Skip to content

Arts / Culture

By Waterford City & County Council

Community Heritage Grant Scheme now OPEN for applications

The Heritage Council invites applications for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2020.

Communities and heritage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are encouraged to apply for funding to support capital projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites; that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections or objects (including buildings). The scheme also supports the purchase of essential equipment.

This Community Heritage Grant Scheme is part of the rescue package recently announced by the Minister for State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Mr Malcolm Noonan, TD.

By Waterford City & County Council

Spraoi and Harvest September Offerings Cancelled

Due to updated COVID-19 government guidelines, organisers of both A Celebration of Harvest and Spraoi Time 2020 programmes have announced their cancellation.

Teams at Spraoi, Waterford Harvest Festival and Waterford City and County Council had worked to reimagine both festivals. However, new guidelines instructing cafes, restaurants and similar venues not to host formal or informal events, as well as tighter restrictions on capacity for outdoor gatherings before September 13th, means that these programmes are no longer feasible.

The news will come as a huge disappointment to the public and local businesses. However, Spraoi aims to install a series of decorative pieces at various city centre locations to add colour and novelty to streets and squares during the original festival dates (4th – 13th Sept). Meanwhile Waterford will continue to offer incredible experiences at an array of restaurants and cafes, and local producers will continue to stack the shelves of your shops with quality Déise foodstuffs.

Harvest Festival Director Tommie Ryan stated “It is a huge disappointment to everyone involved, however it is the right and only decision. What is key now is that people continue to keep their promise to support local businesses whenever they can”.

Spraoi Director T.V. Honan added, “I am very proud of our board, management, staff, artists, volunteers, funders, sponsors and stakeholders. Each gave everything they had towards the goal of staging Spraoi Time 2020, as did Harvest and Council teams. Sadly in the end it wasn’t enough. It’s fair to say we’re gutted.”

While the news is disheartening for so many, the teams are united in the belief that safety for all involved is paramount, and this is a perfect opportunity for the people of Waterford to show their solidarity and support businesses in the area. The message is clear, Stay safe, Shop Waterford, Support Local.

-ENDS
For further information:
Sandra Power: Waterford Harvest Festival Marketing Manager
086 155 7627

By Waterford City & County Council

Join our Webinar: Waterford City & County Development Plan

Join our 3 webinars pertaining to the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022-2028

18th August – Environment and Heritage – https://t.co/J5cf8CJpAv
• Environment – Ray Maloney, Senior Executive Officer, Environment Department
•Natural Heritage – Bernie Guest, Heritage Officer, Planning Department
•Built Heritage – Rose Ryall, Conservation Officer, Planning Department

19th August – Local Placemaking – https://t.co/a5QaMmOLIa
• Placemaking – Morris Conway, Executive Architect, Economic Development Department
• Local Development – Vinnie O’Shea, Administrative Officer, Economic Development
• Open Space – Eoin Dullea, Horticulturist, Environment Department

20th August – Economy, Education and Agriculture – https://t.co/q4F73J37Dc
• Economy – Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber & Jenny Beresford, CEO Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber
• Education – Dr. Richard Hayes, Vice President for Strategy, WIT
• Agriculture– Mr. John Geraghty, Lecturer at the School of Science and Computing, WIT

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Poetry Prize 2020

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council is pleased to announce details of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2020. The Waterford Poetry Prize is open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland.

The prize will be announced at the Waterford Writers’ Weekend in October 2020, during the Imagine Arts Festival in Waterford city.

There is no age limit and no entry fee for the Waterford Poetry Prize 2020.

The first prize is €400 plus attendance at a designated writing course at the Molly Keane Writers’ Retreat, Ardmore in 2021. Second prize is €300 plus a writing course in Ardmore and third prize is €200.

The closing date for receipt of entries is 12 noon on Wednesday 16th September 2020. The judge is writer and poet Colm Keegan.

The entry form and guidelines can be downloaded below or from www.waterfordarts.com or by contacting the Arts Office on 058/41416.

