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Events & Festivals

By Waterford City & County Council

Connecting Communities Roadshow comes to Tramore

Connecting Communities Roadshow Comes to Tramore
We all want the best for our communities—but where do we start?

Join the Connecting Communities Roadshow to learn about the wide range of supports available to help local community groups and volunteers make a real impact. Whether you’re looking to start a community initiative, strengthen an existing group, or find funding opportunities, this event is packed with valuable insights.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 27th March
🕕 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Tramore GAA Community Hub

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet local organizations, discover funding sources, and connect with others who share a passion for making a difference. Don’t miss out—come along and be part of the conversation that shapes your community!

By Waterford City & County Council

Martina Devlin Author visit to Central Library on Saturday 29th of March – Free Event

Martina Devlin

Waterford Libraries are delighted to welcome Martina Devlin to Central Library at 3pm on Saturday 29th of March as part of the Writers at Waterford Libraries programme of events for 2025.

Martina is an award-winning author and newspaper columnist known to us all.  She has written nine novels, two non-fiction books, two plays and a collection of short stories.  A former Fleet Street journalist, Martina has been writing weekly current affairs columns for the Irish Independent for many years. She chairs literary and current affairs events and regularly commentates on BBC and RTE!

Her latest novel, Charlotte, explores Charlotte Brontë’s Irish connections and marriage to an Irishman.  Prizes include the Royal Society of Literature’s V.S. Pritchett Prize and a Hennessy Literary Award, and she has been shortlisted three times for the Irish Book Awards. Martina writes a weekly current affairs column for the Irish Independent for which she has been named National Newspapers of Ireland commentator of the year, among other journalism prizes. She holds a PhD in literary practice from Trinity College Dublin and is currently a judge on the Dublin Literary Award.

This is a Free Event, but booking is required. Please contact Central Library on 051 849975 for bookings and further information.

The series of writer events aims to unite readers and writers through free, accessible events in their local library branches.

More information on Martina’s event here: https://waterfordlibraries.ie/author-event-martina-devlin-in-central-library-saturday-29th-march/

By Waterford City & County Council

Southeast Craft Studios presents Celtic Knotwork Workshop

Celtic knot workshop

As a celebration of Irish heritage this St. Patrick’s weekend, Southeast Craft Studios would like to invite you to a Celtic Knotwork Workshop.

Learn how to mindfully knot simple cords into a series of knotworks reminiscent of traditional Celtic knots found at heritage sites like Newgrange or those painted in the Book of Kells. Using macramê cord and some simple but intricate looking knots this workshop will celebrate our Irish culture and traditions in a beautiful and engaging way

  • WCQ Hub 15th 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2pm
  • WCQ Hub 16th 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2pm
  • WCQ Hub 17th 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm

Booking Link

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/celtic-knotwork-workshops-tickets-1260658757279?aff=oddtdtcreator

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford St. Patrick’s Festival Line-Up 2025

Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland and EveryEvent, is delighted to announce a jam-packed four-day programme of St. Patrick’s Festival events from Friday, March 14th to Monday, March 17th.

The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage and will be marked by parades, performances, carnivals and music right through the Bank Holiday weekend. And best of all…most events are FREE!

While the festival is a celebration of Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent, there will be tribute paid to St. Patrick and to Waterford’s very own Scholar, Luke Wadding, a 16th Century academic, author, historian and Franciscan.

Young people:  Kick-start your St. Patrick’s Festival weekend with free family fun activities at John Roberts Square.  Over the four-day festival, Waterford’s city centre will be abuzz with the return of the much-loved City Centre Fairground, perfect fun for the littlest family members.  Wobbly Circus has been enthralling and delighting for years, so don’t miss them throughout the weekend, along with Playful Streets for buckets of family fun activities.

Craft and entertainment:  With so much to choose from, don’t tie yourself up in knots, although the Celtic Knotwork Workshop in Waterford Cultural Quarter might be the perfect solution in case you do!  There’ll be no shortage of Shamrock Shenanigans at City Square Shopping Centre, while Little Irish Folklore Friends will introduce Liam the Leprechaun and his pals.

