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By Waterford City & County Council

Building on existing partnerships to develop Waterford Rural Tourism Network

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network held its final round of cluster meetings for the year during November. Throughout the year, a total of 15 meetings were held, with three in-person meetings per cluster. Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, together with Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, visited and heard from businesses across the County about their experiences during the final quarter of the year and their ambitions for 2025.

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas (Blackwater Valley, Gaeltacht, Copper Coast, Comeraghs, and Waterford Estuary) and each of the five meetings were hosted by a business within the relevant cluster area during the month of November.

Businesses provided positive feedback on the panel discussions and networking event held in the Majestic Hotel on 7th November.  Challenges they encountered during the year were also highlighted and options were explored as to what they could do differently in the new year. Discussions were had around developments and the importance of collaboration among the cluster, and wider network members.

The network co-ordinator, Julie O’Brien of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, led discussions and provided feedback on the shared challenges encountered such as the weather, increased costs, lack of evening time food offering/things to do. Julie framed how some of the positive reports from the season could be transformed into opportunities for the area as we move into 2025. The recent and upcoming supports, training and networking events were outlined, and businesses were given the opportunity to feedback on what other supports they require to develop rural tourism in Waterford and how they would like networking events framed going forward. Some businesses have already been connected with the Waterford Local Enterprise Office for individual business specific supports and other businesses were encouraged to avail of similar opportunities for their business such as the Saleable Experience programme led and delivered by Fáilte Ireland.

As part of the work with the Rural Tourism Network, Fáilte Ireland and Waterford City and County Council identified that more tourism businesses were needed to increase the appeal of rural Waterford for visitors. As a result, the Visitor Experience Development Programme was launched in November, aiming to increase the number of tourism businesses in rural Waterford which will further animate and provide opportunities to discover the diverse landscapes and communities of rural Waterford.  Information sessions were held to outline what is involved with the programme which was specifically designed for Waterford, and the first Visitor Experience Development Programme workshop will take place in December.

Collectively the Waterford Rural Tourism Network is excited to continue to build momentum and to share their grá for Waterford and pride of place with locals and visitors alike.

Waterford City and County Council looks forward to continuing the development of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, including Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, Waterford LEO and Waterford Leader Partnership.

To find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email caroline@runda.ie.

This project is funded by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

By Waterford City & County Council

Step Through the Gateway to Brno, this Friday at 3pm!

Czech city of BRNOThis Friday, November 22nd at 3pm, don’t miss the official opening of the ‘Gateway to Brno’, a live portal connecting Waterford, the European City of Christmas, with Brno, the European Capital of Christmas! 🎅

🎤 Special Guests:
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Pavel Vošalík, and Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy will kick things off with speeches, before Mr. Vošalík officially opens the live stream to Brno at 3PM sharp.

🗓️ When: Friday, November 22nd
⏰ Time: Speeches at 2:45 PM, official opening at 3 PM
📍 Where: Apple Market, Waterford/Brno, Czech Republic
💌 Bring Your Christmas Cheer!

We’re inviting everyone to bring festive signs, greetings, or even artwork to share with our friends in the Czech Republic. This is your chance to make history and celebrate the magic of Christmas across borders. 🎄✨

A huge thank you to Southern Regional Assembly for sponsoring this incredible feature and helping bring communities across Europe closer together at Christmas.
🌟 See you at the Apple Market this Friday Brno!

By Waterford City & County Council

Ed Finn on Sunshine Radio talking to WRTN businesses

On Thursday November 7th the fourth Waterford Rural Tourism Network event took place in The Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Over 70 participants from the tourism sector, including visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance and the event comprised of informative panel discussions and valuable insights into the mission of connecting, inspiring and shining a light on rural Waterford.

You can listen back to some of the interviews with award-winning travel journalist Ed Finn on Sunshine Radio at  Waterford – The Sunday Show – Sunshine 106.8

Ed chatted with Tourism and Hospitality experts Maella Fahy from Lismore Heritage Centre, Tracy Quinlan owner of Comeragh Pods and Karen Harris from Dunmore Adventure –  Visit Waterford

The second show will be available next Sunday 24th November at 7pm.

By Waterford City & County Council

Tens of Thousands Visit Waterford as Europe’s City of Christmas officially Begins its First Festive Celebrations 

 

Waterford City was jam-packed and shining brightly over the weekend as tens of thousands of festivalgoers enjoyed the official opening of the Winterval Festival and the official celebrations of Waterford’s first year as the European City of Christmas began.

