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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford marks successful completion of Fáilte Ireland Destination Towns initiative

Waterford has recently marked the successful conclusion of the Fáilte Ireland Destination Towns initiative, a groundbreaking project that has significantly enriched the visitor experience within the city.

 

 

he project, generously supported by a €500,000 investment from Fáilte Ireland, has achieved its objectives, breathing new life into Waterford City’s cultural and historical treasures.

The initiative was celebrated in the presence of esteemed guests, including Mary Houlihan, Manager for Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, alongside local councillors, and representatives from the business community.

The project’s core goals were clearly defined at its inception:

  • Reinforcing the Viking Story: Waterford City embarked on a mission to deepen the understanding of its Viking heritage. This was achieved by demarcating the Viking Triangle’s boundaries and introducing cutting-edge digital orientation tools.
  • Wayfinding Improvements: A comprehensive wayfinding scheme was developed, ensuring that visitors can effortlessly navigate the city. This included innovative content generation techniques.
  • Mapping Enhancements: The project unveiled a new city map, highlighting various city zones and emphasizing Waterford’s walkability.
  • Car Park Reidentification: Signage and banners, denoting the city’s attractions, were strategically placed at car parks to provide a warm welcome and promote the city’s charms.

The culmination of these efforts has yielded tangible results, enhancing Waterford City’s appeal to tourists and locals alike.

Earlier this year, the city unveiled the Digital Story Trail—a collaborative effort between Waterford City and County Council and software company Imvizar. This self-guided tour offers visitors a unique virtual reality opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture and history, promoting longer dwell times as visitors explore the city at their own pace.

Expressing his satisfaction with the initiative, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway, extended his appreciation to everyone involved in the project, saying, “This project which today comes to fruition is an initiative that has undoubtedly accomplished so much and done so much to enhance the visitor experience in Waterford City.

“The vision was a simple one – how to make Waterford an outstanding tourism, historical and cultural destination for visitor and locals alike.

“With the investment of half a million euro from Fáilte Ireland, and the foresight, knowledge and expertise of stakeholders, these goals have been achieved.”

The introduction of new wayfinding signage has also made traversing the city more straightforward, thanks to fingerpost signs and monoliths. These additions, along with banners and Viking structures denoting the Viking Triangle, have created a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere, all while delivering a consistent message throughout the city.

The newly introduced city map adheres to Fáilte Ireland’s place-marking guidelines, effectively dividing the city into sections: Shopping, Night Life, The Viking Triangle, and The Cultural Quarter. This invaluable resource showcases Waterford’s array of attractions, including Waterford Treasures, the scenic Waterford Greenway, and the historic City Walls & Towers.

Collectively, the elements of Destination Towns have amplified the visitor experience, highlighting Waterford’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these enhancements offer greater satisfaction, encouraging longer stays in Waterford City.

Speaking on the project, Mary Houlihan, Manager for Ireland’s Ancient East, Fáilte Ireland said, “Fáilte Ireland is committed to and focused on the sustainable development of tourism across Ireland which is an important economic driver and source of employment. We look for every opportunity to expand the number of appealing destinations that offer compelling visitor experiences with the potential to drive visitors across the regions. Initiatives like our Destination Towns scheme are critical in doing this by boosting the tourism appeal of destinations across the country.

“Fáilte Ireland’s work in partnership with Waterford City and County Council has made a definite impact on the appeal of Waterford as a tourist destination and will encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more and immerse themselves in the history, heritage and culture of Ireland’s oldest city.”

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Darragh O’Brien officially opens Ireland’s newest Museum ‘The Irish Wake Museum’ in Waterford

The oldest urban domestic building in Ireland is now home to Ireland’s newest museum which traces the customs, traditions and superstitions associated with death from the earliest times to the 20th century.

The Irish Wake Museum is officially opened today by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD.

The Irish Wake Museum located at what was the former Dean John Collyn’s Almshouse, a Retirement Home for old people, called  ‘God’s People’s House’ was founded in 1478 on All Souls Day, 2nd November, the Day of the Dead. The occupants of the former Alms Houses paid for their keep by praying three times a night for the souls of its patrons and the souls of the deceased citizens of Waterford.