Music: Local talent will feature big and bold as the Suir Ukulele Strummers, Waterford Centre of Music Choir, The Knockadollys, City of Waterford Brass, Waterford Youth Arts and High Definition perform free gigs in the heart of the city, from the Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ) to John Roberts Square to the Apple Market Stage.

Late night entertainment:  The music continues into the evening with performances from Oisin O’Connor, Bonya, The Knotted Chords, Spancil Jills, BOOLABOOM, Sympos and Guests – follow the music trail from the Apple Market to the Waterford Cultural Quarter.  There’s also great live entertainment throughout the weekend at Dooley’s Hotel and Itty Bittys.  And if you fancy a nip, you can always enjoy a tipple of O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey in The House of Waterford.

Firedance in John Roberts Square is a locally-produced, spectacular, outdoor fire-lit procession weaving its way through John Roberts Square setting the stage for an extraordinary performance and showcase of fiery theatrics.

Culture & Tours: The Urban Greenway Self-guided tour quite literally puts the (green) spotlight on the city’s historical monuments and iconic buildings.  You can take the route the Vikings once took and see the city from the majestic River Suir aboard the Osprey Viking Cruise or join James Doherty for a Walking Tour of Waterford.

Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre has created an exhibition celebrating community creativity and highlighting people and place through art, while you can enjoy Ceiliúradh Cultúir – A Celebration of Culture featuring Irish sean-nós singing and dancing workshops at St. Patrick’s Gateway.

Also at St. Patrick’s Gateway, the inaugural Luke Wadding Convention featuring talks from Dr. Coleman Dennehy and Dr. John McCafferty will explore Wadding’s role and his influence which to this day is of world renown. The event will also feature a live performance of music from the 17th Century with famed international cellist Roger David.

Theatre:  The Theatre Royal has a St. Patrick’s Weekend programme that will appeal to lovers of rib-tickling comedy as funnyman Neil Delamare brings his razor-sharp observations on life and trad. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade:  The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Saints & Scholars’ and will begin at 1pm sharp on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday March 17th.  Three-time Olympian and European Gold medallist Grand Marshall of Waterford’s St. Partick’s Day parade, Thomas Barr, along with members of Ferrybank AFC are expected to lead out over 2,000 participants in the parade.

The parade begins at Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay at the start of the parade.

Optimum viewing positions are from the Quays, where there is plenty of room as well as at the Mall.  The parade will end at the Mall / Parnell Street junction and we ask that patrons do not congregate in Parnell Street as this area is designated for post-parade and production staff.

Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce an Autism Family Friendly Area at the St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Working with Autism Friendly Waterford and 50 Shades of Exceptional we are proud to introduce this initiative as the First Autism Friendly City in Ireland.

A special area has also been reserved and sign-posted for wheelchair users / special access at Mall Lane.  This is on a first come, first served basis and intending patrons should make themselves known to stewards.

Last minute entries to the parade are still open to community groups from Waterford city, county and beyond – intending participants should complete the application form on the St. Patrick’s Festival website.

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend but still wish to enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and four-day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com and keep an eye out on Waterford St. Patrick’s Day Festival social media channels.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Discovering, Connecting and Collaborating to enhance Tourism in Waterford

On Thursday, February 27th at Gardenmorris Estate, Kill, Co. Waterford over 100 tourism and hospitality businesses from across Waterford came together to discover, connect and collaborate to enhance tourism in Waterford. 

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas; Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary. The aim of the network is to build the capabilities of their individual business as well as enhance the overall tourism offering in Waterford.

Participants from the tourism sector, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance, and enjoyed insightful panel discussions, a lively networking session and delicious food created by Ni Bhrian Restaurant.

All these elements were conducive to helping achieve the mission of the day, which was to discover rural Waterford and connect business from across the city and county.

WLRfm Journalist and Broadcaster Dymphna Nugent hosted a valuable panel discussion themed ‘Rural Waterford Unwrapped’.  The panel consisted of Joan Clancy of Joan Clancy Art Gallery, Caroline Fletcher O’Connor of Ballyin House, Claire O’Sullivan of Crough Lodge Wellness Retreat/The Mystic Holistic, Elaine Power of East Pier Fish & Chips, and Niall Waters from Surf SUP Tramore.