On Friday evening the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Jason Murphy, and Santa Claus joined forces to dazzle and delight with the switching on of the City’s Christmas lights at a packed ceremony in John Robert’s Square marking the beginning of the 12th annual Winterval festival which is on offer until December 23rd.

On Saturday afternoon, crowds took to Parnell Street and the Mall in the City to enjoy the official celebrations of the European City of Christmas title for Waterford. An amazing festive parade saw acts from Winterval’s Trash Test Dummies, the cast of Waterford Panto and the delightful Waterford Viking Elves, Giant ‘Brick Boy’ Lego men, the WAMA Postbox collection elves, the Winterval Mini Express Train, visitors from The North Pole, Monster Trucks, the Nutcracker Brass Band, Fire Performers and more entertain the crowds gathered to enjoy the festive season in Ireland’s oldest City. Following the parade, an incredible and spectacular special effects display was showcased from the beautiful Bishop’s Palace and audiences were awed with sounds, light, and colour displays projected onto the stunning building facade. There were jaw-dropping musical performances from the roof of the Theatre Royal from Kayleigh Quinlan, accompanied by an orchestra led by Killian Browne and beats from the Big Bang drumming band got the crowds dancing in the streets.

Commenting on the opening of the festival and its European designation the directors of Winterval, John Gubb and Trevor Darmody, say, “Waterford has for the last 12 years been delivering an incredible Christmas festival, building from humble beginnings with big ambitions to become Ireland Christmas Capital to an even bigger festival with global ambitions and now holding a much sought after status as a European City of Christmas – a designation and title that remains with Waterford from here onwards. 

We have already seen the impact of this recognition since it was announced in December 2023 as international visitor numbers and international media visits to Waterford this year have already spiked. 

We are very much looking forward to further growing our European links as we open a ‘Gateway’ which will digitally connect Waterford as the European City of Christmas to Brno in the Czech Republic next Friday, November 22nd when the first exchange will take place between Waterford and our friends in Brno.”

Throughout the festival visitors to Waterford’s Apple Market in Waterford will be able to enjoy a cultural exchange with the people of the Czech Republic via the ‘Gateway to Brno’ along with a calendar of festive performances planned for airing during the  Winterval festival’s opening hours.

The Winterval festival is open every weekend from now until December 23rd. The festival programme is packed with ‘precisely 53 events’ say the festival directors. “We have festival favourites like the Winterval Illuminates Lightshow offering an enchanting evening spectacle, the ice rink on the city’s Quayside, the vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel in John Robert’s Square, the Port of Waterford Eye and the Winterval Mini Express train, the Elf workshops, Polish Christmas, Santa’s VR sleigh ride in Cathedral Square, helter-skelter and more. Santa takes centre stage of course at the festival in the City’s medieval caverns underneath the stunning Medieval Museum in the Viking Triangle. There really is something for everyone and best of all, over half of our programme is on offer free of charge.”

Waterford’s Viking heritage takes centre stage at the festival with a beautiful Viking Yule Village hosted by Deise Medieval, on offer every Sunday in Blackfriars Church and the festival market, The Glenveagh Christmas Market is set out in the City’s oldest streets and squares, there are over 100 food, craft and drinks producers and creators with lots of Christmas craft and food stalls from local, regional and national producers.

New events at Ireland’s largest Christmas festival include a brand new Gingerbread Making Workshop event for all the family, an Igloo Exploration Dome offering a 5D experience with audiences travelling through time inside; a gigantic Circus Museum will be on offer at City Hall’s Large Room; what is sure to be a sell-out at Garter Lane is a new show titled ‘Trash Test Dummies’ by the award-winner Dummies Corp., the Australian leader in slapstick children’s comedy, and for the adventure seekers and a  ‘boys day out’ opportunity there will be a huge Monster Truck and stunt show in Ireland’s largest circus tent and lots lots more.

The festival directors also detail that in order to attract new audience segments to Winterval and scale the festival, “We have a new after-dark programme of events for adults, ‘The Winterval Big Top Live’ will host a series of events, artists and performances throughout the festival with artists like Gavin James, Mick Flannery, Stereo MCs, EMF, and 30 Years of House Music with Tasty Choons for Tasty People.”

