Tourism – Page 3 – Waterford City & County Council

9th October 2024

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.

From 11am Wednesday 6^th November 2024 until 11pm Sunday 5^th 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.
On Friday 15^th 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.
On Saturday 16^th 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)
From 6am Friday November 1^st, 2024, until 6am Thursday 2^nd 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)
On the following Times & Dates the roads below will be closed to facilitate the Winterval Market & Cultural Quarter Events:

9pm Thursday 14^th November until 10pm Sunday 17^th November
9pm Thursday 21^st November until 10pm Sunday 24^th November
9pm Thursday 28^th November until 10pm Sunday 1^st December
9pm Thursday 5^th December until 10pm Sunday 8^th December
9pm Thursday 12^th December until 10pm Sunday 15^th December
9pm Tuesday 17^th December until 10pm Monday 23^rd 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

From 6am Monday 11^th November 2024 until 11pm Sunday 5^thJanuary 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.
On the following Times & Dates the roads below will be closed to traffic:

11am Friday 15^th November until 10pm Sunday 17^th November
11am Friday 22^nd November until 10pm Sunday 24^th November
11am Friday 29^th November until 10pm Sunday 1^st December
11am Friday 6^th December until 10pm Sunday 8^th December
11am Friday 13^th December until 10pm Sunday 15^th December
11am Friday 20^th December until 10pm Monday 23^rd 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.

4th October 2024

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 2^nd.

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.

27th September 2024

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 2^nd October
Fáilte Ireland Champions Programme in The Park Hotel Dungarvan on 10^th October
WRTN – Network wide event on 7^th 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.

16th September 2024

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 13^th) 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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18th August 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Event: CAD AS DUIT? Logainmneacha na nDéise

Placenames of the Déise

Cén madra a chuaigh trí Bhearna an Mhadra agus cé a chrochadh ag Cloch an Oidhre?

Má tá suim agat i gceisteanna mar seo, bígí linn ag an ócáid “Cad as Duit? Placenames of the Déise” i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge ar an Déardaoin, 22 Lúnasa ar a 6.30i.n., eagraithe ag Coiste Logainmneacha Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge.

Tabharfar cuireadh duit buail isteach go dtí Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán aon am idir 6.30i.n. agus 7.30i.n. i gcomhair bhlaiseadh d’oidhreacht logainmneacha Phort Láirge trí amhráintí, dhánta agus chainteanna gairide. I measc na míreanna ar an gclár neamhfhoirmeálta, tá cainteanna ar Rúin na Logainmneacha, Logainmneacha Ghailtír, Logainmneacha Shléibhte & Chósta Phort Láirge agus eolas ar obair Choiste Logainmneacha Phort Láirge agus ar conas tochailt ar líne do léarscáileanna, taifid agus foinsí eile luachmhara logainmneacha.

Sé príomh-mhír chlár na hoíche ná an chéad léiriú poiblí de Ceol na gCloch, dán nua-scríofa ar Logainmneacha na nDéise (coimisiúnaithe le tacaíocht ó Éire Ildánach Phort Láirge) ón bhfile ón Rinn, Catherine Foley, maraon le físeán tionlacain léirithe aici féin agus a deirfiúr RoseAnn. Chomh maith leis sin, beidh seans ag daoine éisteacht le hamhráintí áitiúla a léiríonn logainmneacha áirithe os na Déise.

Tá an ócáid Seachtain Oidhreachta seo á n-eagrú ag Coiste Logainmeacha Chomhairle Phort Láirge le tacaíocht ó Éire Ildánach Phort Láirge.

Ócáid dátheangach saor in aisce. Beidh sólaistí ar fáil. Ní gá áirithint a dhéanamh.

Déan teagmháil le Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge ag msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie le haon fhiosrúcháin.

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9th August 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

CAD AS DUIT? Logainmneacha na nDéise

Placenames of the Déise

Cén madra a chuaigh trí Bhearna an Mhadra agus cé a chrochadh ag Cloch an Oidhre?

Má tá suim agat i gceisteanna mar seo, bígí linn ag an ócáid “Cad as Duit? Placenames of the Déise” i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán, Co. Phort Láirge ar an Déardaoin, 22 Lúnasa ar a 6.30i.n., eagraithe ag Coiste Logainmneacha Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge.

