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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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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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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.

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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By Waterford City & County Council

Ról Phort Láirge i mbunús an chéad Choimisiúin Ghaeltachta

Colaiste na Rinne

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)

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 31st 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

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s Iconic Dragon Slayer sword to receive remedial works

Waterford’s Iconic Dragon Slayer sword to receive remedial works
Waterford’s Iconic Dragon Slayer sword to receive remedial works

Waterford’s iconic Viking sword, the Dragon Slayer, was removed on Saturday (July 27th) 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

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 24th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18th 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.

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 www.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 24th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18th 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.

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 20th 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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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 5th, 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 5th.

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By Waterford City & County Council

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

On Friday, March 8th 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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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.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford’s Mount Congreve Gardens shortlisted for prestigious Building and Design Award

 

In what has been a phenomenal start to 2024, Mount Congreve Gardens has been shortlisted for the Irish Building and Design Awards (IBDA).  The awards celebrate the best of Irish building and design around the world and are recognised as best in class, both nationally and internationally. Judged by peer industry associations and groups, the IBDAs recognise excellence in build, design, people, and creativity.

Mount Congreve Gardens is shortlisted in the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Project of the year category, along with the National Surf Centre of Excellence, Achill Island Greenway, The Exchange, the Royal Dublin Convention Centre and the Premier Inn Hotel.

Mount Congreve Gardens has garnered much national and international attention since the newly refurbished house and gardens opened to the public 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 said, “Top off your Greenway adventure with afternoon tea amid one of Ireland’s largest collections of plants at Mount Congreve Gardens, which reopened in 2023 after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment.”

Mount Congreve Gardens was officially opened to the public for the first time 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 have long been recognised as ‘One of the Great Gardens of the World’, with its extensive collections and displays of exotic plants from all over the globe.

Following the death of the garden’s creator Mr. Ambrose Congreve in 2011 and transfer of the estate and gardens to a trust consisting of Mount Congreve Estate and Waterford City and County Council, an investment plan was developed with the aim of ‘reinvigorating’ them to increase visitor numbers and to ensure that the gardens retain their worldwide reputation and fame for future generations.

Paul Flynn, Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council explained, “A carefully designed and constructed retail, café and visitor centre have been sympathetically incorporated into an existing courtyard. In parallel, improvements to the gardens, its paths and boundaries were carried out including improved wayfinding, refurbishment of the various garden ‘Follies’ and an audio-visual presentation giving the historic narrative of the house, gardens and owner.”

Paul added, “The program of investment has met and exceeded its economic and visitor number targets.  The broader rural economy is also benefiting. The gardens have added to the synergies of two of Waterford’s other major attractions, Waterford Greenway and the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, which border Mount Congreve Estate.”

Sara Dolan, Commercial Director at Mount Congreve Trust said, “We are delighted to have made the shortlist for such an influential design award.  The response to the reinvigorated Mount Congreve Gardens has been phenomenal, not just in terms of national and international recognition, but the feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The fact that locals, visitors and tourists can now experience for themselves the wonder of Ambrose Congreve’s legacy in such urbane surroundings is to be welcomed.”

The IBDA awards ceremony will take place in Ballsbridge in Dublin on March 8th.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Mount Congreve Gardens listed by Conde Nast Traveller in their ‘Best Place To Go’ 2024

The prestigious international travel magazine ‘Conde Nast Traveller’ has zoned in on Mount Congreve for their ‘Best Place To Go in the UK & Ireland’ 2024 listing.

Conde Nast says of the list, “At the end of each year, we look ahead to what’s coming next in the travel world as we pick out the top destinations we’d recommend to our fellow globetrotters for the following 12 months. Our expert contributors nominate the destinations that are on the up right now. These nominations make up the Best Places To Go in 2024, in which we shine a light on the places that are due their moment in the sun.”

They go on to say, “This list is an edit of the regions, cities and neighbourhoods in the UK and Ireland that are worthy of your time and attention in the next 12 months. All 12 destinations are places we’re excited about recommending for your 2024 plans – 12 spots that should be on your radar when it comes to plotting your all-important annual leave, and which will hopefully remind you that some of the most beautiful places in the world are right here on home turf. Happy travels.”

Of the 12 places on the list ‘Waterford & Wexford’ are cited together as a Southeast travel destination. It is the only Irish inclusion.

The listing details the newly refurbished Loftus Hall and its imminent opening, the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world – Hook Lighthouse, Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore and the delicious seafood at The Beach House in Tramore and the magnificent Mount Congreve House and Gardens.