Winterval is supported by Waterford City and County Council as well as a host of other local, national and international businesses, all of whom have a keen interest in Waterford and the Southeast region. For further details on Winterval, see  www.winterval.ie

 

 #Winterval

#WintervalWaterford

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Winterval 2024 – Road Closure Arrangements

Winterval Road Closures

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public roads to through traffic to facilitate the Winterval 2024 Christmas Festival. 

  1. From 11am Wednesday 6th November 2024 until 11pm Sunday 5th January 2025 the following streets will be closed: 

    Arundel Square (L5532) (from its junction with Peter Street to Conduit Lane)
    Michael Street North (L1527) (from its junction with Lady Lane and Patrick St)The Taxi Rank on Peter Street is unaffected however the bus stop on Peter Street will close for the duration of the festival. Please see www.buseireann.ie for details on changes to Route W4.

  2. On Friday 15th November 2024 from 2:30pm until 7:00pm the following streets will close for the switching on of the Christmas Lights. 

    Barronstrand Street – L91091
    Broad Street – L91092
    Great Georges Street – L-90352
    Peter Street – L-5531
    Patrick Street – L-1525 (from its junction with Stephen Street)
    Bakehouse Lane – L5530The Taxi Rank on Peter Street will operate as normal until 5:30pm after which it will close until 7:00pm to facilitate the safe entry and egress of pedestrians to the event. All other traffic shall divert at Stephen Street and will be directed to Barrack Street.

  3. On Saturday 16th November 2024 the following street closures shall be put in place to facilitate the Waterford City of Christmas Celebration on The Mall. 

    From 3:00pm until 11:00pm:
    The Mall (R680)
    Mall Lane (L90023)From 5:30pm until 7:30pm:
    Parnell Street (R680)
    Catherine Street (R708)
    Colbeck Street (L90025)From 5:30pm until 6:30pm:
    Johnstown (R860) (from its junction with Parnell Street to the South Entrance to Millars Marsh L90364)

  4. From 6am Friday November 1st, 2024, until 6am Thursday 2nd January 2025 the following street will be closed to facilitate Winterval and Waterford Cultural Quarter Events.O’Connell Street (L1502) (From its junction with Thomas Hill to Sergeants Lane)
  5. On the following Times & Dates the roads below will be closed to facilitate the Winterval Market & Cultural Quarter Events:
  • 9pm Thursday 14th November until 10pm Sunday 17th November
  • 9pm Thursday 21st November until 10pm Sunday 24th November
  • 9pm Thursday 28th November until 10pm Sunday 1st December
  • 9pm Thursday 5th December until 10pm Sunday 8th December
  • 9pm Thursday 12th December until 10pm Sunday 15th December
  • 9pm Tuesday 17th December until 10pm Monday 23rd DecemberGladstone Street (L5501)
    Sargeants Lane (L-15023)
  • Access to Jenkins Lane & Little Patrick Street carparks shall be via Thomas Hill & Meeting House Lane. Access to the Quays shall be via Ballybricken or Penrose Lane
  1. From 6am Monday 11th November 2024 until 11pm Sunday 5thJanuary 2025 the following section of the following public carpark shall close:Jenkins Lane Car Park (L90356) – access to Little Patrick Street carpark will be unaffected.
  2. On the following Times & Dates the roads below will be closed to traffic:
  • 11am Friday 15th November until 10pm Sunday 17th November
  • 11am Friday 22nd November until 10pm Sunday 24th November
  • 11am Friday 29th November until 10pm Sunday 1st December
  • 11am Friday 6th December until 10pm Sunday 8th December
  • 11am Friday 13th December until 10pm Sunday 15th December
  • 11am Friday 20th December until 10pm Monday 23rd DecemberJohn Roberts Square
    Barronstrand Street (L91092)
    Broad Street (L91092)
    Great Georges Street (L90352)
  • Friday morning access to John Roberts Square will be as normal but there will be restrictions each Saturday with Access and Egress for commercial businesses available until 11am via Barronstrand Street (Clock Tower Entrance) only.
  • The Little Patrick Street, Broad Street and Great Georges Street entrances shall remain closed for the times indicated. There will be no vehicular access to the Square on Sundays.
  • Access to Barronstrand Street for the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity each Saturday evening & Sunday morning for Mass shall be facilitated via a controlled access and egress point via Barronstrand Street (Clock Tower Entrance) only.