Tabharfar cuireadh duit buail isteach go dtí Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán aon am idir 6.30i.n. agus 7.30i.n. i gcomhair bhlaiseadh d’oidhreacht logainmneacha Phort Láirge trí amhráintí, dhánta agus chainteanna gairide. I measc na míreanna ar an gclár neamhfhoirmeálta, tá cainteanna ar Rúin na Logainmneacha, Logainmneacha Ghailtír, Logainmneacha Shléibhte & Chósta Phort Láirge agus eolas ar obair Choiste Logainmneacha Phort Láirge agus ar conas tochailt ar líne do léarscáileanna, taifid agus foinsí eile luachmhara logainmneacha.

Tá an ócáid Seachtain Oidhreachta seo á n-eagrú ag Coiste Logainmeacha Chomhairle Phort Láirge le tacaíocht ó Éire Ildánach Phort Láirge.

Ócáid dátheangach saor in aisce. Beidh sólaistí ar fáil. Ní gá áirithint a dhéanamh.

Déan teagmháil le Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge ag msbreathnach@waterfordcouncil.ie le haon fhiosrúcháin.

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8th August 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Ról Phort Láirge i mbunús an chéad Choimisiúin Ghaeltachta

TÚS MAITH NA hOIBRE: Ag Cothú an Choimisiúin

Ról Phort Láirge i mbunús an chéad Choimisiúin Ghaeltachta

Is í an bhliain seo chugainn comóradh 100 bliain ar an gcéad phlean náisiúnta tábhachtach ón Rialtas chun tacú leis an nGaeilge i Saorstát nua neamhspleách na hÉireann.

Bhí ról tábhachtach ag roinnt príomhphearsana as Port Láirge i dTuarascáil Choimisiún na Gaeltachta 1925 agus ina measc siúd bhí an Ginearál Richard Mulcahy, cathaoirleach an Choimisiúin agus Séamus Ó hEochadha “An Fear Mór” as Coláiste na Rinne, a bhí ina bhall den Choimisiún. Reáchtáladh ceann de chéad éisteachtaí poiblí an Choimisiúin i nDún Garbhán i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 1925.

Níl iontu seo ach cuid de na naisc atá ag Port Láirge leis an gcéad phlean tábhachtach seo de Shaorstát na hÉireann chun tacú leis an nGaeilge agus an chéad iarracht chun ceantair Ghaeltachta na hÉireann mar a thugtar orthu anois a shonrú. Mar sin, conas a tharla sé seo? Cuireadh na síolta chuige seo i bhfad sular bunaíodh an Coimisiún agus foilsíodh a thuarascáil agus mar chuid de chlár imeachtaí Sheachtain Oidhreachta Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, tabharfaidh Liam Suipéil, iar-Stiúrthóir Choláiste na Rinne, caint dhátheangach ina ndéanfar iniúchadh ar an slí ar tháinig na naisc níos luaithe seo chun cinn. Fiosróidh sé an tionchar a bhí ag Coláiste na Rinne agus ag Gaeltacht Phort Láirge agus a muintir ar bhunchloch pholasaí na Gaeilge i mblianta tosaigh Stát na hÉireann.

Bígí linn i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán ar 7i.n. Dé Máirt 20 Lúnasa chun súil a chaitheamh ar an gcaoi a raibh baint ag Port Láirge le cúrsaí Gaeilge an Stáit céad bliain ó shin.

Is ceiliúradh é seo ar Phort Láirge agus ar an nGaeilge agus mar chuid den cheiliúradh seo beidh an píobaire uilleann as Port Láirge, a bhfuil cáil idirnáisiúnta air, David Power, ag seinm cúpla port mar léiriú ar thraidisiún cultúrtha bríomhar agus saibhir Phort Láirge.

Tá an t-imeacht seo mar chuid de Chlár Cuimhneacháin 2024 Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge agus faigheann sé tacaíocht ón Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán.

Ócáid saor in aisce. Beidh sólaistí ar fáil. Ní gá áirithint a dhéanamh.