After the panel discussion Dymphna said, “It’s a pleasure to get to know more of what rural Waterford has to offer, and I know how I will be spending my summer, going from one attraction to the next and really getting to know what’s on our own front door.”

Attendees also heard from Julie O’Brien, Co-ordinator of the Network, of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, who hosted further panel discussions exploring themes such as ‘Championing Each Other’, and ‘Collaborating to Champion Rural Waterford and County Waterford’. Julie also interviewed Rob Rankin, Owner of Vagabond Tours & Sustainable Tourism Network, who shared his insights on how Waterford can achieve its goal of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in Ireland.

Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development with Waterford City and County Council said, “To create a world class destination requires a collaborative approach. Waterford Council’s delivery of infrastructure and amenities to bolster Waterford’s tourism offering is complemented by the commitment and vision of our local tourism and service providers.  In working together, we can realise the county’s full tourism potential.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council added, “We have something very special here in Waterford… scenery, heritage, attractions, natural beauty and great food, however it is the people that visitors meet when they come to Waterford, that brings Waterford to life and creates a memorable experience.”

Mary Houlihan, Manager Ireland’s Ancient East spoke passionately about Waterford and highlighted how ‘tourism has the potential to build and sustain rural communities in the County.’ She stressed the importance of all stakeholders, industry and communities working together to make Waterford a compelling tourist destination for domestic and international visitors, saying, “Waterford’s variety of stunning landscapes and rich heritage gives Waterford a real opportunity to become an area that is known for the outdoors with an array of experiences available to suit different visitors.”

The event is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme, funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, and delivered by Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, with support from key stakeholders Visit Waterford, Waterford Leader Partnership, and Waterford LEO.

If you would like to find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email julie@runda.ie.

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Free to use images – Patrick Browne

31: Dymphna Nugent, WLR FM,  Niall Waters – Copper Coast, Surf SUP Tramore, Elaine Power – Waterford Estuary, East Pier Fish & Chips, Claire O’Sullivan – Comeragh, Crough Lodge Wellness Retreat/The Mystic Holistic, Caroline Fletcher O’Connor – Blackwater Valley, Ballyin House

21: Julie O’ Brien – Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, Mary Houlihan – Failte Ireland, Michael Quinn – Waterford City & County Council

04: Clare Busher O’Sullivan – Visit Waterford, Orna Holohan – Waterford City & County Council, Julie O’ Brien – Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, Ivona Carr – Fáilte Ireland, Richard Povey -Taste Waterford, Dymphna Nugent – WLR FM

17: Clare Busher O’Sullivan – Visit Waterford, Shauna Kenneally – House of Waterford, Andrew McDermott – Osprey Viking Cruises, Louise Prendergast – Viking Hotel Waterford, Michael Skehan – Granville Hotel, Ivona Carr – Fáilte Ireland, Jack Burtchaell – Waterford City Walking Tours

38: Waterford Rural Tourism Network event attendees

By Waterford City & County Council

European gold medallist and three-time Olympian announced as Grand Marshall of Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025

Three-time Olympian and European medallist, Thomas Barr, has been announced as Grand Marshall of Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day parade 2025.  Hailing from Waterford, Thomas Barr is an Irish track and field athlete specialising in the 400-metre hurdles. Over his career, he set multiple national records and achieved significant milestones on the international stage.

Speaking on the choice for Grand Marshall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “Thomas Barr has been an outstanding ambassador for Waterford and for Ireland throughout his career.”

“His achievements on the world stage, from breaking records to making history at the Olympics and European Championships, have inspired countless young athletes. We are immensely proud of all he has accomplished, and his legacy in Irish athletics will endure for generations to come.

“We are particularly delighted that Thomas will lead the parade alongside members of Ferrybank Athletic Club.  It was here, at one of the most successful juvenile clubs in Ireland, that Thomas was bitten by the athletics bug and the rest, as they say, is history!”