By Waterford City & County Council

Shining a Spotlight on Tourism in Rural Waterford

On Thursday November 7th the fourth Waterford Rural Tourism Network event took place in The Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme is delivered by Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions.

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

Over 70 participants from the tourism sector, including visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance and the event comprised of informative panel discussions and valuable insights into the mission of connecting, inspiring and shining a light on rural Waterford.

Award winning Travel Journalist Ed Finn hosted an insightful panel discussion themed “Local Heroes: Waterford – Doing it for ourselves”.  Ed, in conversation with panellists Ray Sinnott from Mount Congreve, Marie Power – The Sea Gardener and Tina Darrer of Dooley’s Hotel, commented, “I was not aware of the array of experiences and landscapes that Waterford had to offer and the pride and passion which providers spoke about their businesses and their community had a real impact on me.

“Being in Tramore brought happy memories of family holidays to mind and all I’ve heard about Waterford has left me wanting to return to discover even more of rural Waterford.”

Prior to the event, Ed interviewed a tourism provider from each of the cluster areas, Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary. These interviews can be heard on The Sunday Show with Ed Finn on Sunshine 106.8 radio on the 17th and 24th November.

Attendees also heard from Co-ordinator of the Network, Julie O’Brien of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, who hosted further panel discussions exploring themes such as “The Vision for Rural Waterford” and “Sharing the story of people and place through tourism across Ireland”. Following the event, Julie said, “This has been an overwhelmingly positive event for me and everyone who attended, hearing from the guest speakers from across Ireland who have all built authentic and sustainable tourism businesses in the ‘heart of nowhere’ has been truly inspiring.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City & County Council added, “Local and national speakers all highlighted the importance of collaboration for success which is what the Waterford Rural Tourism Network is all about. We were delighted to have so many enthusiastic tourism businesses in the room who have been working with us for the past year and more, to get to know each other, build capabilities and combine their efforts to sustainably develop tourism in rural Waterford.”

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.

“The 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.”

Waterford City and County Council would like to thank everyone who attended on the day, and looks forward to continuing the development of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, including Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, 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.

This project is funded by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Spooky Tunnel reopens on Waterford Greenway

The much-loved Spooky Tunnel has returned to Waterford Greenway, offering a week-long experience for families and Hallowe’en scare-seekers. The official launch of this year’s event was marked by a special ceremony, with Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, joined by Ella and Robyn Whelan and Shauna Weldon, to kick off the spooky festivities.

Running from Friday, 25th October to Friday, 1st November, the Spooky Tunnel promises an eerie and atmospheric experience that adds a touch of Hallowe’en magic to the Greenway. The event, which has become a highlight of the autumn season, invites visitors to enjoy a walk through the tunnel’s unique blend of scary light and sound.

Photography of the launch was captured by David Clynch, adding to the visual record of this fun-filled and spooky annual event.

By Waterford City & County Council

Brent Geese Tagging Project: Watch the Story Unfold on RTÉ Today

A Brent Geese Tagging Project, involving St. Mary’s School in Dungarvan, has been a remarkable journey, especially for the students. This local contribution is part of a broader effort led by scientists and conservationists featured in the new RTÉ series, ‘Where the Wild Geese Go,’ which follows the migration of the Brent Goose from Irish coasts to Arctic Canada and back again.  The series, which airs today, Monday, 21 October at 4.10pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, highlights the incredible work of young ‘Goose Detectives,’ including students from Waterford, who have contributed to tracking these birds and learning about their awe-inspiring journey.

The story of St. Mary’s School in Dungarvan and other schools around the country, and their journey with these fascinating birds, is something that deserves to be shared far and wide. Starting today, you can tune into RTÉ to see the broadcast featuring the incredible efforts of the students, scientists, and community who came together for this project.

If you want to learn more about the background, take a look at last Friday’s Irish Times article, which gives an insightful look at how the tagging effort and its outcomes have unfolded. It’s amazing to see the impact these young students have had, tracking these birds across the globe.

For more information about the series and to access educational resources, visit the interactive website: RTÉ Goose Project.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Spraoi “Fire and Shadows” Dearg Due Procession

Samhain

Waterford is set to come alive with the Spraoi “Fire and Shadows Dearg Due” Samhain Procession, offering a dazzling spectacle for all.

The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25th, starting from Cathedral Square in Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle.