Déan teagmháil le Joanne Rothwell Cartlannaí Chomhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag archivist@waterfordcouncil.ie le haon fhiosrúcháin.

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Íomha: Colásite na Rinne (Liam Suipéil)

6th August 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford and Märkischer Kreis cement cultural connections at Spraoi!

Taiko Drummers recently travelled from the Märkischer Kreis region in Germany to take part in the 31^st annual Spraoi International Street Arts Festival.

The drummers who are students at Taiko-Dojo Monika Volmer School in Hermer, a small town in the Märkischer Kreis region which recently twinned with Waterford, were a fantastic addition to the rich and varied programme of events on offer over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Taiko are hollow, barrel-shaped wooden drums and have been an integral part of Japanese culture since as early as 10,000 BC.

Traditionally in Japan the unique sound of the taiko drum served as a boundary marker. They also acted as a motivating rallying cry for soldiers. Samurais were sent into battle against the backdrop of the powerful, monotonous drumbeats delivered by armies of drummers.

Today the Taiko drum accompanies prayer ceremonies in temples, is a key section in vibrant and colourful parades, and can be heard throughout towns and villages during all kinds of festival and event celebrations.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy welcomed the Taiko drummers to Waterford for their performance during the Spraoi festival and said, “The students of Taiko-Dojo Monika Volmer School in Hermer are honouring a millennia-old Japanese tradition, and we are very fortunate to get to experience the powerful and rhythmic energy of the taiko drummers here in Waterford, particularly during Spraoi weekend.
It’s also a great opportunity to further our links with Märkischer Kreis in Germany, as our two regions are enjoying a relatively new twinning arrangement and look forward to working together in the future with the shared goal of making Waterford and Märkischer regions where people will continue to live, work, visit and invest in.”

Ms Monika Volmer, the leader of the Taiko drummers, was delighted to visit Waterford and showcase a long-standing Japanese tradition in Waterford saying, “As we build on the relationship between Waterford and Märkischer Kreis, being able to share the breadth of cultural talent and diversity that we have in Märkischer Kreis with our friends in Waterford is a wonderful experience.”

This latest example of the twinning partnership between Waterford & Märkischer Kreis was a great success and the drummers enhanced what was a fantastic weekend of performances by Spraoi.

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Free to use image:

2/6: Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy with students of the Taiko-Dojo Monika Volmer School who performed at the Spraoi festival.

4: Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy and Monika Volmer

29th July 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s Iconic Dragon Slayer sword to receive remedial works

Waterford’s iconic Viking sword, the Dragon Slayer, was removed on Saturday (July 27^th) from its location at Bailey’s New Street, in the heart of the Viking Triangle, to facilitate repairs.

The 23-metre-long structure was created by master craftsman and renowned chainsaw sculptor, John Hayes of Special Branch Carvers and unveiled in December 2017. Hayes created the record-breaking sword from a felled tree from Ballinamona Woods and the sword depicts the story of Waterford across numerous panels, from the arrival of the Vikings to Waterford, the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife and the link between Waterford’s Vikings and the town of York.

The repair works will be carried out by Hayes and will take approximately 18 months to complete.

Commenting on the operation, Morris Conway, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council said, “These repair works are necessary to return the sword to its original state. Years of wear and tear have taken their toll on the structure, but we are pleased that its creator, John Hayes, will treat the sword to return it to its original impressive form.

“Upon completion, the refurbished Dragon Slayer sword will be returned to the city centre as part of Waterford City and County Council’s commitment to improving public realm works and enhancing the city’s rich historical narrative.”

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Image: Noel Browne

21st May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

A digital story trail featuring augmented reality which offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s rich and fascinating history via their smartphone has been shortlisted in the Digital Tourism and Digital Changemaker categories of the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Through the use of augmented reality smartphone technology, visitors and locals can experience Waterford’s past by watching digital animations of characters and architecture appear as if they are in the physical world right in front of them. The trail can be accessed for free by scanning one of the numerous QR codes on signs located throughout the city trail or by visiting visitwaterford.com/digitalstorytrail/

This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile device, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments.