Commenting on the new museum Minister O’Brien said, 

“I am delighted to support this imaginative initiative which celebrates how death has always been a community event in Ireland. I’d like to congratulate Waterford City and County Council on another remarkable conservation project demonstrating yet again their commitment to our heritage.  Many people have supported this project, and I would particularly like to mention David Boles, the co-founder of the extraordinary Irish Museum of Time as well as the late Dr Tom and Mrs Marie Cavanagh of the Tomar Philanthropic Trust.

I’d like to also thank the conservation master mason Brian Whelan whose craftsmanship cannot be underestimated. Finally, I’d like to acknowledge all the staff of Waterford Treasures Museums, including Director Eamonn McEneaney, Acting Curator Rosemary Ryan and museum Keeper Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin, whose hard work and dedication brought this project to fruition as well as the support of the Chairman Des Whelan and the entire Board.”

Mayor of Waterford Cllr. John O’Leary said,

“The Irish Wake is a unique and intrinsic element of Ireland’s heritage. It brings communities together, it is a time to grieve together but it is also a celebration of life. This distinct and historic act is one that holds an air of intrigue and the Irish Wake cultural traditions are held in fascination. The new museum is a distinct tourism proposition in a global sense and added to the award-winning collection of museums in Waterford City it re-affirms Waterford not only as Ireland’s oldest City, but an ancient City which celebrates its own heritage and that of Ireland for its locals and visitors alike.”

The new museum is the latest in the Waterford Treasures collective of Museums at Waterford’s Viking Triangle, it is in addition to the Medieval Museum – the only purpose-built museum specialising in medieval history in Ireland – The Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, Irish Silver Museum, King of the Vikings virtual reality experience and the EPIC guided walking tour of Waterford.

The Museum houses a remarkable array of objects associated with death in Ireland which the Waterford Museum of Treasures has been collecting for the last 10 years and will offer visitors an opportunity to explore rituals that hold global intrigue and that are entirely unique to Ireland on an intimate guided tour experience. In addition, The Irish Wake Museum has partnered with the multi-award-winning Waterford Whisky and visitors will also be able to book tickets to an Irish Wake and Whisky experience.

Director of Waterford Treasures Eamonn McEneaney said,

“The Irish Wake is one of the iconic parts of our national culture and visitors will get to experience a sense of this at The Irish Wake Museum as we trace the customs, traditions and superstitions associated with death from the earliest times to the 20th century.

At the new museum visitors first arrive at the area once occupied by a shop, the rent from which was used to maintain the almshouse, a new audio-visual showcase explores how the Irish landscape was etched by death over six thousand years.

Moving into the almshouse proper, visitors will experience storytelling through six rooms chronologically from the 15th to the 20th centuries, with different themes associated with death being explored. The exhibition ends by urging people as others have for centuries to Memento Mori – remember death – and to paraphrase George Bernard Shaw, to rejoice in life for its own sake and understand that life is no brief candle but a sort of splendid torch which we get hold of for the moment, in order to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

In keeping with the spirit of the founders of the almshouse Waterford Treasures will donate €1 from each admission ticket to the Waterford Hospice Movement. The museum is now open to visitors, further details and  advance tickets can be found at www.waterfordtreasures.com

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Free to use museum images by Patrick Browne pjbrownephotography@gmail.com & Free to use official opening event images available from this afternoon by noelbrowne06@gmail.com

By Waterford City & County Council

Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway Link officially opened

The Bilberry to City Centre Waterford Greenway Link was officially opened today (Friday June 2nd), by the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary.

The new section, funded to the tune of €12.5 million by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and delivered and managed by Waterford City and County Council, links the Waterford Greenway from the Bilberry car park to the Clock Tower in the City Centre, as well as connecting it to the Waterford sustainable transport bridge due to be delivered in 2025 and the start of the Waterford to New Ross Greenway.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary said, “We are delighted to officially open this section of Waterford Greenway.  The new link section will open up the route allowing walkers, runners, and cyclists to continue their shared journey right into the heart of the city centre and beyond.”

