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By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Humphreys announces the 26 towns to benefit from €2.6 million fund to enhance streetscapes and shopfronts

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the 26 towns and villages that will benefit from a €2.6 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts, with Tallow, Co. Waterford set to receive €100,000.

Under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants

that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.  The overall purpose of the Scheme is to give our towns and villages a facelift and make them more attractive places to live, work or visit.

Minister Humphreys today announced the 26 towns that have been selected for funding with each local authority to receive €100,000 as part of the Initiative. The Minister today urged businesses, property owners and retailers in the 26 towns to apply to their local authority to avail of funding.

Making the announcement today, Minister Humphreys said, “When I announced this initiative last year, there was a hugely positive reaction from businesses and retailers. I’m therefore delighted to announce 26 additional towns that will benefit from €2.6 million in funding from my Department. We all take pride in our rural towns and villages and want them to be as attractive and welcoming as possible. That’s exactly what Streetscapes is all about. I want as many businesses and property owners to get involved over the next few weeks and to avail of this funding. You may wish to give the front of your shop a new lease of life and repaint it in bright, vibrant colours. Perhaps you want to cover your windowsills with flowers and plants or purchase street furniture, canopies for your customers to enjoy. Or maybe you have an even bolder idea. This time round, I’m encouraging neighbouring businesses to submit a joint application to their local authority if they have a more ambitious proposal. For example, under the first tranche of funding, some businesses transformed their facades with attractive murals – that’s one way to make your town stand out.”

Richie Walsh, Senior Rural Development Officer, Waterford City and County Council said, “Waterford City and County Council’s Rural Development team is delighted with the announcement of €100,000 for Tallow under the Street Enhancement Scheme. While the specifics of the scheme are not yet finalised, the team will be shortly engaging with property owners and with local community organisations in Tallow to ensure that the maximum impact can be achieved for the community.”

The 26 towns due to receive the funding were selected by each local authority in consultation with local businesses and community groups. Local authorities will manage the initiative locally and will be advertising for applications in the coming weeks. The initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and will make our rural towns and villages more vibrant and attractive places to live, work and visit.

The types of projects that could be supported include – strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings and/or shopfronts in vibrant colours, upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts, provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes, installation of canopies and murals/public artwork.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

First Waterford Honey Show set to take place during Harvest Festival

The first Waterford Honey Show is set to take place during the 2022 Harvest Festival which will be hosted at venues across Waterford City from September 9th to 11th 2022.

The first annual Waterford Honey Show is being hosted by the East Waterford BeeKeepers’ Association. The event will inform honey producers, beekeepers, retailers and visitors of the show of the high-quality honey products available in the Southeast region.

According to the event organiser Donal Lehane, “Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford are Ireland’s most important areas for apiculture. Waterford City is the ideal central location for this event to promote pure natural honey and in particular the over 1,000 local beekeepers in the region.

Honey has been an important food export from southeast Ireland since before the coming of Christ. The Romans and before them the Greeks wrote about the nectar produced from the ‘Sacred Trees’ of Ireland. 

This year it is our ambition to highlight the brilliant honey producers of the region and our future ambition for the Waterford Honey Show is to build a reputation as a best-in-class honey show that attracts entries from abroad and develop it in time into a significant international event with the potential to create destination tourism.

All local producer-branded jars of honey are eligible to participate in the honey awards. The products will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges for tasting. The “blind” method is used for tasting the products, without packaging and without any type of distinctive feature visible. Each product will be assigned a numerical rating on the evaluation sheet, which represents the general sense of enjoyment as well as other criteria, such as appearance, odour, texture, flavour and viscosity. A perpetual cut glass trophy made in Waterford will be presented to the overall supreme honey producer. The Waterford Honey Award is a reliable sign of superior quality. There will also be a competition to judge bee products including wax and mead.

Visitors to the Waterford Honey Awards will be able to enjoy viewing the action within an enclosed glass observation hive, meet with the region’s top honey producers and taste some of the finest kinds of honey. The Waterford Honey Awards will take part during the Harvest Festival, which will take place across Waterford City from September 9th to 11th 2022.

The festival is being supported by Waterford City & County Council and organised by GIY who are bringing sustainability right to the heart of the festivities, showcasing Waterford’s rich food heritage and celebrating the City’s diverse restaurants, eateries and producers. The best of Waterford’s food and drink will be centre stage and there are a series of serious food talks for sides.

Taking place at venues and outdoors across Waterford City from September 9th to 11th 2022 there will be a ‘Food Done Right’ stage where food sustainability talks with some of the country’s most esteemed food writers, chefs, activists, journalists and business people, will be on offer. There will be a giant Harvest Festival Market. On the Taste Waterford kitchen stage sponsored by Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office, there will be a host of Waterford’s very own food producers and Chefs who will all be sharing their best recipes and food tips.  Visitors will enjoy meeting chefs and food producers from all across Waterford. In the vast Junior GIYer’s area which will take over Broad Street families will enjoy the opportunity to learn how to grow food through the seasons with Muireann Ní Chíobháin co-author of the GIY Know it Allmanac. There will be seed sowing, bug bingo, an art area, and the Nore Valley Mobile Farm will also be in the vicinity.