Conde Nast contributor Aoife O’Riordan says, “Hop over the border to County Waterford and the recently restored Mount Congreve House, another palatial pile, overlooking the River Suir with dreamy gardens and a café run by The Pantry at CLIFF, a spin-off of Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore. When the gates close, you will have the gardens all to yourself if you bed down at Mount Congreve’s fairytale gate lodge, which is available to rent, and the Waterford Greenway, an off-road hiking and biking trail along a disused railway line between Waterford City and Dungarvan, passes right by the edge of the estate.”

Sara Dolan, Commercial Director at Mount Congreve Trust says, “We are absolutely thrilled to be listed in the Conde Nast top 2024 recommendations. We know that this guide and any list they produce is very discerning, so it is a dream come true to be selected and featured, especially in the first year of our opening.

All of the team at Mount Congreve have worked very hard to achieve and deliver a very high standard of hospitality right across the gardens, the café, the house, the gate lodge and for our events so it is a wonderful acknowledgement of their hard work.

We have some more very exciting plans and further estate developments planned for 2024, so we won’t be sitting on the garden laurels but moving on and pushing ahead to achieve even more in year two of the new chapter of the estate.”

Earlier this month Mount Congreve Gardens also won the ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ as the Georgina Campbell Awards and Mount Congreve Gardens has been selected as a winner in the 2023 World Garden Awards, the presentation of this award takes place next week.

Mount Congreve House was officially opened to the public earlier this year, following capital funding from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, Fáilte Ireland and €1.2million funding from Waterford City and County Council.

Mount Congreve Gardens along with the Stables Café and its onsite estate accommodation is open year-round. For further details see www.mountcongreve.com

The full Conde Nast list can be read here: https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-places-to-go-in-uk-and-ireland-2024

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council win two awards at Chambers Ireland “Excellence in Local Government” Awards

Waterford City and County Council has been successful at the recent Chambers Ireland “Excellence in Local Government Awards”, with two category wins, for the Waterford Museums of Time and Silver, and Mount Congreve House and Gardens.

Waterford Museums of Time and Silver took top honours in the ‘Heritage and Built Environment’ category which celebrates best in class by a Local Authority to promote public interest in, and knowledge, appreciation and protection of local heritage sites.  The Museum of Time opened in 2021 with kind donations and support from David Boles, Colman Curran and Liz Clooney, and is the only museum dedicated to horology and timekeeping on the island of Ireland.  The Irish Silver Museum also opened its doors in 2021 in the old Deanery Building on Cathedral Square, Waterford with benefactors Noel and Stephanie Frisby generously donating to its establishment and displays.

Mount Congreve House and Gardens, lauded as ‘One of the Great Gardens of the World’, clinched the title, amid stiff competition, in the ‘Supporting Tourism’ category. This award highlights the efforts of Waterford City and County Council in enriching local tourism and encouraging community appreciation of regional attractions.

The transformative investment in Mount Congreve House and Gardens has resulted in a world-class visitor experience, as well as a café, and retail offering. The estate also boasts a variety of walking paths, each adorned with creative displays that vividly narrate its long history.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway said the recognition by Chambers Ireland was a great endorsement of the projects and the Local Authority’s investment in them.  He praised the Council’s commitment to initiating and advancing such exceptional initiatives, saying:

“I am delighted to see Waterford City and County Council recognised on a national platform for their commitment in initiating and driving such wonderful projects.  Both Mount Congreve and The Museums of Time and Silver are very deserving winners in their respective categories.  Waterford has an enviable tourism offering, and it is great to see the work of our Council endorsed in the wider community in such a positive way.

Waterford City and County Council’s strong performance at the awards was also highlighted by four other shortlisted projects, in a diverse range of categories.

Alongside its wins, the Council’s shortlisted projects included Tramore Town Centre Public Realm Works in the ‘Urban Revival’ category, and the proactive Ukrainian Refugee Response in the ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ category. Their innovative communication strategy was showcased in ‘A Celebration of Waterford as Ireland’s Best Place to Live’, shortlisted in the ‘Communications’ category, while the Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability was evident in the ‘Climate Change’ category with the Business Rates Waiver initiative.

Commending all the projects put forward, Director of Economic Development at Waterford City & County Council, Michael Quinn commented:

“Our diverse array of projects reflect our commitment to not only address current community needs but also to proactively shape a sustainable future for Waterford. Each project, regardless of its category here tonight, is a step towards our vision of an inclusive, dynamic, and environmentally conscious city and county.”

The Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards are sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and took place in Dublin on November 23rd.

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