks of the River Blackwater, Lismore Castle—steeped in centuries of history and charm—provides a majestic backdrop for the festival’s marquee performances. Within its ancient stone walls, prepare to be spellbound by opera under the stars and gourmet dining in a setting fit for royalty.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Benjamin Britten
Lismore Castle Performances: 28, 30, 31 May & 1 June 2025
Experience Britten’s mesmerising retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale, where dreams and reality blur in an evening of enchantment and wonder.

More Than Opera: A Feast for the Senses
The Black Valley Opera Festival offers more than extraordinary music. Savour pre-opera dining crafted by award-winning chefs, sip on champagne as you wander the castle’s grounds, and immerse yourself in the magic of this historic region. Intimate recitals, education programmes, free community events, and concerts throughout the Blackwater Valley complete the week-long celebration.

Exclusive Hospitality Packages
Looking to impress clients, colleagues, or loved ones? Bespoke hospitality packages at Lismore Castle include:

• Gourmet pre-opera dining.
• Complimentary festival programmes and champagne on arrival.
• Tailored experiences to elevate your evening.

Ticket Information

• Priority Booking: Opens January 2025 for Friends of BVOF.
• General Sale: February 2025.
• Gift Vouchers: Available all year round.