The procession will make its way through Lady Lane and Michael Street, promising an evening of light, sound, and a touch of Hallowe’en magic. Attendees are encouraged to wrap up warmly and prepare for an evening of vibrant performances, dramatic costumes, and immersive special effects.

For updates, follow Spraoi on Facebook and Instagram.

By Waterford City & County Council

The Spooky Tunnel Returns To Waterford Greenway!

Waterford City and County Council is looking forward to organising the fifth Spooky Tunnel experience at Ballyvoyle Tunnel, Waterford Greenway this Hallowe’en. This years’ experience will be in place for the public to enjoy from Friday 25th October to Thursday 31st October inclusive. This is a ‘walk through experience’ that promises to be a sight to behold for all age groups and best of all it’s free!

Ballyvoyle Tunnel, is an almost 400-metre-long brick lined tunnel, which was constructed during the 1870’s. It’s dimly lit recesses and arched ceiling are fantastically atmospheric at any time of year and form the perfect backdrop for a ‘spooktacular’ Hallowe’en themed display. 2018 was the first year of the experience and people were blown away by the sights and sounds of Samhain! Word of mouth quickly spread about the experience and visitor figures recorded at the tunnel were over twice those recorded for the same period in late October 2017. This success was replicated and even surpassed in in the intervening years and all involved are anticipating a similar response from members of the public this year.

Commenting in advance of this year’s Spooky Tunnel Cllr. Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford City and County said he is, “Looking forward to the 2024 edition of the Spooky Tunnel. It is fast becoming a Halloween tradition to visit the tunnel with family and friends over the mid-term break. Undoubtedly it is a Hallowe’en event which is unique to Waterford Greenway. It highlights how the Greenway has continued to evolve over the years and offer a visitor experience that sets it apart from other amenities. Best of luck to all involved!”

The Spooky Tunnel is part of a wider series of haunted happenings across Waterford city and county this Hallowe’en! From ghostly storytelling and pumpkin carving to scary movie screenings and haunted trails, there is something for everyone. Spraoi is hosting its spectacular ‘Fire & Shadows’ procession on Friday 25th October. Hallowe’en themed events take place in locations as diverse as Lismore Heritage Centre, Lismore Castle, Waterford Museum of Treasures, Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Mount Congreve or catch the Spooky Express at Kilmeaden WSVR. Visit Waterford and hold on to your broomsticks, as the Déise promises a jam-packed schedule this Hallowe’en!

Check out Waterford Greenway social media for updates on the Spooky Tunnel and click on www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com for more information and to plan your visit to Waterford Greenway this Hallowe’en. Check out www.visitwaterford.com and related social media for more information on Hallowe’en events across Waterford.

Miss it as your peril!

By Waterford City & County Council

Winterval 2024 – Road Closure Arrangements

Winterval Road Closures

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, will close the following public roads to through traffic to facilitate the Winterval 2024 Christmas Festival. 

  1. From 11am Wednesday 6th November 2024 until 11pm Sunday 5th January 2025 the following streets will be closed:

    Arundel Square (L5532) (from its junction with Peter Street to Conduit Lane)
    Michael Street North (L1527) (from its junction with Lady Lane and Patrick St)The Taxi Rank on Peter Street is unaffected however the bus stop on Peter Street will close for the duration of the festival. Please see www.buseireann.ie for details on changes to Route W4.

  2. On Friday 15th November 2024 from 2:30pm until 7:00pm the following streets will close for the switching on of the Christmas Lights.

    Barronstrand Street – L91091
    Broad Street – L91092
    Great Georges Street – L-90352
    Peter Street – L-5531
    Patrick Street – L-1525 (from its junction with Stephen Street)
    Bakehouse Lane – L5530The Taxi Rank on Peter Street will operate as normal until 5:30pm after which it will close until 7:00pm to facilitate the safe entry and egress of pedestrians to the event. All other traffic shall divert at Stephen Street and will be directed to Barrack Street.

  3. On Saturday 16th November 2024 the following street closures shall be put in place to facilitate the Waterford City of Christmas Celebration on The Mall.

