Skip to content

Arts / Culture

By Waterford City & County Council

Online is key to Finders Keepers growth

“The Trading Online Voucher gave us the means to build this fantastic website.”

Lisa Connolly and Luke Marsh are the founders and owners of Finders Keepers in Waterford City. While her background is in fashion and textile design, Lisa developed a love for retail when working abroad with her partner Luke, “I loved the experience of walking through the doors into someone’s shop and seeing how they have imagined their space.”

Finders Keepers is based in Waterford City, offering unique gift & homeware products and ideas. “We signed the lease on an old butcher shop in September 2017 and opened the door to Finders Keepers in November! My amazing little sister Beth joined us later that month & has been working with us since. A small family run business through and through!”

Following their opening they were very active on social media. They didn’t have the funds to advertise so it was their only way of promoting the business. “I was really just doing this with the idea of people from Waterford in my mind. I wanted them to come into town and find our shop. But our community quickly grew outside of Waterford. Our following was growing and suddenly we had customers in all parts of Ireland. But it was very frustrating, not having a website.”

Lisa met with the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford, who recommended a ‘Trading Online Voucher’ in order to get to the next phase of growth for Finders Keepers. “We found local web designers Transpose Digital. They were absolute pros and really worked hard with us to achieve the vision we had. If we were going to build a website, it needed to be done right and to a standard that could sit alongside with some of the bigger retailers. The TOV gave us the means to build this fantastic website.”

A Trading Online Voucher (TOV) is a financial incentive developed by the Local Enterprise Office for small businesses with no more than 10 employees, less than €2m turnover and who have been trading for at least 6 months. This voucher is designed to stimulate the applicant business to develop their online trading presence. The voucher is administered through your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and takes the form of matched funding where the maximum amount payable will be €2,500 or 50% of the eligible cost (whichever is the lesser), exclusive of VAT.

They launched the website in November 2019, just a few months before the pandemic. “I was never so grateful for the website during this time. We were suddenly busier than ever before. It was a crazy time. I live less than 1km from the shop so could walk here each day and continue dispatching orders. It was a hugely challenging time, taking on such a workload alone but our business grew exponentially.”

Fast forward to today, they have just moved into a new premises on Michael Street in the City, that is much bigger. They have a whole floor in the building dedicated to online and have built a studio for photoshoots to improve their digital offering on the website and through social media. The aim is to continue to grow the website within Ireland but start moving into the European market.

“Our bricks and clicks business model is working very well. I don’t think you can have one without the other. On a day where it may be quiet in town, our website will pick up the slack. We also have a large customer base from Waterford City who may be time poor and will use our click and collect service, ensuing their gift is wrapped and paid for on collection. It works very well.”

Irish consumers spend around €850,000 per hour, 24 hours a day online. With the trend ever increasing towards online spending it is estimated that only 30% of small Irish businesses are engaged in any meaningful way in e-Commerce sales. For businesses employing less than ten people this percentage could be even lower. It is now believed that of online purchases made in Ireland that 70% of these are done in overseas markets.

Applicants interested in a Trading Online Voucher can now apply online using a link on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website. Those wishing to avail of a voucher, must attend an obligatory information seminar. At each seminar attendees will be informed of the purpose of the scheme and how best to use and get value from the application of the voucher. You can book the next information seminar via the website.

Please reach out to your local LEO team by emailing info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie if you any questions in relation to your application, quotes or Information Seminar.

Finders Keepers can be reached by www.finderskeepersthestore.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Silver for residents of Tramore’s An Garrán

An Garrán residents’ association in Tramore was named as runner-up at the All-Island IPB Pride of Place awards last weekend.

The awards, hosted by Dublin City Council and held in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin, celebrate the best in community development, and recognise the efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

An Garrán residents’ association was nominated by Waterford City and County Council, in the Urban Neighbourhood (Under 3,000) category.

Speaking following the awards ceremony An Garrán’s spokesperson, Katariina Bent was delighted with the accolade. “Initially we started out as a small group to keep the estate tidy, but soon realised that we needed to form a residents’ association to achieve more and to reach more residents.

“With the help of Waterford City and County Council’s Estate management team we formed a committee, and this gave us the focus to engage directly with the residents of the estate and access more supports and funding.