In addition to meeting life-like characters from Waterford’s past, scanning the QR code also provides an audio tale from an historical figure, coupled with interesting facts and a timeline of events. Spanning over a thousand years of Waterford’s history, tourists can listen as Reginald, a Viking King and warlord from the 10th century, as he describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher, Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion, raises the first Irish tricolour.

Waterford’s history of master craft making is also recognised. Rachel Penrose, the wife of one of the founders of Waterford Crystal, William Penrose, appears in a recreation of an 18th century glass-blowing scene. Trail users can also meet Anastasia Fleming, a silversmith from the late 1700s, and see a reimagined façade of her silversmith shop.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway commended the initiative saying it truly brings Waterford’s history to life in a fun, engaging and fascinating way. “With over 1,000 years of history to explore the Digital Story Trail takes the user on an intriguing journey, in which they can meet the characters that shaped Ireland’s Oldest City.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The Waterford Digital Story Trail was identified as an ideal way to introduce visitors to the varied stories and characters of Waterford. It provides visitors with free entertainment at any time of the day, taking about one and a half hours to complete. Users can stop and start at any point, and it purposefully leads people past attractions, shops and café’s to encourage people to dwell longer in the destination.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24^th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18^th Century silversmith, and Odin Lord of Valhalla with then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary the launch of the Waterford Digital Story Trail in February 2023.

12th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24^th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

22nd March 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Rural Tourism Network learning journey to the Blackwater Valley

All aboard the bus to Villierstown, Lismore, Ballyduff and Mount Melleray with plenty of intriguing stories, sights and insights along the way.

Tourism businesses and agencies from across Waterford were invited to Dungarvan on Wednesday March 20^th to embark on a Learning Journey around the Blackwater Valley area of Waterford. The Learning Journey to the Blackwater Valley, funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme.

This was the first in a series of five Learning Journeys scheduled to take place over the next two years, across all five cluster areas: 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 Blackwater Valley; connect, collaborate, gain personal learnings to help their business, cluster and the overall Waterford destination.

Participants were welcomed on to the bus and guided along their journey by Mandy Rourke of Runda Travel & Tourism Solutions and Alice O’Donoghue from Lismore Heritage Centre. The first stop of the day was Villierstown where everyone gained insights from Blackwater Eco Tours and Glamping Pods before touring the site and pods. In the village, Barbara Grubb shared the fascinating story of Dromana House and Gardens.

The next stop was Lismore Heritage Centre where participants got to see and experience what’s on offer in the Heritage Centre, from the VR Experience and escape rooms to tours and event venue. MCG Kayaks which run tours on the Blackwater River and Peters Tours also highlighted what they had to offer.

Participants took in the sights as they travelled to Ballyduff where Caroline Senior, owner of Blackwater Distillery, spoke of her business journey and highlighted the importance of collaboration. The Storehouse, a craft shop and café, and Blackwater Valley Fishery, which offer fishing experiences in the area, informed the participants about their offerings.

Lunch in Ballyin House was next on the itinerary where owner, Caroline Fletcher, and her donkeys’ greeted guests. Ballyin House offers afternoon tea as well as accommodation in tranquil surrounds which overlook Lismore Castle.

The last visit of the day was to the imposing Mount Melleray Abbey situated on the slopes of the Knockmealdown mountains, where participants were greeted by Fr. Richard and given an overview of the current tourism offering, which includes a café, museum and five way-marked trails, and future plans include a hostel linked to the development of Saint Declan’s Way. Saint Declan’s Way is a pilgrim walking route linking Cashel in County Tipperary and Ardmore in County Waterford which runs through Mount Melleray and the Blackwater Valley.

Gráinne Moynihan, Chairperson of Saint Declan’s Way highlighted the opportunities for businesses to develop along the 115km ancient pilgrim path.

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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22nd March 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

RTE’s Tracks & Trails takes a hike in Waterford

Tracks & Trails returns for its 11th Season as six presenters travel across trails in Waterford, Offaly, Monaghan and Tyrone, Kerry, Kilkenny and Tipperary, exploring natural landscapes along some of the most beautiful trails on the island of Ireland.