Barr’s journey in athletics began at the age of eight with Ferrybank Athletics Club, where he found early success at the youth level. He went on to become a multiple Irish record holder across Senior, U23, and U20 categories and was World University Champion in 2015. That year Barr won gold at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea, and the following year at the 2016 Summer Olympics, he finished second with a season-best time of 48.93 seconds.

In the semi-final, he shattered the Irish record with a time of 48.39, winning his race and securing a spot in the final. He went even faster in the final, finishing fourth with a new Irish record of 47.97 seconds—a performance that remains one of Ireland’s greatest Olympic achievements in sprinting.

Barr continued to excel on the international stage. At the 2018 European Athletics Championships, he claimed bronze in the 400m hurdles, setting a season-best time of 48.31 seconds—his second-fastest time ever.

In 2024, he played a crucial role in Ireland’s Mixed Relay Team, which made history by winning gold at the European Athletics Championships. The team also secured bronze at the World Relay Championships, earning Olympic qualification in the process.

Throughout his career, Barr proudly represented Ireland at Three Olympic Games—Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024—securing his place as one of the country’s greatest track athletes. His legacy in Irish athletics is marked by record-breaking performances, resilience, and historic achievements on the world stage.

Reflecting on being named Grand Marshall, Thomas added, “It’s an honour to be chosen as Grand Marshall for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Waterford.”

“My athletics journey started with Ferrybank AC, and the support from Waterford has meant so much to me throughout my career. I’ve always been proud to represent my county and my country on the track, so to now lead the celebrations at home is something special. I’m looking forward to the day and celebrating with everyone in Waterford”.

The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage and will be marked by parades, performances, carnivals and music right through the Bank Holiday weekend. The four-day programme of events is set to take place between Friday, March 14th to Monday, March 17th.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events, Fáilte Ireland said, “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Waterford. Taking place over four days in Ireland’s Ancient East, this festival is a brilliant opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, heritage and community spirit of Ireland’s oldest city.

“Festivals and events are a key component of Ireland’s tourism offering and they provide unique and compelling reasons for a visitor to choose a destination. They also have the ability to drive footfall for local businesses, supporting jobs and revenue generation.  Fáilte Ireland is working closely with the festival organisers and the local community to develop and promote a compelling programme of events and experiences that celebrate both our national holiday, and all that Waterford has to offer.”

To take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 or to find out more about Waterford’s St. Patricks Day festival visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on social media channels.

By Waterford City & County Council

Road Closure Arrangements – St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Events

The following roads shall be closed from 10am until 5pm on Monday 17th March to facilitate The St. Patricks Day Parade.

  • R680 – Merchants Quay
  • R680 – Meagher’s Quay
  • R680 – Coal Quay
  • R680 – Custom House Quay
  • R680 – Parade Quay
  • R680 – The Mall
  • R680 – Parnell Street
  • R708 – Catherine Street
  • L90025 – Colbeck Street
  • L5530 – Lady Lane (from its junction with Bakehouse Lane to Colbeck Street)
  • L90024 – Bank Lane
  • L90307 – Beau Street
  • L90023 – Mall Lane
  • R683 – Lombard Street (from its Junction with Rose Lane to The Mall)
  • L90022 – Adelphi Quay (from its junction with Rose Lane to Parade Quay)
  • L90021 – Bailey’s New Street
  • L90020 – Greyfriars
  • L90019 – Coffee House Lane
  • L90018 – Henrietta Street
  • L90017 – Keyser Street
  • L5534 – Exchange Street
  • L5535 – Conduit Lane
  • L91091 – Barronstrand Street
  • L5501 – Gladstone Street
  • L1502 – O’Connell Street
  • L15021 – Thomas Hill (from its junction with Meeting House Lane to O’Connell Street)
  • L5506 – Vulcan Street
  • L5505 – Thomas Street
  • L1503 – The Glen (Road No.1)
  • L15033 – The Glen (Road No.3)

Roads shall be closed by Waterford City & County Council Staff using Crowd Control Barriers, Traffic Cones Road Closed Signs and Diversion Signs.

Diversions.