“It’s significant to note that this link will give users access to the Southeast and Southern Greenway networks and reach locations such as New Ross, Youghal and Mallow.

“Waterford is experiencing a renaissance.  With work commenced on the North Quays SDZ an exciting opportunity lies in store for the city, county, and region as a whole.

“The city’s economic, commercial and tourism offerings will undoubtedly be enhanced, and the addition of the Bilberry City Centre Waterford link showcases the very best of the county as it traverses from countryside to city centre.”

Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said, “The Bilberry to City Centre Waterford link, which forms part of the Cork to Waterford Intra-Urban Demonstrator Pathfinder project will be extremely valuable to the local area as well as those travelling from further afield, and will for first time, create a seamless cycle link between two Irish cities.

“All of the best cities and towns in the world are moving this way – to re-imagine and re-design their centres as active travel hubs, by reallocating road space and by putting in infrastructure which makes it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle or wheel. This new stretch of the Waterford Greenway extends it right into the heart of the city and long the historic quays. This will be good for visitors but particularly good for local people and businesses, making it easier for school children to get to and from schools safely, or allowing people to stroll or bike into this beautiful medieval city centre to shop, and in time, to continue on by public transport, or by connecting greenways to other towns in the region.”

The Active Travel project comprised of the construction of 2.1km long and 4m wide cycle and pedestrian shared surface from the Greenway car park at Bilberry, along Bilberry Road, Grattan Quay, and Merchants Quay to the South Quay Plaza at the Clock Tower.

The new section includes 210 metres of two new cantilevered boardwalks over the River Suir at Grattan Quay and Bilberry Rock, along with a full overhaul of the pedestrian routes and traffic signals at the junction of Rice Bridge, while existing facilities on Grattan Quay and Merchants Quay car park see the addition of high-quality surface finishes, landscaping, and street furniture.

The construction was undertaken by John Cradock Construction Ltd. and comprised of almost 65,000 hours worked on the project, with 250 employed on the construction phase at various times across the project.

The sustainable elements of the project are quite prominent as the newly installed segregated urban shared surface has been finished with energy efficient LED lighting, along with approximately 350 trees and 900m2 of wildflower beds planted. 8,000 tonnes of concrete, tarmacadam, and excavated rock, which would ordinarily go to landfill, have been recycled for reuse on the site.

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority added, “The National Transport Authority is delighted to have been able to work with Waterford City and County Council on this impressive addition to its hugely successful Greenway.

“This new link is one of 35 projects across Waterford benefitting from €11 million of Active Travel funding allocated by the NTA in 2023.  The funding is aimed towards building a comprehensive active travel network that can be enjoyed by all.”

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Images – free to use: Patrick Browne

By Waterford City & County Council

Extensive Community Engagement Underway for Proposed Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway

Senior members of the proposed Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway project team provide update on local community engagement activities

The Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway, as proposed, is a 74-kilometre long walking and cycling path that would connect Dungarvan, County Waterford to Mallow, County Cork, linking the towns and villages of Cappoquin, Lismore, Ballyduff, Clondulane, Fermoy, Ballyhooly, and Killavullen.

The project team from Waterford City and County Council and Cork County Council estimate that approximately 140 landowners may be directly impacted by the emerging preferred route, and consultation is currently underway with these individuals, as well as a further approximately 100 landowners whose land is adjacent to the emerging preferred route.

The project team is following the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways and appointed a Project Liaison Officer to commence individual landowner consultations. At this stage, the Project Liaison Officer has visited over 170 individual private households – primarily located between Mallow and Lismore – and met with the landowners and their families.  Also, a meeting recently took place with the Irish Farmers’ Association, or IFA, representatives to share the progress of the project to date, and to listen to the concerns of their members.

This landowner engagement is in addition to the initial public consultation undertaken back in 2022 and the key themes emerging at that time included safety and security, environment concerns, and the potential impacts on local residents, farms and businesses.