“Estates Manager with the Council, Eamonn O’Leary was invaluable in the assistance he gave us in encouraging a great community spirit and helping us build a safe, inclusive, secure place for all the families living here.”

Built in 2009, An Garrán is a joint venture between Waterford City and County Council and Tuath Housing.

Eamonn O’Leary, Waterford City and County Council, congratulated the residents’ association on its award.  “What’s great about An Garrán is the enthusiasm and drive the residents have in creating and maintaining an estate that they all proudly call home.

“The Council nominated An Garrán last Autumn not only because we have built strong and enduring relationships with the committee and the residents there, but we are as committed as they are to continuing the excellent work that has been done over the last fifteen years.”

Eamonn continued, “One of the highlights over the years must be the outdoor fun day last summer to celebrate European Neighbours’ Day.  With music, fun activities, a biodiversity area and an estate clean-up, it really was an example of how the residents have created a warm, welcoming place for young and old.”

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

-ends-

Image 1:

l-r At the Pride of Place Awards Eamonn O’Leary Waterford City and County Council, Katriina Bent An Garrán residents association, Paul Lynch An Garrán residents association , John Kearns CEO IPB Insurance – Sponsors of Pride of place, Peter Sheridan CEO Co-operation Ireland and Jennifer Ring An Tuáth Housing Manager.

Image 2:

Residents of An Garrán celebrating European Neighbours’ Day

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Walls Festival Gearing Up for ‘23

A call out for walls to paint in the city and countryside 

The Waterford Walls team is calling on individuals and business owners in Waterford city and county to submit their walls for artists to paint at the festival, allowing for a transformation of homes, businesses and locale. Waterford Walls is an international street art festival taking place from 11th – 20th August 2023, organised by creative arts agency The Walls Project. The team is passionate about bringing an explosion of colour to the many derelict buildings lying around Waterford.

In 2022, the festival brought artists to transform the landscape of Cheekpoint and An Rinn, a project supported by Creative Ireland and Waterford City and County Council. This year’s aim includes a desire to bring the legacy of the festival wider into the county and to brand new locations. Renowned Irish and international artists including some locally, will transform vacant spaces by painting large scale murals on twenty-five locations around the county. A record-breaking 900 artist applications were received by the team including some world-class headline names.

Qualifying walls include public-facing boundary walls, gable ends and large building facades; preferably two or three story houses and offices with little to no windows are most desirable. Each site will be inspected and measured by the team in the next month. The wall owner will be guided through the process and will see the artist’s final sketch for approval. To submit a wall for review, wall owners are required to complete a form titled ‘I Have a Wall’, on the Walls Project website at https://wallsproject.ie/waterford-walls/.

Businesses may also choose to sponsor a wall with different price packages available. This sponsorship allows the individual to become the proud owner of a street art mural by a top international artist. All contributions will help to cover the costs including artist fees, paint, equipment, crew, travel, accommodation and insurance.

Waterford Walls Festival is running for its 9th year this August. The festival is supported and funded by Waterford County Council and The Arts Council of Ireland. A central hub will return to the festival lineup catering for all ages. Located at the Forum in the Glen, individuals and families can enter a world of activities including live art, workshops, walking tours and music.

For more information about the festival visit www.wallsproject.ie or check them out on social media.

ENDS

About
The Walls Project CLG is a social enterprise which delivers large scale public artworks and outreach projects. There are 4 main pillars to The Walls Project: Waterford Walls Festival, Commissions, Artistic Exchanges and Collaborations and Community and Educational Outreach.

Photographs by Gringo Pictures

By Waterford City & County Council

Harty Family mine acknowledged by Waterford City & County Council

A deactivated World War Two mine, which was gifted to Waterford City and County Council by the Harty family of An Rinn, is now prominently located on Davitt’s Quay in Dungarvan.

The mine was originally purchased by Joe Harty Snr at an auction of the estate of the late John Bowen, former Waterford County Surveyor.  Not realising the significance of the World War Two artifact, the mine was used by Joe to store oil in the 1950s, and in the intervening years lay disused on the family farm.

It is not known how John Bowen came to have the mine in his possession, however it has been widely reported that because many of the battles of World War Two were fought at sea, some of these sea mines were carried on the currents away from their intended targets, washing up on the Irish coastline.