Travelling East on R680 Cork Road.

All traffic for M9, N25 and N24 via Rice Bridge shall be diverted at Cork Road Roundabout and directed to Rice Bridge via R686.

Traffic for Tramore, Waterford Airport, University Hospital Waterford or Williamstown/Dunmore Road area shall use the Inner Ring Road which is unaffected.

Travelling West on R680 Rice Bridge.

The left lane inbound on Rice Bridge shall be closed and all traffic shall be diverted via R686 to R680 Cork Road at the Cork Road Roundabout. All Traffic shall then use normal routes.

Travelling Inbound from Dunmore Road R683

All traffic will be diverted at Passage Road or Park Road

Other Routes:

Traffic to Rice Bridge from Tramore, Waterford Airport, University Hospital Waterford or Williamstown/Dunmore Road area shall be diverted via R709 Inner Ring Road to Cork Road Roundabout and then R686 to Rice Bridge.

Parking

Parking within the main Quay car parks will be available until approximately 2 hours before the Parade Commences at 1pm and will be reopened 30 minutes after the all-clear is called by Event Control. All on-street car parking on the closed roads will be removed 24hours before the parade begins. All other city car parks will be unaffected.

 

For more info on the St Patrick’s Day parade visit: https://stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com/

By Waterford City & County Council

Start strong, grow smart, and thrive global at Local Enterprise Week 2025.

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a programme of 24 events across 5 days during Local Enterprise Week 2025, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 3rd to March 7th.

This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature many new events including informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow.

The Local Enterprise Office has gathered experts in finance, marketing, social media, A.I. and sustainability. There are networking events, advice clinics and regional business awards, all crammed into one week at the start of March.

While favourites like the ever popular ‘Social Media Mash-Up’ returns to the Local Enterprise Week there are new and innovative events such as a Digital Innovation Clinic with the Walton Institute. You’ll get the opportunity to discuss your Digital Innovation project with an expert from the Walton Institute and explore how their expertise could potentially assist you to realise your ambition.

This clinic will explore how your limited company could avail of an Innovation voucher to access up to €5000 worth of expert time with Walton institute to work on a project in areas such as software development, communications services, immersive technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, future networks, digital platforms, and Internet of Things (IoT).

The ’Get Exporting Workshop’ is an excellent opportunity for businesses looking to scale up and seek new markets. It gives a practical step-by-step approach to get started exporting. This includes identifying target markets, currency exchange, invoicing, and trade finance, not to mention access to grants, trade missions, and expert advice.

Tuesday March 4th celebrates the future of enterprise in Waterford with the Student Enterprise Programme County final in the Park Hotel. 36 businesses from 12 schools will compete on the day for a place at the National Finals in May.

Two events not to be missed are, the Grow Digital Workshop which will assist you in securing up to €5,000 to transform your business, and an extremely interesting Going Green workshop which will help unlock an energy efficiency grant of €10,000.

The Local Enterprise Office also celebrates International Women’s Day with Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan Chamber and Network Waterford supporting three events across the week.

Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Gareth Evans is looking forward to what promises to be a busy and productive week, “Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity for many businesses to dip into a specific area of interest and gather information on a topic that may be relevant to their business now or in the future.  It also provides the perfect opportunity for someone who may be interested in starting a business to get an idea of some of the key areas of focus and how to take those first steps.

“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Network Waterford, Dungarvan Chamber and Waterford Chamber, to provide a programme that gives start-ups and small businesses opportunities to help them on the path to growth.”

To register for Local Enterprise Week events taking place in Waterford city and county from March 3rd to 7th, visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/!AK56SF . Most events are completely free of charge while some have a nominal booking fee.  As with every year, many of the events are expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s 6th Global Women’s Conference – Let’s Accelerate Action

The International Women’s Day 2025 campaign theme is #AccelerateAction. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women’s advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women’s equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive.

Join us on Friday 7th March from 10:00am in Garter Lane Arts Centre, 22a O’Connell Street, Waterford City for a morning of speakers and music.

Learn how we all can Accelerate Action and create a fair and equal world.