Welcoming the engagement process to date, Sean Callery, Senior Engineer, Cork County Council, “The project group is very grateful to landowners locally for making themselves available and for engaging so robustly. The Project Liaison Officer has received a lot of valuable feedback and all of this will be analysed over the coming months. The route will be refined where possible in order to minimise farm severance and accommodate landowners, wherever feasible.”

Senior Engineer Waterford City and County Council, Sean Dobbs said, “This proposed new greenway would create a fun, healthy experience for local people and tourists alike, one that supports the economic development of the region and the wellbeing of our citizens. It is very encouraging to see the community engage at this level.”

The team expects to visit and meet with the remaining 70 landowners, most of whom are located between Lismore and Dungarvan, throughout the month of June. All feedback will be reviewed and refinements to the route will be considered and analysed by the project team. A further round of public consultation is expected to take place towards the end of the year.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Applications now open for Casual Trading Licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway – Summer Season 2023

Waterford City & County Council has initiated an application process for one casual trading licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway for the summer season of 2022 from 1st June to 31st August 2023.

Intending applicants are asked to refer to the application guidelines, terms and conditions in advance of completing an application at Durrow station casual trading.

Applicants will also need to ensure they are familiar with the 2021 Waterford City & County Council Casual Trading Bye Laws.

Applications must be submitted via Waterford City & County Council’s online application system at https://submit.link/1O6

Closing date for applications is 17:00 hrs Monday 29th May 2023. Applications received after this time and date will NOT be considered as part of this application process.

The successful applicant must be ready to commence trading at the specified location on 2nd June 2023.

For enquiries and further information email: greenway@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Applications now open for Casual Trading Licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway – Summer Season 2023

Waterford City & County Council has initiated an application process for one casual trading licence at Durrow Station, Waterford Greenway for the summer season of 2022 from 1st June to 31st August 2023.

Intending applicants are asked to refer to the application guidelines, terms and conditions in advance of completing an application at Durrow station casual trading.

Applicants will also need to ensure they are familiar with the 2021 Waterford City & County Council Casual Trading Bye Laws.

Applications must be submitted via Waterford City & County Council’s online application system at https://submit.link/1O6

Closing date for applications is 17:00 hrs Monday 29th May 2023. Applications received after this time and date will NOT be considered as part of this application process.

The successful applicant must be ready to commence trading at the specified location on 2nd June 2023.

For enquiries and further information email: greenway@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Proposed Development at Ballynacourty Greenway

Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council propose to carry out the following development at Ballynacourty Greenway.

In accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the above Regulations, Waterford City & County Council hereby gives notice of proposals to carry out the works associated with above development in the townlands of Kilgrovan and Ballynacourty, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

The objective of the works is to upgrade the section of the Greenway from Clonea Road to Ballinclamper to a Greenway standard.

The development will consist of:

  • Improvement works to the existing pathway by widening the path and by carrying out some drainage works along the route:
    – Widening southern section between L7010 Ballinard and L7011 Ballinclamper Road adistance of approx. 450 metres to 3 metres wide.
    – Widening the northern section between L7011 Ballinclamper Road and L3011 Clonea
    Strand Road a distance of approx. 630 metres to 2.5 metres wide.
  • Provision of a pedestrian crossing on the L-7011 at Ballinclamper and improvement of the sight lines at this crossing.
  • Provision of one agricultural crossing point along the route which will be formed by way of gated access.
  • Connecting two of the main car parks serving the Clonea Strand Blue Flag Beach at
    Ballinclamper and at Ballinard with a new pathway between the Greenway and the car park.
  • Addition of a new picnic and amenity area at Ballinclamper car park on Council owned lands which will include some surfacing works.
  • Enhancement of the existing amenity area/bike parking at Ballinard car park.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection at Waterford City & County Council, Customer Care Desk, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, County Waterford between the hours of 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday for the period 9th of May – 6th of June 2023 inclusive (excluding Bank and Public Holidays).