By Waterford City & County Council

Recipients of the 2020 Children’s Books Ireland and Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary Awards for Mid-Career Children’s Books Artists Announced

Children’s Books Ireland and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre are pleased to announce Ashling Lindsay, Shona Shirley McDonald, Nicola Pierce, Margaret Anne Suggs and Máire Zepf as recipients of the 2020 Children’s Books Ireland/Tyrone Guthrie Centre bursaries.

https://childrensbooksireland.ie/recipients-of-the-2020-childrens-books-ireland-and-tyrone-guthrie-centre-bursary-awards-for-mid-career-childrens-books-artists-announced/

 

Support for author/illustrator Shona Shirley McDonald is provided by Waterford City and County Council Arts Office.

By Waterford City & County Council

Re-opening of the Georgian Bishop’s Palace & King of the Vikings 3D Adventure

Following on from the successful re-opening of the award winning Medieval Museum, we are delighted to announce that the Georgian Bishop’s Palace will re-open its doors to the public on Monday 13th July at 09:15 am and the King of the Vikings 3D Adventure on Monday 13th July at 11:00am till 5:00pm.

We will have new procedures for social distancing, hygiene and visitor interaction in accordance with the HSE guidelines.

It might be unusual to see a team member’s and Vikings in a face mask and gloves, but the safety of our staff and guests will be paramount. Team members who will be closer to visitors will be wearing PPE.

We have a full hygiene policy that will be strictly followed by all team members to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness throughout all of the Waterford Treasures sites.

When you need to interact with the team member on the admissions desk, they will call you forward. There is a plastic screen between you and the team member, with a small gap at the bottom through which items can be passed. Please do ask the admissions team member if you have any queries or concerns – they are there to help!

We will monitor how the new procedures work keeping your safety in mind at all times.

END

By Waterford City & County Council

Explore a brand new Nature Trail at Mount Congreve Gardens

The seventy acres Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford have launched a brand new seasonal Nature Trail for children.

The trail offers families an abundance of nature to explore and to ensure that younger visitors engage with the flora and fauna on offer and has been created offering the little ones 15 different questions and challenges as they meander the walking trails amongst the world-famous gardens located just outside Waterford City.

The new looped Nature Trail walk will keep everyone happy, with a buggy-friendly path smaller tots can snooze while older ones enjoy the series of questions for them to solve along the way. In total, the Nature Trail is a 1.5km walk and can be completed in approximately 40 minutes. The little ones can fill in their nature trail answers on the back of their map along the way in order to complete the challenge.

The gardens at Mount Congreve consist of intensively planted woodland gardens, a four-acre walled garden with 16 km of walking trails. The gardens are located 10 minutes from Waterford City Centre overlooking the majestic River Suir.

The new Nature Trail is included in the Mount Congreve Gardens ticket price. The gardens are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5.30 pm. Last entry to the gardens at 4.00 pm. Tickets must be booked in advance, for further details see www.mountcongreve.com

By Waterford City & County Council

COVID Care concert series

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and the Mobile Music Machine present ‘COVID CARE CONCERTS’ SERIES 2020 for residential care homes across County Waterford.

COVID CARE CONCERTS is part funded by the Ireland Funds and is a new project that has been devised by the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival (BVOF) and Mobile Music Machine (MMM) in response to the many social challenges presented by Covid 19 in residential care home settings.

Our classical music ensemble will perform at an appropriate social distance in the grounds of care homes across Co. Waterford. The residents will gather in the garden or listen to the performance through open windows and doors. The project is also designed to offer employment opportunities to world class Irish musicians, many of whom are facing long term unemployment.

With the support of the Ireland Funds grant, we will commence these concerts in residential homes in county Waterford at the end of June. 10 privately owned nursing homes in Co. Waterford have been selected for this project (see attached). Each outdoor performance will last for approximately 2 hours and will allow the musicians and residents to follow social distancing guidelines. We will rotate the members of the musical ensemble, thus providing a unique musical concert for each visit and employment opportunities for a range of performers throughout the series.