The Harty family recounted the catastrophic events of May 2nd, 1945 when three fisherman from An Rinn were tragically killed when their fishing boat struck such a mine.  John Griffin Snr, his son John, and Nicholas Cuddihy were killed, while Patrick Whelan was the sole survivor.

Joe’s son Tommy Joe, and family donated the deactivated mine to Waterford City and County Council.  The mine has been restored and is erected on the Jetty at the Quay in Dungarvan Harbour.

Tommy Joe’s son, Joe, was delighted to see the mine restored to its former glory.  “Having grown up in Gortnadiha with the mine in our yard for years, it was a great source of entertainment to my brother and me.  We spent many a weekend, trying to force it open with vice grips and lump hammers, not even considering whether it was live or not.  Fortunately for us, it was deactivated, and we never managed to prise it open, despite our best efforts!”

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services and Dungarvan Town Manager welcomed the donation by the Harty family.  “It’s great to see this piece of history from World War Two displayed so prominently on the Quay side.  We may never know the origin of the mine, or the circumstances which brought it to the County Waterford coastline, but through the foresight of John Bowen and the generosity of the Harty family, we now have a genuine World War Two artifact on display for generations to see.”

The Harty family was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Waterford City and County Council by Cllr. Declan Doocey, Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore MD Council, for their contribution to local history and heritage.

-ends-

Free to use image – Pat Crowley

L to R: Billy Harty, Margo Ronayne, Joe Harty, Tommy Joe Harty, Cllr. Declan Doocey, Cathaoirleach, Dungarvan/Lismore MD Council, Cllr. Pat Nugent & Cllr. John Pratt

By Waterford City & County Council

Carving of the arrival of the Magi shines at Ardmore Cathedral

On the exterior of the west gable of the Medieval Ardmore Cathedral, there are a number of carvings which depict various biblical scenes.  One of  functions of these carvings was  to illustrate stories from the Bible for the faithful. Usually twelfth century Irish churches were decorated with non figurative ornament based on geometric and foliage patterns.

Figurative works such as these, which consist of many panels, are extremely rare in Ireland. It is believed that the most probable sources of inspiration for this type of decoration are found in the Poitous-Angoumois region in France, where there is similar arcading with figures on the exterior of the western elevations of Churches. Those also date from 12th century, while elements of the iconography are also similar to depictions on Norman manuscripts. The off centre placement of the lunettes may indicate that further panels were intended or that the panels were reset with later modifications to the building.

The sculpture comprises of two large semicircular panels or lunettes and above the remains of  of thirteen round headed panels . The iconography of some of these panels has been interpreted, where is possible as: Majestas, an iconic formula of the enthroned Madonna with the child Jesus in the arms, The Last Judgment or Archangel Michael weighing the souls and a number of bishops.

It is probable that a number of smaller panels may have been eroded by time and weather, as a few are now blank. With regard to  two  larger lunettes,  one which depicts  Adam and Eve.  The other to the right   contains  the Judgment of Solomon in the upper section  and the lower section   the Adoration of Magi.  Which is celebrated on the 6th of January

The photo of the Adoration of the Magi, captured in a low winter light by Rose our Conservation Officer

By Waterford City & County Council

West Waterford Festival of Food returns to its traditional Spring date in 2023

Ireland’s largest food festival, West Waterford Festival of Food will return to its traditional Spring date next year, taking place from 14-16 April 2023.

The confirmed date comes as the festival reveals record attendance figures of 67,000 for the 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food, which was held in June. The programme featured an eclectic mix of events for all ages; ranging from seven-course tastings and sharing plates, to outdoor discovery and a long table feast.

Get your tickets here :  https://westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/tickets

West Waterford Festival of Food Chairperson Anita Geoghegan said: “The last two years, for so many, highlighted how food can bring us together even when we are apart and the importance of supporting local. The record-breaking attendance this year shows how much people are embracing this new love of food, as they came out in their droves to experience the exceptional produce of our local and national producers. Such success in numbers also brings huge economic benefits to the region, as 67,000 visitors provides a major financial stimulus. Following a difficult two years for the hospitality and tourism industry, this is very much welcomed.”

