Skip to content

Tourism

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.

-ends-

 

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

St. Joseph’s, Waterford featured on RTE’s Nationwide

In case you missed it The #Nationwide team visited St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill, a converted convent that was now home to almost 100 residents.

They talked to members of Waterford City and County Council and residents about bringing the former convent back into use as a fully modernised, energy-efficient housing development in the heart of Waterford city.

To watch on the RTÉ Player visit: https://loom.ly/kbA825o

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Joseph’s, Waterford features on RTE’s Nationwide tonight

St. Josephs, Waterford

Tune into RTÉ at 7pm on Wednesday, February 19th as the Nationwide team visits St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill, a converted convent that is now home to almost 100 residents.
They talk to members of Waterford City and County Council and residents about bringing the former convent back into use as a fully modernised, energy efficient housing development in the heart of Waterford city.

Upgraded to the highest energy efficiency standards, the former convent has been transformed with 50 dwelling units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

By Waterford City & County Council

1.8 Million Visitors Enjoyed the Winterval Festival

Waterford has just celebrated its first year under the title of the European City of Christmas and the 12th year of the Winterval Festival, and new record-breaking data released from the digital counters across Waterford City show that on the Winterval Festival dates just over 1.8 million (after removing the local population base) unique visitors joined Waterford’s festive celebrations.

The data is collected via a Smart City Data Collection which is operated by Three Data Analytics on behalf of Waterford City and County Council. It enables the City to view the number of unique visitors to the area who have a mobile phone, thereby ensuring that each person counted is done so on a unique basis.

Upon winning the European City of Christmas title the Winterval Directors John Grubb and Trevor Darmody along with Waterford City and County Council set about placing the bar high, with ambitions of attracting more visitors to Waterford for the festive season, and the visitors numbers released have not only broken all records but also all goals set for 2024.

Speaking of the event’s success the Festival Directors, John and Trevor say, “We set out with some major ambitions to deliver a magical and fun-filled festival that would attract visitors to enjoy Christmas in Waterford plus we also added some night time economy events, like the Winterval Big Top Live gigs to bring in a new audience segment to the festival, and all of this has paid off greatly. We are delighted with the visitor numbers even with weather 2 storms during the festival. We would like to thank everyone who came along to enjoy Winterval and all of those businesses and sponsors who support Winterval, too. Waterford now holds the title of European City of Christmas for life, so we look forward to building upon that even further for 2025.”

Winterval commenced on November 15th and ran over weekends for 5 weeks plus six consecutive for the last days of the pre-festive period; it has seen the number of people coming to enjoy the festival in 2024 double compared to 2023, along with an increase in ticket sales to the variety of Winterval Festival events. Data shows that 3% of the visitors to Winterval were from overseas with the UK, Netherlands and the US featuring highly as the visitor’s country of origin followed by France and Spain and 97% are from all across Ireland, with a large proportion of these visitors from the Southeast region and also from Dublin. 5% of attendees to Winterval were overnight visitors (accounting for 53,000 people) to the festival with the remainder being daytrippers.

Hotelier Tina Darrer of Dooley’s Hotel says, “Winterval and the European City of Christmas title has certainly shone a spotlight on our wonderful City for the festive season, and we have been delighted to welcome repeat visitors to Dooley’s Hotel and also welcome new first time visitors to the City and the festival this year – both from across Ireland and from Europe and the US. The festival ensures that Waterford has a strong winter visitor season, and feedback from guests is that they were greatly impressed with the festive events and indeed, the tourism offering in the City during their stay – which ensures repeat visitors into the future. Winter in Waterford is certainly proving as the best place to be.”

Maeve Ryan Cooke MD at The Book Centre in Waterford says, “The Book Centre and The Book Bar see Winterval as an integral part of the Christmas shopping experience in Waterford.

It is hugely valuable to our business and it is another reason for Waterford people and visitors alike to visit our beautiful city. Being a family-run business in Waterford for the last 53 years, we see the hard work that has gone into the creation and continuance of Winterval and its importance to the success of our city.  As such, we see it as a vital attraction for all retail and hospitality in the city.”

Lisa Fitzgerald at George’s Court Shopping Centre and No.9 commented, “Winterval is now a traditional part of the fabric of Christmas in Waterford with 2024 being another wonderful year welcoming people from across Ireland and beyond to enjoy everything we have to offer which is a lot here in this great City and for all ages. “

Ronan Mulligan of Mulligans Pharmacy commented, “Winterval brings volumes of people into Waterford City Centre, extending the festive season and shopping period for us all. We know from our customers that the connection people make with the city during the festival is incredible. It is a huge advertisement for Waterford, and we know many of those people revisit outside of the festival period too.”

The festival also achieved an increased digital footprint with over 3 million unique visitors to the website and social media plus international and national media coverage, with glowing articles on Winterval featuring in The Irish Independent, The Irish Examiner, Irish Country Magazine, RollerCoaster.ie The Scotsman Newspaper, the international luxury travel website and magazine ‘Dream Escapes’,  the Swedish Magazine Vagabond and the Canadian Magazine ‘Zoomer’ with a readership of 17 million to name but a few.  Not only does this coverage place a spotlight on the Winterval Festival but the visits by media to the festival ensure coverage of Waterford more generally as a tourism destination, encouraging those reading the features to plan a visit to Ireland’s oldest City.

The festival directors and all of the Winterval Festival team want to extend their thanks to the local business community, the festival sponsors, Waterford City and County Council, the people of Waterford and all of the festival’s visitors for their support and their joy in celebrating the festival.

For further details on the Winterval Festival see www.winterval.ie

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!

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