The Mobile Music Machine is a leading national music education company, founded by cellist Gerald Peregrine. The company has delivered workshops to over 55,000 primary school children across Ireland since 2007.

The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Ireland’s only summer opera festival, is a celebration of the finest opera and classical music set in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Tucked away in the breath-taking Blackwater Valley, we stage performances of the highest artistic quality featuring both Irish and international stars and emerging talent of the classical music world. The 2021 Festival will take place from 1st-7th June and will feature an opera double bill Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci.

As a Festival we are committed to fostering a love of music and opera in the next generation through our Education and Outreach programmes.  Our Covid Care Concerts series is an appropriate expression of our commitment of support for our local communities. In collaboration with Mobile Music Machine we also run a thriving schools’ programme based on our commitment to fostering a real passion for music in young people today.

For further information please contact Eamonn Carroll, Festival Director on 087 2865207.

e:  eamonn@blackwatervalleyoperafestival.com

w: www.blackwatervalleyoperafestival.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Decade of Centenaries Community Grant / Deontas Pobail do Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán

The War of Independence in Waterford – What happened in your local area?

The Commemorations Committee of Waterford City and County Council invite Community Groups to apply for a community grant towards projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford City and County.

Grants of up to €1000 are available for projects to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in Waterford.

Waterford Commemorations Committee invite you to take a look at the Decade of Centenaries from a local perspective and bring to life the stories and history of your local area.

Why not try:

  • Tell your local story with a publication or presentation
  • Create a workbook for your local school to share your local history
  • Create a map of manoeuvres or an attack that occurred

Resources such as the Brigade Reports and the Military Service pensions made available by the Military Archives www.militaryarchives.ie ; local newspapers made available online combined with the memories and stories of local families can tell an important story of  life in Waterford at an important time in Irish history and how the people and places of Waterford contributed

We would love to hear the creative Community Projects that Community Groups come up with and how Groups approach their local history with curiosity, empathy and respect.

Please Note: Covid 19 public health directions must be adhered to in all projects.

Closing date for applications is: 4pm Friday 10th July 2020

For Application Forms see https://bit.ly/waterford100 or contact  the City and County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie 0761102144 for further information.

This grant is part of the Decade of Centenaries projects funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Check out www.decadeofcentenaries.com for more information and for details of events and projects throughout the country.

============

DEONTAS POBAIL DO DHEICH mBLIANA NA gCUIMNEACHÁN

Cogadh na Saoirse i bPort Láirge – Cad a tharla i do cheantar áitiúil?

Tugann Coiste na gCuimhneachán de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge cuireadh do Ghúpaí Pobail cur isteach ar dheontas pobail i dtreo thionscadail a dhéanann comóradh ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán i gCathair agus i gContae Phort Láirge.

Tá deontais suas le €1000 ar fáil i gcomhair thionscadail chun Deich mBliana na gCuimhneachán a chomóradh i bPort Láirge.

Tugann Coiste na gCuimhneachán, Port Láirge cuireadh duit féachaint ar Dheich mBliana na gCuimhneachán trí dhearcadh áitiúil agus beocht a chur sna scéalta agus sa stair a bhaineann le do dhúiche féin.

Bain triail as:

  • Do scéal a insint le foilseachán nó cur i láthair
  • Leabhar saothair a chruthú i gcomhair do scoil áitiúil chun do stair áitiúil a roinnt
  • Léarscáil na n-inlíochtaí a chruthú d’ionsaí a tharla

Is féidir scéal tábhachtach maidir leis an saol i bPort Láirge ag am tábhachtach i stair na hÉireann a insint trí acmhainní ar nós Tuairiscí na mBriogáidí agus an Bailiúchán Pinsean Seirbhíse Míleata atá ar fáil ón gCartlann Mhíleata ag www.militaryarchives.ie agus nuachtáin áitiúla atá curtha ar fáil ar-líne a úsáid, i dteannta cuimhní cinn agus scéalta ó theaghlaigh áitiúla.