FREE Event and All Welcome but Booking Essential as places are limited.

Book your free place: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/waterfords-6th-global-womens-conference-lets-accelerate-action-tickets-1242886891149

Keynote speaker: Orla O’Connor Director of National Women’s Council

See Eventbrite line-up for Speakers and performers with more to be announced….

Registration, Tea & Coffee from 10am. Event followed by Networking Lunch.

By Waterford City & County Council

Dublin City Council delegation visits Waterford for Conservation & Regeneration discussions

Last week, we were delighted to welcome colleagues from Dublin City Council to Waterford to discuss synergies between both local authorities, in the promotion and development of national policy around building conservation and urban regeneration.

The group visited a number of sites in the City Centre including, Waterford Cultural Quarter and the Viking Triangle where they viewed the ongoing enabling works at Parade Quay as part of the city centre regeneration strategy. They also visited No. 18 Lady Lane, a project supported by THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

The Raptures author Jan Carson in conversation at Tramore Library

Jan Carson book club event Join Jan Carson and Dymphna Nugent as they discuss the Raptures – Jan’s third novel set in an Evangelical Protestant community in rural Northern Ireland during the summer of 1993.

It is a world Jan knows inside out but it may be unfamiliar to some of you who will be reading and orientating yourselves about Ballyhack and the strange works of Hannah Adger. Since its creation a century ago, perceptions of Northern Ireland have often been dominated by stories of conflict and political unrest. But as anyone who lives there or who has visited knows, it is a picture that’s far from complete. This is your opportunity to explore with the author the idiosyncrasies of the everyday, hidden histories and untold stories, which outsiders rarely get to hear about.

  • Tuesday 25 February, Tramore Library at 7pm
  • FREE Event. Booking essential. Phone 051 – 849594

Creative Communities on a Shared Island, funded by Creative Ireland, is a joint two-year initiative between Waterford City and County Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to develop and enhance our shared sense of community through the lens of creativity in areas such as heritage, literature and the arts.

By Waterford City & County Council

Four festive, fun-filled days for Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Four fun-filled, family-friendly, festival-atmosphere days are guaranteed for Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Waterford City and County Council, in association with Fáilte Ireland and EveryEvent, is delighted to announce a jam-packed four-day programme of events from Friday, March 14th to Monday, March 17th. The theme for this year’s festival is Saints & Scholars – A Celebration of Waterford’s rich heritage and will be marked by parades, performances, carnivals and music right through the Bank Holiday weekend.

While the festival is a celebration of Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent, there will be tribute paid to St. Patrick and to Waterford’s very own Scholar, Luke Wadding, a 16th Century academic, author, historian and Franciscan.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, “You can’t beat St. Patrick’s Day in Waterford and year on year the celebrations keep getting bigger and better.

“The success of the festival, and particularly the Parade, is down to the enthusiasm and dedication of our community, sporting, entertainment, voluntary and business groups, who take part.  The pageantry, colour, vibrancy and diversity that they bring to the weekend is always spectacular.”

Johnny Codd, Festival Director, Waterford City and County Council said there will be some great new acts to be announced shortly.  “The festival continues to grow each year, and we are really excited about some of the new acts that will form part of the programme in 2025.

“We are particularly proud of FireDance, a phenomenal show that has been created in Waterford especially for St. Patrick’s Festival and will feature the best local and national musicians, singers, dancers, designers and fire performers.

“This is one of the new acts to be added to the programme and locals and visitors to Waterford over St. Patrick’s weekend can expect a real eclectic mix of music, entertainment, arts, culture and history.”

The entertainment programme will take over the city centre with music and dance stages in the Apple Market / John Roberts Square and O’Connell Street and will also include historical talks, tours, wobbly circus and theatre. The city centre fair ground will return to the heart of the city with food markets offering something for everybody.

John Grubb of EveryEvent added, “The events going on throughout the weekend will have something for everyone, including a medieval reenactment, an Irish dance and hip-hop mash-up, a city centre funfair, interactive workshops, and as a new event this year there will be a public lecture in honour of Waterford’s most renowned scholar, Luke Wadding.”