Particulars of the proposed scheme will also be available to view on Waterford City & County Council’s website at http://waterfordcouncil.ie/projects/public-consultations/index.htm

The proposed development has undergone Appropriate Assessment Screening under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, and the Planning Authority has determined that a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required in this instance. In addition, the proposal has also undergone screening for Environmental Impact Assessment under the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU (and the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act, as amended), and the Planning Authority has determined that there will be no likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required.

In accordance with Article 120 (3) of the Planning & Development Regulations (as amended), any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) has been carried out to assess any potential adverse impacts to the local ecology. The EcIA report is appended to the Part VIII Application.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area shall be made in writing to:
the Director of Economic Development, Waterford City & County Council,
35 The Mall, Waterford
or by emailing projectsteam@waterfordcouncil.ie on or before 4pm on 20th of June 2023 and should be clearly marked Development at Ballynacourty Greenway.

All comments, including names of those making comments, submitted to the Council in regard of this scheme will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at a meeting of the elected members. Accordingly, they will also be included in the minutes of that meeting and may appear in the public domain.

Waterford City & County Council is subject to the provision of Freedom of Information (FOI Acts 1997 and 2014) and the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2013.

By Waterford City & County Council

Reminder: Ballinacourty Greenway Spur Improvement Works – Public Meeting

Waterford City and County Council is organising a public information event regarding the Ballinacourty Greenway Spur widening and improvement project. This is a ‘drop in’ event which will take place in St. Laurence’s Community Hall, Ballinroad, X35 KT53 on Tuesday 9th May between 5 and 8 p.m.

Interested parties are invited to attend to meet and discuss the current proposals with members of the project team and to view project plans and particulars. Those in attendance will also be advised as to how they might get involved in the Part VIII Planning process, which commences on the same date and will close for public submissions on 20th June 2023.

The proposed development will consist of:

  • Improvement works to the existing pathway by widening the path and by carrying out some drainage works along the route in the townlands of Kilgrovan and Ballynacourty, Co. Waterford:
  • Widening southern section between L7010 Ballinard and L7011 Ballinclamper Road a distance of approx. 450 metres to 3 metres wide.
  • Widening the northern section between L7011 Ballinclamper Road and L3011 Clonea Strand Road a distance of approx. 630 metres to 5 metres wide
  • Provision of a pedestrian crossing on the L-7011 at Ballinclamper and improvement of the sight lines at this crossing.
  • Provision of one agricultural crossing point along the route which will be formed by way of gated access.
  • Connecting two of the main car parks serving the Clonea Strand Blue Flag Beach at Ballinclamper and at Ballinard with a new pathway between the Greenway and the car park.
  • Addition of a new picnic and amenity area at Ballinclamper car park on Council owned lands which will include some surfacing works.
  • Enhancement of the existing amenity area/bike parking at Ballinard car park.

The proposed enhancement works are being funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is administered at national level by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure.

It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. To date this scheme has funded numerous recreation schemes around Co. Waterford since its inception in 2017.

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Ballinacourty GreenWay Spur Improvement Works- Public Meeting

Waterford City and County Council is organising a public information event regarding the Ballinacourty Greenway Spur widening and improvement project. This is a ‘drop in’ event which will take place in St. Laurence’s Community Hall, Ballinroad, X35 KT53 on Tuesday 9th May between 5 and 8 p.m. Interested parties are invited to attend to meet and discuss the current proposals with members of the project team and to view project plans and particulars. Those in attendance will also be advised as to how they might get involved in the Part VIII Planning process, which commences on the same date and will close for public submissions on 20th June 2023.

The proposed development will consist of:

  • Improvement works to the existing pathway by widening the path and by carrying out some drainage works along the route in the townlands of Kilgrovan and Ballynacourty, Co. Waterford:
  • Widening southern section between L7010 Ballinard and L7011 Ballinclamper Road a distance of approx. 450 metres to 3 metres wide.
  • Widening the northern section between L7011 Ballinclamper Road and L3011 Clonea Strand Road a distance of approx. 630 metres to 5 metres wide
  • Provision of a pedestrian crossing on the L-7011 at Ballinclamper and improvement of the sight lines at this crossing.
  • Provision of one agricultural crossing point along the route which will be formed by way of gated access.
  • Connecting two of the main car parks serving the Clonea Strand Blue Flag Beach at Ballinclamper and at Ballinard with a new pathway between the Greenway and the car park.
  • Addition of a new picnic and amenity area at Ballinclamper car park on Council owned lands which will include some surfacing works.
  • Enhancement of the existing amenity area/bike parking at Ballinard car park.