Anita added the 14th annual West Waterford Festival of Food will look to match and exceed the record visitor figures when it returns to its traditional Spring date in 2023. The full programme of events will be announced in February/March next year. “We made a decision to hold the festival in June this year to allow all those involved the time to prepare following a turbulent two years,” she said. “As we look ahead to the future, we are delighted to announce the return of an April date next year, kicking off the Irish food festival season. Taking place after the Easter weekend, and we look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces and showcasing the beautiful West Waterford region, its produce and unrivalled hospitality.”

Over 80 events took place at the 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food, with highlights including the West Waterford Festival of Food Long Table Feast, sponsored by McCarthy Insurance Group on Castle Street, with 100 diners experiencing an al fresco feast prepared by Paul Flynn and Greg Harris. Renowned chef Tom Walsh cooked at the Walled Garden Dinner at Woodhouse Estate, sponsored by Flahavan’s, and The Old Bank saw its Executive Head Chef David Larkin join Luis Martin, Head Chef at Mount Juliet’s Hunter’s Yard, for a seven-course tasting menu centred around the restaurant’s farm produce, Al Eile. Renowned Mexican Irish chef Lily Ramirez-Foran was also in attendance at Dungarvan Brewing Company.

The 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food was supported by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership, with sponsors McCarthy Insurance Group, Flahavan’s, Glanbia Ireland, Expressway, Dawn Meats, Garvey’s, Eurofins, San Pellegrino, Blackwater, SuperValu Food Academy, Coillte, FBD, Local Link, and AIB.

We hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to welcoming you all back to the West Waterford Festival of Food in April 2023!

Click here to view all of our valued partners that helped make the 2022 festival possible

Get your tickets here :  https://westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com/tickets

By Waterford City & County Council

Community and inclusion prioritised by Government as it extends Creative Ireland for another five years

  • Creative Ireland Programme will continue until 2027
  • Over 7,500 creative initiatives completed to date
  • Over 100,000 young people now participate in Cruinniú na nÓg
  • New initiatives in Creative Industries, Creative Health and Wellbeing, Climate Action and Social Sustainability to be delivered
  • New Shared Island element to be introduced

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. has welcomed the Government’s support for her proposal to extend the Creative Ireland Programme to 2027. Along with established programmes of work in Creative Communities and Creative Youth, new priorities will be pursued in the Creative Industries, Creative Health and Wellbeing and Climate Action and Social Sustainability. The Programme will also develop a major Shared Island dimension with support from the Department of the Taoiseach. This extension was approved by Government this week.

In 2017 the Creative Ireland Programme launched as an all-of-Government culture and wellbeing initiative committed to the vision that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential.

Since then thousands of opportunities have been created to unlock an ecosystem of creativity. This was achieved by building strong partnerships between central and local Government, artists and the wider creative community and most of all the communities in which the projects were delivered.

Minister Catherine Martin said:

“My Department will continue its work with partners across central and local Government, through the Creative Ireland Programme, to deploy the power of creativity in support of wellbeing in every community.  While I was keen for Creative Ireland to retain its priorities around young people, local communities and opportunities for the most disadvantaged, I am delighted Government has agreed to place a greater focus on health and wellbeing, our creative industries, climate action, and social sustainability.  I am particularly keen that, through this programme, we enhance the opportunities for the most disadvantaged to engage with creativity.”

Through Creative Ireland, the Government emphasised the supporting role of culture and creativity across policies in education, health and wellbeing, innovation, international relations, sustainable local development and increased support for the creative industries.

In five years the Creative Ireland Programme has emerged as a positive framework for change. Over 7,500 community-led creative initiatives nationwide have promoted participation, inclusion and cultural expression. These include initiatives such as Cruinniú na nÓg, which provides thousands of Irish children with the opportunity to express themselves creatively.

Creative Ireland has led in policy development by supporting conferences where new ideas around the role of creativity in education and young people’s lives, the role of culture in our health care system, and the role of service design across the public service were discussed.

Programme highlights include:

Cruinniú na Óg launched in 2017. It is now a key event in the cultural life of Ireland’s young people and is the only event of its kind in the world. In 2022 over 101,000 young people participated in 1,690 free cultural events led by more than 1,200 creative practitioners. These events provided young people with the opportunity to try something new and demonstrate their own creative abilities.

Creative Climate Action. This unique initiative pulls together the skills and expertise of the creative community, climate activists, NGOs, academics, local government organisations and communities to create projects that will raise awareness and change the behaviours that have helped exacerbate the climate crisis. The second Creative Climate Action fund has just been launched with financial support from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of the Taoiseach.