In its first episode, to be aired on Friday April 5^th, crime journalist and podcaster Nicola Tallant takes on the challenge of the Comeragh Mountains and a leisurelier hike in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

Nicola’s first challenge is Boolas Loop in the Comeragh Mountains, a magnificent 10km wild and rocky loop, revealing rolling landscapes as well as hidden mountain lakes known as Boolas.

For her second walk, Nicola follows a cliff top trail starting out from the picturesque seaside village of Dunmore East. This 7.5km linear coastal route has everything a coastal walk should have; dramatic headlands, vast ocean views, and plenty of tales of smuggling and old sea legends. Nicola also visits the three pretty coves which are found along this trail; Portally Cove, Rathmoylan Cove and finally Ballymacaw Cove.

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “We’re delighted that Waterford’s picturesque, diverse, challenging and invigorating trails are highlighted in the show.

“Nicola chose two very different walks. The Boolas Loop is a rocky, steep loop that requires a little more gumption and fortitude to undertake, but the reward is breath taking views of the Comeraghs, whereas the Dunmore East cliff walk is a more relaxed, wandering coastal trail starting at one of the prettiest coastal villages in Ireland and uncovering an exciting story of pirate trade from years ago.”

Tracks & Trails will put the spotlight on our outdoors and discover what is on offer in abundance on trails all over the country. The series will showcase established national waymarked trails, including St Declan’s Way, the Monaghan Way, the East Leinster way, The Royal Canal Greenway, The Kerry Way, and well-trodden riverside and cliffside paths.

For further details on Waterford’s wonderful recreational walking and cycling trails visit https://visitwaterford.com/trails/

Tracks & Trails Episode One featuring Nicola Tallant will be broadcast on RTE1 on Friday, April 5^th.

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11th March 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s Mount Congreve Gardens picks up prestigious Building and Design Award

On Friday, March 8^th Mount Congreve Gardens was recognised as winner at the Irish Building and Design Awards (IBDA) in the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Project of the year category.

The awards ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was a celebration of the best of Irish building and design around the world, recognising best in class, both nationally and internationally.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway attended the awards and said, “This is yet more wonderful recognition for the work and vision of Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Mount Congreve Trust, for reinvigorating and breathing life back into ‘one of the great gardens of the world’.

“The gardens, which reopened to the public just over a year ago, have exponentially benefitted the local community and Waterford as a whole. Visitor numbers have been exceeded in the first year alone, and Waterford Greenway and Waterford Suir Valley Railway, both of which border Mount Congreve Estate have undoubtedly experienced an uplift in visitor numbers too.”

Mount Congreve Gardens was officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Catherine Martin in March 2023, following a €7.2 million capital investment from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Mount Congreve Gardens is currently enjoying considerable national and international attention since the newly refurbished house and gardens opened last year.

It clinched the top title in the Supporting Tourism category at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government awards, the prestigious international travel publication Condé Nast Traveller made specific reference to Mount Congreve Gardens in their ‘Best Place To Go in the UK & Ireland’ 2024 listing, while the New York Times, when including Waterford as the only Irish destination in its ‘52 Places to go in 2024’ list cited the gardens as the place to ‘top off your Greenway adventure’.

Ray Sinnott, Estate Manager with Mount Congreve Gardens was delighted to receive the award along with the Mayor of Waterford City and County and Paul Flynn, Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, saying, “We are truly delighted to receive this IBDA accolade. The work to bring the estate to such a high international standard has taken many years of commitment, resolve and dedication. To be recognised by peers makes it even more special for everyone involved.”

The award recognised the transformation of the Mount Congreve Gardens which underwent an extensive renovation which included a carefully designed and constructed retail, café and visitor centre incorporated into the existing courtyard. In addition, improvements to the gardens, its paths and boundaries were carried out to include improved wayfinding, refurbishment of the various garden ‘Follies’ and an audio-visual presentation giving the historic narrative of the house, gardens and owner.

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Image l-r:

Paul Flynn Waterford City and County Council, Peter Bluett of Bluett & O’Donoghue Archtitects, Ray Sinnott Mount Congreve, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway, Robert Fox of Frank Fox & Associates, Shane McCullough of McCullough Lupton Quinn and Sandra Conway.