Ballinatray House, owned by billionaire inventor James Dyson, is one of a number of historical venues across Waterford and East Cork that will stage performances throughout the festival.
The mansion set on 850 acres of mature land, was sold to the billionaire and Brexit backer in 2024 for a reputed €30m in what was one of Ireland’s biggest-ever property deals.
For the first time ever, the landmark property has been opened up to host a recital as part of the festival and those lucky enough to secure tickets for the sold-out performance will get a flavour of the stunning 18th century mansion.
“The recital at Ballynatray forms part of the publicly announced festival schedule and is included in our 2026 brochure,” said a festival spokesperson.
“As with all privately hosted events during the festival, arrangements are being managed in close coordination with the owners. We are grateful to the owners for their generosity in hosting this recital,” said the spokesperson.
Blackwater Valley Opera takes place in Waterford and East Cork from May 26 to June 1, with several key events already sold out.
The festival will present 24 performances in 13 historic venues throughout the region, bringing world-class opera and classical music to castles, churches and cathedrals, and country houses along the Blackwater Valley.
Ballynatray House, with billionaire inventor owner James Dyson, inset.
News in 90 seconds – March 28
This year’s flagship opera, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, staged in the atmospheric grounds of Lismore Castle, is almost sold out with very limited availability remaining for the final night on Monday June 1.
Featuring a predominantly Irish cast and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, the production will be conducted by composer Peter Whelan and directed by Tom Creed.
For those seeking a change of atmosphere and repertoire, Handel’s Acis and Galatea will be presented in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore.
The performance features Jade Phoenix, Dean Power, Edward Grint and Patrick Hyland, with the Irish Baroque Orchestra conducted by Oliver-John Ruthven
Beyond the main-stage operas, the festival’s recital and concert programme in stunning historical venues is also proving popular, with a number of performances selling out weeks in advance.
Ballynatray House, Villierstown Church, Salterbridge House, Tourin House, and Woodhouse Estate will host Irish and international artists in a series of chamber concerts and recitals, with tickets still remaining for some performances.
“Tickets (for Ballinatray House) were first offered to Friends of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival through priority booking and sold out immediately. Friends are valued supporters of the festival, and their membership helps sustain our year-round community and education programmes across the region,” added the spokesperson.
Food also plays a central role in the festival experience. At Lismore Castle, a Don Giovanni menu will be crafted by celebrity TV chef Eunice. Guests can also indulge in Gourmet Table Picnics or pair lunchtime recitals with dining at local eateries.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival expects to welcome more than 5,000 visitors this year and engage with over 1,000 students through its educational outreach programmes, raising the total number of students reached to over 8,500 since the programme began.