In response to the isolation caused by the lockdown in 2020, the Creative Ireland Programme worked with the Mobile Music Machine to bring the joy and energy of live music to care homes and hospital settings around the country. Travelling continually throughout the crisis, the Mobile Music Machine delivered over 1650 concerts by more than 100 musicians in nursing and care homes in 23 counties.

In 2022 the programme piloted six creative Shared Island projects to harness the power of cultural creativity to bring communities together and to strengthen our sense of shared identity. Government is now fully committed to the project with a projected spend of €6 million over three years.

The Creative Ireland Programme led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is designed to promote creativity as a strategy for wellbeing, social cohesion and economic success. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural and creative activity promotes individual, community and national wellbeing. The Department strives through Creative Ireland to promote understanding and appreciation of the value of creativity in all its forms and embed creativity across public policy.

ENDS 

By Waterford City & County Council

Time to Celebrate the Winter Solstice in Waterford

Unveiling of a gigantic new clock at the Irish Museum of Time and countdown to a Winter Firedance Firework display at Winterval

A wonderful winter solstice celebration is planned for Waterford City on the evening of December 21st 2022. The collaborative event planned by the Waterford City Arts Office, the Waterford Treasures Irish Museum of Time and the Winterval festival will offer a historic moment, live music and a fireworks display.

The evening will commence at 8pm on the Plaza with a pre-celebration for the winter solstice meanwhile, at 8:15 at the Museum of Time at Greyfriars where a very special new outside clock, named Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) will be unveiled by the Mayor of Waterford Cllr. John O’Leary, horologists David Boles and Colman Curran and a representative of Fáilte Ireland. The clock, which has been designed by artists Eithne Ring and Liam Lavery of Cork and created by Keating Fabrication in Waterford, is an elaborate design featuring wings spanning about six metres; the wings are made up of seven steel dials each. It will chime on the hour and once the sun sets visitors can admire the colourful lighting on the wings and main clock face.

Members of the public are invited to join the occasion where the new clock will be unveiled following a performance from the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band at Greyfriars. Following the unveiling of the clock, once the chimes complete a countdown to the fireworks at 9 pm the city will be alight as the Winter Solstice is celebrated.

This is the 2nd year of the Winter Firedance – the award nominated celebration of the December Solstice. There will be great music on the William Vincent Wallace Plaza from 8pm culminating with the spectacular ‘Skydance’ Fireworks display at 9pm sharp.

Speaking of the new clock and its relevance for the solstice, Director of Waterford Treasures Museum Collection Eamonn McEneaney says: “Over 7,000 years ago our first farmers celebrated the Winter Solstice as a major turning point in the year. It heralded longer days and the beginning of a new cycle of growth. As Ireland’s only Museum of Time, we are delighted to continue to celebrate the Winter Solstice and its significance to timekeeping. The sun has always been tremendously important to the telling of time and for centuries watch- and clock-makers have relied on it to calibrate their timepieces. We would like to thank David Boles, co-founder of the Irish Museum of Time, and Fáilte Ireland, without whose support this sculpture would not have been possible.”

Funding for the creation of this imaginative clock has been very generously supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Scheme and by horologist David Boles and has been supported by Waterford City and County Council.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events, “Urban animation plays an increasingly important role in transforming and reimagining our public spaces as safe, welcoming and vibrant places to visit. This is important in attracting visitors to our towns and cities and increasing dwell time, to support local tourism and hospitality businesses and jobs. The new clock that is being unveiled on December 21st is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation project “City of Lights” in Waterford City, which is due to launch in 2023. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and this project will bring old tales to life in new, innovative ways, so they can be enjoyed by visitors, as well as the local community.”

In addition to the celebrations on the Quayside, the Winterval festival will remain open late until 9.30 pm on the evening of December 21st.

Billed as Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval in Waterford offers a trail of 38 events with 25 on offer free of charge in addition to the special one-off events to celebrate the festival’s 10th birthday celebrations from November 18th to December 23rd.

Highlights include the Gerbola Christmas Circus, the vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel, the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval Mini Express train, a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh, plus a Wizards and Dragons interactive exhibition and even Santa Paws for doggies. Waterford’s heritage takes a prime position with Déise Medieval who will host a traditional Viking Settlement, plus Santa’s Central Station is on Broad Street where he is meeting and greeting boys and girls for the entire festival.