Ba bhreá linn cloisint ó na Grúpaí Pobail agus na Tionscadail Phobail a bheidh acu agus iad ag díriú ar a stair áitiúil le fiosracht, le comhbhá agus le meas.

Tabhair faoi deara: Is gá cloí le treoracha sláinte phoiblí Covid 19 le gach tionscadal.

Spriocdháta i gcomhair iarratais: 4i.n. ar an Aoine, 10 Iúil 2020

Foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil ó: https://bit.ly/waterford100 nó déan teagmháil le Cartlannaí na Cathrach agus an Chontae, Joanne Rothwell ag archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie nó ar 0761102144 i gcomhair a thuilleadh eolais.

Tá an deontas seo á dtabhairt amach mar chuid de thionscadail Deich mBliana na gCuimhneachán atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta. Tá a thuilleadh eolais, maraon le sonraí d’imeachtaí agus de thionscadail ar fud na tíre ar fáil ar www.decadeofcentenaries.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Join the 2020 Summer Stars Reading Adventure at Waterford Libraries

The Summer Stars Reading Adventure has begun in Waterford Libraries!

Summer Stars is the national summer reading programme for children that runs all around Ireland in our public libraries from the 15th of June until the end of August.

With the impact of COVID 19 and the closures of our schools and libraries, the Summer Stars Reading Challenge will take place online to encourage and engage children in reading and creativity. Storytime, chapter readings, quizzes and crafts will be shared weekly on the Waterford Library’s Facebook page and website – www.waterfordlibraries.ie.

All children throughout the country are invited to join the adventure and to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading and writing over the summer. Summer Stars is non-competitive and every child who reads even one book is regarded as having completed the programme. The Summer Stars Reading Challenge is free to access on our website and features storytime, quizzes and activities that will motivate children to take part in reading-related hobbies over the summer.

Take part in our online storytime or share a love of stories in your home with a daily reading commitment of 20 minutes reading with your child daily. All reading counts, whether its independent or shared, and will support your child’s literacy and creativity during summer.

Read ebooks or eAudiobooks downloaded from our website, enjoy comics and magazines, re-read a favourite story or read what you have in your home to keep reading a priority over the summer months.

You can keep track of your child’s reading with our downloadable Reading Card at waterfordlibraries.ie or pick up a card from library staff when you visit  branches to use the “Contact and Collect” service in Central Library and Dungarvan. You can return your child’s Reading Card to one of our library branches before August 31st to make sure they receive a Reading Achievement certificate in the Autumn.

If you can’t print the Reading Card that’s no problem! Encourage your child to record books or comics they’ve read and get in touch with us before August 31st to register their name for a reading Achievement Certificate – call us on 0761 102696 or email CarrickphierishLibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries launch “Contact and Collect” Service

Waterford Libraries are delighted to launch their new “Contact and Collect” service. Contact and Collect is the first step in gradually reopening library services as part of the National Phase 2 Roadmap to Recovery.  The service is available from two Waterford Libraries (Dungarvan Library and Central Library, Lady Lane) from June 8th.

From June 8th, library members can phone and speak to a staff member at 0761 10 2484, Monday to Friday from  9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email library@waterfordcouncil.ie  Friendly and expert library staff will discuss your book preferences and will select up to five books for collection by appointment from either Central or Dungarvan Libraries.

Waterford Libraries are working hard to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. We will arrange a collection appointment and location with each customer and will ensure that social distancing rules are adhered to at all times. The health and safety of library customers and staff is at the forefront of all decisions regarding the gradual re-opening of library services. The library management team are working with national guidelines in relation to social distancing and sanitation to provide safe library services.