Special events will also be on offer including a restaurant trail and a live music programme.  For further details and to browse the full programme of events see https://harvest.giy.ie/

By Waterford City & County Council

Welcome Ambassadors make welcome return to Waterford

The Waterford Welcome Ambassadors are back to offer a genuine and local céad míle fáilte to visitors to Waterford.

After a two year hiatus, the Waterford Welcome Ambassadors are a welcome sight on the streets of the city and county.  Welcome Ambassadors offer visitors all the local tips on the range of things there are to see and do as well as advising them on places to eat and how to get to the many spectacular locations and attractions throughout County Waterford.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the Ambassadors back. “Following a two year break in the programme, it is fantastic to have friendly volunteers back on the streets helping visitors find their way around Waterford again.”

“Our thanks must go to all the volunteers who give their time to provide the service. Their pride in promoting Waterford should be an inspiration to us all.”

This year sees the beginning of the handover of the coordination of the Welcome Ambassador Programme in Waterford City from Waterford Area Partnership to the newly established Waterford Volunteer Centre.

Sharon Higgins, Manager of Waterford Volunteer Centre said, ‘This is an exciting programme for the volunteer centre to be involved in. We are passionate about the role that volunteers play in the community and already we have seen the experience and positivity the ambassadors bring with them. They are an asset to tourism in Waterford.”

Speaking on behalf of Waterford Area Partnership who initiated the programme for The Tall Ships Races in 2011, Catherine Power acknowledged the positive contribution of all volunteer ambassadors who participated over the past 11 years.

“We are delighted to work with Waterford Volunteer Centre and Waterford City and County Council to ensure the programme continues into the future and goes from strength to strength. To have Waterford Volunteer Centre in place is so positive for volunteering across our city and county and we are really pleased to be involved for this year. I wish all the ambassadors all the best for the summer programme in the years to come.”

Waterford Chamber oversees the Programme in Tramore through the Tourist Information Centre and according to Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer, “It is wonderful to have our team of experienced volunteers back out again this summer under the management of Johnny O’Grady. Johnny and his team are a popular addition to the summer season in Tramore and we are heartened to see a number of new volunteers join us this year.”

The Waterford Welcome Ambassador Programme runs every weekend for 12 weeks in Waterford City and Tramore, and on cruise ship days during the summer months.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer Waterford Welcome Ambassador in Waterford City or Tramore email info@volunteerwaterford.ie for more details or drop into the volunteer centre.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Have Your Say! Blackwater River Valley – Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study

We are seeking your views about Outdoor Recreation in the River Blackwater Valley, Co. Waterford. 

To find out more information about the current feasibility study or to make a submission please click on the following link: Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study or email riverblackwater@waterfordcouncil.ie for further details.

By Waterford City & County Council

Mount Congreve awarded over €1m additional funding under Rural Regeneration & Development Fund

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has announced that €1,125,135 in grant funding will be made available for the redevelopment and restoration of Mount Congreve Estate, in addition to €3,726,00 granted in 2019 under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) and Project Ireland 2040.

The additional funding has been welcomed by Waterford City and County Council.

Michael Quinn, Director of Services for Economic Development, WCCC said “The additional investment in Mount Congreve House and Gardens is not only guaranteed to deliver a world class visitor centre, but also reaffirm Mount Congreve’s ranking as one of ‘the great gardens of the world.’ “

Upon completion, the project will deliver a tourism destination attracting 150,000 visitors annually, with an enhanced visitor experience to the gardens and planted woodlands.   Investment in the under developed assets on the estate will generate additional employment and revenue opportunities, along with increased visitor numbers, and ensure the long-term viability of this enormously important visitor attraction.

The re-invigoration of the gardens will create an iconic visitor experience at Mount Congreve, through improvements to the garden infrastructure, establishment of new plant collections and the installation of creative play features that tell the story of Mount Congreve.

To maximise the benefit of the 18th Century mansion house, a new purpose-built visitor hub is in development in the existing courtyard and stables adjacent the eastern wing of the house.

The courtyard area will be covered with a glazed roof, with many of the existing architectural features being retained, and will include a cafe, servery, kitchen areas, retail area and visitor facilities. As well as this, some works will be undertaken to the Main House to accommodate a visitor welcome space with reception area, ticketing, orientation and interpretation pre-show.

A new wetlands area is under construction, the car park area has been fully resurfaced, and works on pathways, interpretation and way-finding elements are all in progress.