In addition, there is an abundant programme of Music and Theatre. Ben Hennessy presents a new Shadow Puppetry Show at the beautiful GLOW Gardens at Winterval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. At the Apple Market each weekend a free show sponsored by WAMA & Theatrebox, which will engage with young spectators who can take part in the collection of Santa’s posts will be on offer.  Join Winterval’s Resident Storyteller Kitty Caboodle for a selection of songs and stories at The Book Centre.

The Winterval Live Stage offers 20 Days of Live Performances during the festival. House of Waterford Crystal is delighted to present its Annual Winter Music Series and there is lots more.

The full Winterval Festival programme is available to view and book online at www.winterval.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Libraries as Places of Sanctuary

Library Ireland Week takes place from Sunday, December 4th to Saturday, December 10th, 2022.  The theme of this year’s week is “Libraries as Places of Sanctuary”.

waterford_libraries

The week, which is organised by the Library Association of Ireland, raises the profile of libraries and information service staff, and showcases their resources, facilities, events and services through dedicated programmes and events.

Throughout the week public libraries, special libraries, business libraries, health libraries, law libraries, academic libraries, prison libraries and government libraries all around Ireland will celebrate by showcasing their unique resources, running events and engaging in a nationwide social media campaign.

During Library Ireland Week, libraries across Ireland are invited to host an online event, social media campaign, activity or exhibition celebrating the theme ‘Libraries as Places of Sanctuary’.

President of the Library Association of Ireland Cathal McCauley says, “We see this as an opportunity to celebrate our libraries throughout Ireland and for library staff to hear from their communities about how their lives are impacted by libraries and the teams behind them particularly as we emerge from a period of unforeseen circumstance and challenge.”

Library Ireland Week is a celebration of libraries and the people who work in libraries throughout Ireland celebrating their dedication, commitment and influence on the individuals and communities they serve.  This year the theme focuses on how libraries in Ireland have the ability to provide democratic, open and welcoming places for all. They nurture their communities, foster learning and education, encourage creativity, promote our country’s heritage and provide places of refuge from a hectic world.

During the month of December, Waterford Libraries invite you to take some time out from the busy Winterval and Christmas activities to pause and relax at our library branches.  Pick up a newspaper, chill out with your family at one of our library storytimes or craft sessions, or browse our carefully chosen book displays of new books and cosy Christmas reads for all ages.

Events around the country are detailed via our Library Ireland Week website www.libraryirelandweek.ie.  Library Ireland Week is supported by RTÉ Supporting the Arts. All details are available at http://libraryirelandweek.ie/get-involved/ or you can stay up to date with all that is happening in your local library on www.waterfordlibraries.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Dungarvan lights up for Christmas

Dungarvan town centre lit up last weekend as part of the town’s festive preparations.

The town was illuminated by Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan / Lismore district, Cllr. Declan Doocey.  This year the illuminations saw a substantial number of new LED lights added to the festive lighting.

Cllr. Doocey said, “I am delighted to see Dungarvan in the spotlight for all the right reasons. While we can’t but be aware of the energy price hikes, Waterford City and County Council has invested €70,000 in 5,000 metres of energy efficient LED lighting, which requires 75% less energy than the traditional bulb.

“Throughout the year, Dungarvan is a very attractive destination for shopping, leisure or for a bite to eat.  However, now with the town bathed in festive illuminations, it really is the perfect time to bring in the family, young and old, to soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere.”

Kieran Kehoe, Waterford City and County Council Director of Services and Dungarvan Town Manager added, “With several Covid Christmases behind us, it is fantastic to see the festive atmosphere in full flow in Dungarvan.  The lighting runs through the heart of the town centre and across to Walton Park and not only has it the added benefit of being more cost effective, with higher durability the lighting can withstand more inclement weather conditions and have minimal environmental impact.”

“I would urge everyone to visit Dungarvan ahead of and during the Christmas season. The festive atmosphere is very inviting and with a host a great local independent retailers and high street brands along with great places to eat, drink, and experience there has never been a better time to shop and support local.”