The proposed enhancement works are being funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is administered at national level by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. To date this scheme has funded numerous recreation schemes around Co. Waterford since its inception in 2017.

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Step into summer in Waterford

With warmer weather on the horizon, businesses across Waterford city and county have started to welcome both domestic and international visitors for what is set to be a busy summer season throughout the city & county. With particular interest from the American market, international bookings to the region are already strong.

Waterford is well situated from Ireland’s major airports and ports. The Port of Waterford and the harbour in Dunmore East are also critical players in Waterford’s tourism industry, acting as a gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East, with 24 ships and 27,339 passengers to visit Waterford by cruise ship in 2023. It is a short distance from major cities such as Cork and Dublin and is easily accessible by public transport.

This week, Visit Waterford launched its 2023 summer campaign ‘Take A Hike, Visit Waterford’, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the extensive walking and hiking routes throughout Waterford city and county from the award-winning greenway to the UNESCO Copper Coast. Visit Waterford aims to entice locals and holidaymakers alike to step into the heart of Ireland’s oldest city and enjoy the locally sourced culinary offerings, finest hospitality and world-renowned cultural experiences both the city and county offer.

Sara Dolan, Chairperson of Visit Waterford and Commercial Director for Mount Congreve and Waterford Treasures, said: “The Irish tourism market is a very competitive industry, but we are very confident in Waterford city and county’s offering as a premium destination in Ireland’s Ancient East. The tourism industry here in Waterford is continually evolving and growing, offering an abundance of things to do and see across the county. Waterford’s diverse landscape is host to a wide range of impressive hiking and walking trails; it is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers, families and those on leisurely breaks. I would encourage old and new visitors to visit Waterford this summer.”

The recent re-opening of Mount Congreve Gardens at the beginning of March marked the start of a busy year for Waterford following a seven million investment, while both the Waterford Greenway extension to the city centre and the Museum of the Irish Wake are both set to open in the coming weeks, adding greatly to the city & counties vibrant cultural offering.

Cllr. John O’Leary, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, said: “Not only does the summer season bring our ‘sunny southeast’ reputation to life, but it also brings back visitors to our city and county. We look forward to a busy summer, hoping to see local businesses thrive from increased footfall from domestic and international visitors. Spend the day hiking up the Comeraghs and exploring the coastal towns of Ardmore and Dunmore East, or take in the history of the Vikings and our ancient city – there is something for everyone. Waterford is a must-visit destination all year round, especially in the summer.”

Mealla Fahey, Project Manager at Lismore Heritage Centre and Director at Visit Waterford, added: “Waterford truly has so much to offer as a destination. Not only is Waterford home to Ireland’s oldest

city, bursting with history, but the county also boasts spectacular views from beaches and cliff walks to renowned landmarks across the county. From Lismore to Tramore, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With the much-loved Waterford greenway now running from Dungarvan right down to the city centre, it further links the west to east, strengthening Waterford’s tourism offering even More.”

Visit Waterford is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, local hospitality, amenity, and entertainment providers. For further information on Visit Waterford head over to www.visitwaterford.com

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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City’s history brought to life by digital story walking trail

A new digital story trail featuring augmented reality was recently launched in Waterford, offering tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s history via their smartphone.

Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Town’s Initiative, launched Waterford’s new digital walking trail, which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations in the heart of the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower and Waterford Crystal.

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.

Speaking at the launch in Waterford’s Medieval Museum, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr John O’ Leary said, “This new digital trail is a first for the South East.  By breathing life into Waterford’s fascinating history and heritage, locals and visitors will be able to get a true sense of Waterford as it was centuries ago.