    From 3:00pm until 11:00pm:
    The Mall (R680)
    Mall Lane (L90023)From 5:30pm until 7:30pm:
    Parnell Street (R680)
    Catherine Street (R708)
    Colbeck Street (L90025)

    From 5:30pm until 6:30pm:
    Johnstown (R860) (from its junction with Parnell Street to the South Entrance to Millars Marsh L90364)

  4. From 6am Friday November 1st, 2024, until 6am Thursday 2nd January 2025 the following street will be closed to facilitate Winterval and Waterford Cultural Quarter Events.O’Connell Street (L1502) (From its junction with Thomas Hill to Sergeants Lane)
  5. On the following Times & Dates the roads below will be closed to facilitate the Winterval Market & Cultural Quarter Events:
  • 9pm Thursday 14th November until 10pm Sunday 17th November
  • 9pm Thursday 21st November until 10pm Sunday 24th November
  • 9pm Thursday 28th November until 10pm Sunday 1st December
  • 9pm Thursday 5th December until 10pm Sunday 8th December
  • 9pm Thursday 12th December until 10pm Sunday 15th December
  • 9pm Tuesday 17th December until 10pm Monday 23rd DecemberGladstone Street (L5501)
    Sargeants Lane (L-15023)
  • Access to Jenkins Lane & Little Patrick Street carparks shall be via Thomas Hill & Meeting House Lane. Access to the Quays shall be via Ballybricken or Penrose Lane
  1. From 6am Monday 11th November 2024 until 11pm Sunday 5thJanuary 2025 the following section of the following public carpark shall close: 

    Jenkins Lane Car Park (L90356) – access to Little Patrick Street carpark will be unaffected.

  2. On the following Times & Dates the roads below will be closed to traffic:
  • 11am Friday 15th November until 10pm Sunday 17th November
  • 11am Friday 22nd November until 10pm Sunday 24th November
  • 11am Friday 29th November until 10pm Sunday 1st December
  • 11am Friday 6th December until 10pm Sunday 8th December
  • 11am Friday 13th December until 10pm Sunday 15th December
  • 11am Friday 20th December until 10pm Monday 23rd DecemberJohn Roberts Square
    Barronstrand Street (L91092)
    Broad Street (L91092)
    Great Georges Street (L90352)
  • Friday morning access to John Roberts Square will be as normal but there will be restrictions each Saturday with Access and Egress for commercial businesses available until 11am via Barronstrand Street (Clock Tower Entrance) only.
  • The Little Patrick Street, Broad Street and Great Georges Street entrances shall remain closed for the times indicated. There will be no vehicular access to the Square on Sundays.
  • Access to Barronstrand Street for the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity each Saturday evening & Sunday morning for Mass shall be facilitated via a controlled access and egress point via Barronstrand Street (Clock Tower Entrance) only.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Rural Tourism Network Learning Journey to the Copper Coast

A day of discovery, shared learning and colourful stories all unfolded in the magnificent landscapes of the Copper Coast on Wednesday, October 2nd.

Funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, the Learning Journey to the Copper Coast is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme being delivered by Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions.

Tourism businesses and agencies from across Waterford were invited to embark on a Learning Journey through the Copper Coast area of Waterford. This was the second in a series of five Learning Journeys taking place across all five cluster areas in 2024 and 2025 – Blackwater Valley, Comeragh Uplands, Copper Coast, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary.

The Learning Journey gave local businesses the opportunity to learn about tourism experiences and products located in the Copper Coast; connect, collaborate, and get to know each other; gain personal learnings to help their business, cluster and the wider Waterford tourism destination. With 40 people in the delegation there were valuable connections and learnings made throughout day.

Participants were welcomed by Julie O’Brien from Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, and guided along their journey through the Copper Coast by Deirdre Woodbyrne of Rurori Tour Guiding, based in the Copper Coast.

In Durrow the group met with Garvan Cummins, better known as The Greenway Man, who explained about the variety of bikes for hire so cyclists of all abilities can enjoy the freedom of cycling along the Waterford Greenway.  At Trá na mBó, Robbie Galvin, Manager of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, gave a fascinating insight into the origin of the rocks, some of which predate the dinosaurs.

Through the village of Bunmahon and onto the Copper Coast Visitor Centre, six Copper Coast businesses; The Greenway & Copper Coast Hostel; Waterford Origins Genealogy; The Hot Pod; Wild with Walshe, Gourmet House Cafe and Surf SUP Tramore; showcased their offerings while the group enjoyed homemade scones and a warm cuppa from the Copper Coast Café.