-ends-

Photos: David Clynch

By Waterford City & County Council

Brand New Christmas Circus unveiled by Gerbola at Winterval Festival

The Gerbola Big Top has been pitched up in the centre of Waterford City for the first time and in addition as an inaugural event, a brand new Christmas Circus has been created and unveiled by the legendary eight-generation family circus company who are Ireland’s best-rated traditional circus.

The Christmas Circus show is one hour long and is set to amaze and delight the whole family this Christmas. The show will feature the favourite Circus acts including three motorcyclists in the breathtaking Globe of Steel, hilarious clowns, mesmerizing acrobats and much more all in a heated festive big top.

Circusgoers are certainly in for a laugh as the Gerbola family specialises in clowning and goes back eight generations including Mikey’s grandfather, Ralph Gerbola. He married Amy Foote of the Foote circus family based in England. The only child from this marriage was Michele E. Gerbola, Mikey’s father, who married Mona, née Fossett. Michael and Mona Gerbola had three children, Lisa, Caroline and Mikey all of whom work in Circus today.

Commenting on the Christmas shows at Winterval, Tara Gerbola says, “We have put together a really special Christmas Circus for audiences at Winterval. So far, the crowds have loved every moment of our festive performances. Our location right in the heart of the Winterval festival offers families a wonderful opportunity to sit back and relax for an hour to enjoy a very special Christmas circus spectacle in our heated big top.”

Gerbola Christmas Circus performances are on offer multiple times each weekend of the festival, tickets are €10 per person and available from www.winterval.ie In addition there are special Sensory Friendly Christmas Circus performances on offer on November 25, Dec 2 and Dec 19.

The Christmas Circus is part of the Winterval Festival which is underway in Waterford City until December 23rd.

Highlights include the vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel, the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval Mini Express train, a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh plus a Wizards and Dragons interactive exhibition and even Santa Paws for doggies and Waterford’s heritage takes a prime position with Déise Medieval will host a traditional Viking Settlement plus Santa’s Central Station is on Broad Street where he is meeting and greeting boys and girls for the entire festival.

In addition, there is an abundant programme of Music and Theatre. Ben Hennessy presents a new Shadow Puppetry Show at the beautiful GLOW Gardens at Winterval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. At the Apple Market each weekend a free show sponsored by WAMA & Theatrebox, which will engage with young spectators who can take part in the collection of Santa’s posts will be on offer.  Join Winterval’s Resident Storyteller Kitty Caboodle for a selection of songs and stories at The Book Centre.

The Winterval Live Stage offers  20 Days of Live Performances during the festival. House of Waterford Crystal is delighted to present its Annual Winter Music Series and this is lots more.

You will find Gerbola’s Christmas Circus at the Winterval Big Top at the Top of New Street, Waterford City. The closest Eircode is X91 AKD0 (Singer Sewing Centre).

 The full Winterval Festival programme is available to view and book online at www.winterval.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Christmas in Tramore

The Christmas parade makes a welcome return to Tramore this year, as local children are invited to join Santa and his special friends to kick start the festive season down Main Street, Tramore at 5pm on Friday, December 2nd.

Along with the parade, there will be live music, food trails and lots of Christmas cheer spread throughout the town.

Waterford Chamber, in conjunction with Waterford City & County Council and EveryEvent brings Christmas to Tramore.

Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer with Waterford Chamber says, “It’s great to be able to plan a full festival again post Covid and we are adding extra magic touches this year to reflect that.  Thanks to festival funding from Waterford City & County Council, we can support a number of community groups who have their own Christmas offering while also having live music every weekend and Santa has promised he will visit every Saturday too!

“This is a celebration for the whole community and everyone is welcome to join the parade for the launch. The fabulous children from the Vicki Graham Stage School will entertain us on the Plaza and Santa will meet with the boys and girls to make sure they have been good this year!

“We also want people to come out every Saturday to shop local, support the restaurants and enjoy some live music along the way.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford has two winners in An Post Book Awards

Waterford has had two big winners in this year’s An Post Book Awards.

The Arts Office and Library Service of Waterford City and County Council would like to congratulate:

 

  • Martina Dalton, Tramore, who has won Poem of the Year with ‘Wedding Dress’.
  • Also the Children’s Book of the Year – Senior is ‘Girls Who Slay Monsters’ by Ellen Ryan which is illustrated by An Rinn resident Shona Shirley MacDonald.

Well done to both on flying the Waterford literary flag high !

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)