“Waterford’s Digital Trail is a wonderful addition to our tourism offering.  We have a rich and proud history as Waterford’s Oldest city and to be able to quite literally go back in time and meet the characters from our past is as exciting as it is educational.”

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, 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.

Adele Keane, Creative Producer, Imvizar said, “When crafting the digital story trail, we wanted to focus on conserving Waterford’s heritage by giving voices to both well-known and lesser-known historical figures. By hearing their stories, and sometimes seeing them in their surroundings, we can better put ourselves in their shoes and imagine what life was like as a silversmith in the 18th century or as a young soldier in World War I.”

Brian O’ Flynn, Head of Regional Development, Ireland’s Ancient East, added, “Fáilte Ireland was pleased to support the development of the innovative Digital Story Trail through our Destination Town Investment Scheme. As today’s tourists are looking for more unique and compelling ways to immerse themselves in the local culture, heritage and history of a destination, this Digital Story Trail will help bring the story of Ireland’s oldest city to life, in new, immersive exciting ways. In addition, the trail, along with the enhancement work at the Viking Triangle due to be completed later this year, will encourage visitors to stay longer both during the day and into the evening, further spreading the benefits of tourism to the local area.”

The new augmented reality story trail from Waterford City and County Council offers a fresh perspective on storytelling that evokes emotions and allows users to walk away with a more memorable experience.

To see the trail in action, visit: https://digitalstorytrail.visitwaterford.com/  (The Digital Story Trail is a mobile experience)

 

By Waterford City & County Council

LEO Waterford hosts networking event for clients at Mount Congreve

The Local Enterprise Office Waterford held a networking event for its clients recently at Mount Congreve Garden on Thursday December 15th. The purpose of the event was to celebrate grant recipients in 2022.

One of the many business services the Local Enterprise Office makes available is the allocation of Priming Grants, a business start-up grant available to micro-enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up. Expenditure is considered for capital items, salary costs, general overhead costs and innovation / marketing costs.

Jacqui Gaule, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford explained the importance of the LEO, “In 2022 Local Enterprise Office Waterford continued to provide a range of supports to help small business get off the ground, overcome challenges, hire new staff, fund innovation, manage various challenges and plan for the future. The range of supports on offer from the Local Enterprise Office will help anyone seeking to start or grow a small business through highly practical services such as professional business and management training, mentoring, networking opportunities, finance and much more.”

As of 2022, the Local Enterprise Offices network supports over 38,000 jobs across over 7,000 LEO client companies all over Ireland. Since the LEOs were established in 2014 their clients have created over 18,000 jobs in small businesses across the country.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Time to Celebrate the Winter Solstice in Waterford

Unveiling of a gigantic new clock at the Irish Museum of Time and countdown to a Winter Firedance Firework display at Winterval

A wonderful winter solstice celebration is planned for Waterford City on the evening of December 21st 2022. The collaborative event planned by the Waterford City Arts Office, the Waterford Treasures Irish Museum of Time and the Winterval festival will offer a historic moment, live music and a fireworks display.

The evening will commence at 8pm on the Plaza with a pre-celebration for the winter solstice meanwhile, at 8:15 at the Museum of Time at Greyfriars where a very special new outside clock, named Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) will be unveiled by the Mayor of Waterford Cllr. John O’Leary, horologists David Boles and Colman Curran and a representative of Fáilte Ireland. The clock, which has been designed by artists Eithne Ring and Liam Lavery of Cork and created by Keating Fabrication in Waterford, is an elaborate design featuring wings spanning about six metres; the wings are made up of seven steel dials each. It will chime on the hour and once the sun sets visitors can admire the colourful lighting on the wings and main clock face.

Members of the public are invited to join the occasion where the new clock will be unveiled following a performance from the Thomas Francis Meagher Fife and Drum Band at Greyfriars. Following the unveiling of the clock, once the chimes complete a countdown to the fireworks at 9 pm the city will be alight as the Winter Solstice is celebrated.

This is the 2nd year of the Winter Firedance – the award nominated celebration of the December Solstice. There will be great music on the William Vincent Wallace Plaza from 8pm culminating with the spectacular ‘Skydance’ Fireworks display at 9pm sharp.