He added, “The highlight, the Parade, is a fantastic opportunity for groups of all genres, ages and sizes to showcase what they do best. So, we’d love to see as many people as possible getting out there and supporting the largest community event of the year.”

With the final touches being put to the four-day programme all will be revealed in the coming weeks.

However, in the meantime, if your group would like to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Monday, March 17th, you can register at www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com

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Embedded Images:  Free to use – Patrick Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

World Wetlands Day: Free birdwatching event in Tramore

World Wetlands Day Tramore Poster

This Sunday 2nd February is World Wetlands Day. This is an international day to celebrate your local peatlands, rivers, mudflats, estuaries, lakes and marshes.

On Sunday in Tramore from 10.30a.m. to 12.30 p.m. ornithologist Denis Cullen will hold a FREE birdwatching event in the bird hide at Tramore Nature Park. This is a fantastic way to get your eye in to identify some of the incredible birds that gather in Tramore Backstrand for winter before they start making their way back to Iceland, Greenland and Northern Europe. Get to know a wide range of species that call this wetland home. Come down and join in for some expert knowledge. Suitable for all ages.

World Wetlands Day is an initiative of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Ireland is one of 172 signatories to the framework to protect and restore these habitats for their unique biodiversity. Waterford has two wetlands of international importance known as Ramsar sites – Tramore Backstrand

By Waterford City & County Council

Connecting Communities Roadshows return to showcase the best of Waterford Community Services

Following the success of last year’s community initiative, the Connecting Communities Roadshow series returns in 2025.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with community groups and stakeholders, will host a series of Connecting Communities Roadshows from February through to May, throughout the city and county.

The Connecting Communities Roadshows provide local communities with the opportunity to engage with the Local Authority and its associated partners.  They also provide insight and guidance about setting up community groups, sourcing funding for developing community initiatives and how to build a stronger, inclusive, and vibrant place to live.

The initiative is spearheaded by Healthy Waterford and Waterford PPN, in collaboration with organisations such as Waterford LEADER Partnership, Waterford Area Partnership, Creative Waterford, HSE, Emergency Services, UPMC Whitfield, Waterford Sport Partnership, and Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership to name but a few.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the initiative, saying, “I’m delighted that the Connecting Communities Roadshow series is returning this year.  Judging by the large turnouts at each event and positive feedback these roadshows are a valuable and insightful source of information and guidance for all communities.

“These roadshows are a great opportunity for communities from all over Waterford to avail of advice, expertise and resources from community groups and agencies, giving them the tools for their communities to grow, thrive and become more inclusive.”

Feedback from last year’s series of events ranged from comments such as “The Roadshow was a great chance to connect with multiple organisations quickly. As a volunteer with busy work schedule, it was very beneficial” and “It was excellent all round with many stalls being manned by informative personal” to “We need more of these showcases to show the great work going on in Waterford” and “I was impressed by the helpful and informative people I met from Waterford Council, who informed me about available community supports.”

Sinéad Breathnach, Senior Executive Officer for Community & Sports with Waterford City and County Council explains, “Last year was the inaugural year of the Connecting Communities Roadshows and the response was fantastic.  We are excited to deliver the series again in 2025 and work with our partner agencies, who all provided guidance on a wide range of topics, everything from exploring setting up community groups, how to go about it and how to avail of funding streams to develop progressive community initiatives.”

The Connecting Communities Roadshows will take place at Primary Care Centre, Ferrybank on February 12th, Lisduggan Shopping Centre on March 6th, Tramore GAA Community Hall on March 26th, Rainbow Hall Kilmacthomas on April 7th, Cappoquin Community Centre on April 30th and St Declan’s Hall, Ardmore on May 21st.

These events are free to attend and members of the public are invited to call in anytime between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.  The public can call along to the Lisduggan Shopping Centre Roadshow on March 6th between 12pm and 3pm.

To find out more keep an eye on social media or contact Eoin Morrissey, Community Department Waterford City and County Council at eoinmorrissey@waterfordcouncil.ie or Muriel Tobin, PPN Waterford Coordinator at waterfordppn@gmail.com

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