At the beautiful surrounds of Annestown Beach the group met Marie Power, The Sea Gardener, who provided fascinating insights into seaweed as well as her business which primarily focuses on sustainable seaweed foraging tours. Next stop, the Art Hand Gallery where Miranda and Séan Corcoran showcased their recently opened gallery, full of colourful treasures and explained about life as an Environmental Artist and the recent success of the Talamh Land Art Festival that took place on the Copper Coast in September.

The Engine House in Bunmahon, under new ownership of Johnny and Mags Hurley since the beginning of 2024, provided a delicious lunch for the group and son Jack told the group about the family’s ambition for the business.

The last stop of the day was Ballyscanlon Wellness, where manager Eoin Phelan guided the attendees through the lakeside property and spoke about how collaboration was integral to the development of the business which launched earlier this year. The day finished with a deep breath in, and out while the group enjoyed a mindful moment by the lake, guided by Emilyrose of Kawa Wellness.

The Learning Journey to the Copper Coast is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme which is funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland would like to thank all the business who participated and thank especially the businesses who hosted the different aspects of the Learning Journey.

To find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or to join one of the five Clusters in Waterford please email caroline@runda.ie.

By Waterford City & County Council

Strengthening collaborative partnerships to develop Waterford Rural Tourism

At the most recent Waterford Rural Tourism Network (WRTN) cluster meetings Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, together with Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, visited and heard from businesses across the County about the challenges and opportunities that the 2024 summer season presented.

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas (Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht, and Waterford Estuary) and each of the five meetings took place at a business within the relevant cluster area during the month of September.

Businesses were keen to highlight challenges they encountered this year which included, the weather, increased costs, lack of evening time food offering / things to do. Positives were also highlighted and included the success of online bookings, new products enticing new markets, the use of collaboration and referral to increase business, the importance of the international market, and strong repeat business proving that visitor satisfaction with the destination and overall experience were very positive.

The network co-ordinator, Julie O’Brien, of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, led discussions and provided feedback on the challenges encountered and framed how some of the positive reports from the season could be transformed into bigger opportunities for the area. The recent and upcoming supports, training and networking events were outlined, and businesses were given the opportunity to feedback on what other supports they require to develop rural tourism in Waterford. Some businesses have already been connected with the Waterford Local Enterprise Office for individual business specific supports and other businesses were encouraged to avail of similar opportunities for their business.

Waterford City and County Council looks forward to continuing the development of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, including Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, Waterford LEO and Waterford Leader Partnership.

To continue the development of the WRTN the following events will be taking place before the end of the year:

  • Copper Coast Learning Journey on 2nd October
  • Fáilte Ireland Champions Programme in The Park Hotel Dungarvan on 10th October
  • WRTN – Network wide event on 7th November

To find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email caroline@runda.ie.

This project is funded by Waterford City & County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council approves €750,000 loan to Mount Congreve

Mount Congreve

Waterford City and County Council today (Friday, September 13th) approved a loan of €750,000 to Mount Congreve to support its ongoing efforts in developing and sustaining the renowned gardens.

Mount Congreve is managed by a Trust comprising of voluntary Board members nominated by the Council. The funding approved today will assist the Trust in completing capital works for additional accommodation units and in covering cash-flow losses suffered this year.

In recommending the loan to the Council, Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council reassured the Elected Members that this decision would not negatively impact the delivery of Council services, emphasising that the funding would be sourced from underspend to date this year in both the Council’s revenue and capital budgets. This arises from savings from a number of areas, including unfilled staff vacancies and delays in the delivery of some capital projects.

The Chief Executive informed the Council that Mount Congreve is currently facing significant financial challenges, due to lower-than-expected visitor numbers, owing mainly to the relatively poor weather this summer, and higher than forecasted operating costs.  He said there are upwards of 30 people employed at Mount Congreve.  Mr. McKeown acknowledged the decision was a challenging one for the Elected Members, but he asserted his firm belief this was the right course of action. He said Mount Congreve is recognised by Failte Ireland as a ‘catalyst project’ for regional tourism development.

Welcoming the Council’s decision, the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “I am delighted the funding will enable completion of the accommodation units, which will provide Mount Congreve with a critical additional revenue stream. Tourism is a critical sector for Waterford, and we want to enhance the contribution of the sector to our local economy. This funding demonstrates our ongoing commitment to growing tourism in Waterford.”

Waterford City and County Council currently provides an annual subvention of €100,000 per annum towards the operation of Mount Congreve and the level of subvention for next year will be considered by the Elected Members as part of the budget discussions for 2025, which get underway in earnest next month.

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