Speaking of the new clock and its relevance for the solstice, Director of Waterford Treasures Museum Collection Eamonn McEneaney says: “Over 7,000 years ago our first farmers celebrated the Winter Solstice as a major turning point in the year. It heralded longer days and the beginning of a new cycle of growth. As Ireland’s only Museum of Time, we are delighted to continue to celebrate the Winter Solstice and its significance to timekeeping. The sun has always been tremendously important to the telling of time and for centuries watch- and clock-makers have relied on it to calibrate their timepieces. We would like to thank David Boles, co-founder of the Irish Museum of Time, and Fáilte Ireland, without whose support this sculpture would not have been possible.”

Funding for the creation of this imaginative clock has been very generously supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Scheme and by horologist David Boles and has been supported by Waterford City and County Council.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events, “Urban animation plays an increasingly important role in transforming and reimagining our public spaces as safe, welcoming and vibrant places to visit. This is important in attracting visitors to our towns and cities and increasing dwell time, to support local tourism and hospitality businesses and jobs. The new clock that is being unveiled on December 21st is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation project “City of Lights” in Waterford City, which is due to launch in 2023. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and this project will bring old tales to life in new, innovative ways, so they can be enjoyed by visitors, as well as the local community.”

In addition to the celebrations on the Quayside, the Winterval festival will remain open late until 9.30 pm on the evening of December 21st.

Billed as Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval in Waterford offers a trail of 38 events with 25 on offer free of charge in addition to the special one-off events to celebrate the festival’s 10th birthday celebrations from November 18th to December 23rd.

Highlights include the Gerbola Christmas Circus, the vintage Ferris wheel at Arundel Square, a vintage carousel, the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval Mini Express train, a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh, plus a Wizards and Dragons interactive exhibition and even Santa Paws for doggies. Waterford’s heritage takes a prime position with Déise Medieval who will host a traditional Viking Settlement, plus Santa’s Central Station is on Broad Street where he is meeting and greeting boys and girls for the entire festival.

In addition, there is an abundant programme of Music and Theatre. Ben Hennessy presents a new Shadow Puppetry Show at the beautiful GLOW Gardens at Winterval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. At the Apple Market each weekend a free show sponsored by WAMA & Theatrebox, which will engage with young spectators who can take part in the collection of Santa’s posts will be on offer.  Join Winterval’s Resident Storyteller Kitty Caboodle for a selection of songs and stories at The Book Centre.

The Winterval Live Stage offers 20 Days of Live Performances during the festival. House of Waterford Crystal is delighted to present its Annual Winter Music Series and there is lots more.

The full Winterval Festival programme is available to view and book online at www.winterval.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City’s history brought to life by digital story walking trail

A new digital story trail featuring augmented reality (AR) offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s history via their smartphone.

Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) in partnership with Imvizar, have launched a new digital walking trail featuring augmented reality (AR). This fantastic trail has been funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Destination Town’s Initiative. The Waterford Digital Story Trail explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations in the heart of the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower and Waterford Crystal.

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.

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—describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland, and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher—the Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion—raises the first Irish tri-colour.

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.

Adele Keane, Creative Producer, Imvizar said,

“When crafting the digital story trail we wanted to focus on conserving Waterford’s heritage by giving voices to both well-known and lesser-known historical figures. By hearing their stories, and sometimes seeing them in their surroundings, we can better put ourselves in their shoes and imagine what life was like as a silversmith in the 18th century or as a young soldier in World War I.”

WCCC hopes to further promote Waterford’s culture and history to both visitors and locals with the launch of the digital trail. The new augmented reality story trail from WCCC offers a fresh perspective on storytelling that evokes emotions and allows users to walk away with a more memorable experience.

For more information visit: https://digitalstorytrail.visitwaterford.com/  (The Digital Story Trail is a mobile experience)

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Notes for Editors

This project has been funded by Waterford City and County Council and supported by Ireland’s Ancient East. The digital story trail is part of WCCC’s wider Visit Waterford tourism initiative.

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