Library materials can also be returned to Dungarvan Library and Central Library from June 8th. Any items you have on loan can be returned to the library at your Contact and Collect appointment or they can be returned at specific times. Further information and frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) are available on our phone line 0761 10 2484, on the Waterford Libraries website www.waterfordlibraries.ie and via library social media platforms

Waterford Libraries will continue their expansive collection of online library services such as BorrowBox (online books), PressReader (online newspapers) and will roll out a series of workshops for children and young people as part of Cruinniú na ná nÓg, Ireland’s festival of creativity for youth in June on the library website www.waterfordlibraries.ie. People who are not yet members of Waterford Libraries can join the library service online and avail of a huge range of free online materials and activities. Email library@waterfordcouncil.ie or visit the library website for further details.

ENDS.

Note to editors

Please contact Jane Cantwell, Waterford City and County Librarian jcantwell@waterfordcouncil.ie  / 087 2235434

By Waterford City & County Council

Cruinniu na nOg children’s conservation and traditional craft online workshops

Calling all young budding conservationists …

Would you like to know more about Stone work and Cracking Stone with Fire, Water, Plugs and Feathers” Wood conservation, How stained glass is made,  Gilding and Historic Paint Effects, Georgian architecture ?

The Irish Georgian Society and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are hosting a series of free online Cruinniu na nOg children’s conservation and traditional craft workshops and lecture on Saturday 13 June. These workshops are free and details on how to go online are available on

https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/event/irish-georgian-society-series/

By Waterford City & County Council

Ireland’s Fittest Family 2020 – Applications Open!

Ireland’s Fittest Family is back! Have you and your family got what it takes to win Ireland’s most extreme fitness competition?

Now in its eighth series, this year will see the competition be more challenging than ever before!

We are scouring the country to find the fittest, fastest and strongest families to be coached to victory by our four returning coaches, Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary, Derval O’Rourke and Donncha O’Callaghan.

Mairéad Ronan is back to host the highly competitive tournament too.

Given the current covid-19 pandemic, the production will follow HSE guidelines to ensure that strict social distancing and health and safety is adhered to throughout the competition by all crew and families taking part.

Does your family have what it takes to win the €15,000 cash prize and be crowned Ireland’s Fittest Family 2020? If so, apply now!

Requirements
* Minimum age is 14 years old by 01 August 2020
* Each family must be comprised of four immediate members
* Series will be filmed between August – September, 2020

The online application form can be found at rte.ie/irelandsfittestfamily

If you have any questions you can email – fittestfamily@animotv.ie or call the production team on 085 837 5387.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries planning “Contact and Collect” Service

Waterford Libraries planning “Contact and Collect” Service

Waterford Libraries is planning a “Contact and Collect” Service from two of its libraries from the beginning of Phase 2 of the roadmap for easing restrictions, planned for June 8th. Central Library and Dungarvan Library are set to trial this new service whereby library members will be able to phone or email Waterford Libraries and ask for books and library materials to be selected for them and book an appointment time to collect their items.

The health and safety of library customers and staff is at the forefront of all decisions regarding the gradual re-opening of library services. The library management team are working with national guidelines in relation to social distancing and sanitation to provide safe library services.

It is planned that the “Contact and collect” service will be provided from June 8th in Central Library, Lady Lane and in Dungarvan Library. The service will be rolled out to a number of the other Waterford City and County Council Libraries over the coming weeks and it is hoped to add to the service as the national restrictions are lifted. Information will be available on how the service works on the library website www.waterfordlibraries.ie, through library social media and local media as well as the library newsletter from June 8th.

Waterford Libraries will continue their expansive collection of online library services such as BorrowBox (online books), PressReader (online newspapers) and will roll out a series of workshops for children and young people as part of Cruinniú na ná nÓg, Ireland festival of creativity for youth in June on the library website www.waterfordlibraries.ie. Remember, you can join your library online and avail of a huge range of free online materials and activities. Email library@waterfordcouncil.ie or visit the library website for further details.

ENDS

Note to editors

Please contact Jane Cantwell, Waterford City and County Librarian jcantwell@waterfordcouncil.ie  / 087 2235434

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