Substantial completion of the project is expected to be achieved by the end of summer, with a soft opening planned for early autumn 2022.

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By Waterford City & County Council

South East Food Stories: Stories to write home about

South East Food Stories has just been launched to help promote the wide variety of producers, providers and makers delivering quality foods directly from source to plates across the South East.

The South East is known for an abundance of naturally sourced food and drink, and for its unique and inventive makers and producers. Anyone who has tasted the area’s high quality local food, foraged on beaches and in forests to find the best natural foodstuffs, and tasted the local beverages, will have a story to tell about it.

The pilot agri-food initiative incorporates produce from across Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford and highlights the businesses working hard to keep food sustainability at the heart of what they do.

Speaking about the impact of South East Food Stories, Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East said: “We are delighted to see tourism businesses across the South East coming together to create high quality food trail experiences aligned to the Ireland’s Ancient East Brand. Visitors are increasingly seeking out opportunities to immerse themselves in the local story and this trail provides a great opportunity to sample the wide variety on offer in these counties.”

Director of Ireland South, Alan Quirke, said: “The South East offers a varied tourism experience, blending heritage, coastal activities, gardens with other activities and attractions. What stands out about the South East is its vast agri-food market and we’re delighted to be able to showcase the wide range of produce across the five counties.”

Granville Hotel, The Sea Gardener, GROW HQ and Everett’s Restaurant have come together to tell the South East Food Story in Waterford. Locally sourced ingredients form the land and sea are expertly crafted and can be enjoyed while dining and staying in Waterford.

Speaking about their story, Marie Power of The Sea Gardener said: “We’re delighted to be telling our own food stories from the South East. We really enjoying showing people how and where to forage for the tastiest varieties of seaweed and how to incorporate this wonderful natural superfood in cooking to enjoy its distinctive taste and health benefits.”2

The campaign is inspired by the importance of food and its production as part of our overall tourism experience. All five counties have hundreds of years’ worth of heritage and history with wonderful visitor experiences, which serve as a backdrop to fresh experiences and new stories.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Have Your Say! Blackwater River Valley – Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study

We are seeking your views about Outdoor Recreation in the River Blackwater Valley, Co. Waterford. 

To find out more information about the current feasibility study or to make a submission please click on the following link: Blackwater River Valley Outdoor Recreation Feasibility Study or email riverblackwater@waterfordcouncil.ie for further details.

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Greenway celebrates fifth birthday

Photo by Colin Shanahan – DigiCol Photography (c) 2021 – http://www.digicolphotography.com

It’s hard to believe that the much-loved Waterford Greenway has been open just five years, yet many locals will find it hard to imagine life without this award-winning trail on their doorstep. The Waterford Greenway stretches from Ireland’s Oldest City in the East of the County, through the picturesque village of Kilmacthomas to the harbour town of Dungarvan in West Waterford. Freedom, fresh-air, magnificent scenery and chance encounters are some of the highlights often mentioned by visitors to this spectacular trail in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Waterford Greenway was officially opened on March 25th 2017 by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD on the 50th anniversary of the last passenger train journey between Dungarvan and Waterford City. Since opening, the Waterford Greenway has attracted over 250,000 visits annually, resulting in the development of many tourism and hospitality businesses.

In five short years the Waterford Greenway has won the hearts of locals and visitors alike and celebrated a number of accolades which include; being the first Irish Greenway to receive the Green Flag Award for Parks and Green Spaces in 2020 and retain it in 2021, winning silver in the Excellence Category at the 10th European Greenways Award in 2021, and most recently being named Best Visitor Attraction in the Irish Independent 2022 Reader Travel Awards.

The captivating trail offers spectacular views of the Comeragh Mountains, the River Suir and the Waterford coast as you freewheel your way from the City to the sea, through tunnels, across viaducts and past old railway stations. Attractions along the dedicated cycling and walking trail include, with the world-renowned ornamental gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford Suir Valley Railway, and the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. The many vibrant coffee stops along the route will give you a flavour of the fantastic food and coffee scene in Waterford, where you can relax with an old friend or a new one!

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly said “Happy fifth birthday to a much-loved amenity here in Waterford and the South East. Waterford Greenway is a visitor attraction that has grown and developed due to the dedication, vision and commitment of Waterford City and County Council, the local communities, businesses and stakeholders. The enjoyment this visionary project brings to so many of all ages and abilities is just amazing.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford Greenway has been transformative for the county. Businesses have been built, visitors have come time and again and of course locals have the huge benefit of having this world class amenity on their doorstep.”

The Waterford Greenway can only get better as work is already underway to improve the Greenway connection to the city centre and are due for completion in 2023. Works are progressing very well on the New Ross Greenway, with the new sustainable transport bridge in the City allowing visitors to continue their Greenway journey from Waterford through parts of Kilkenny and Wexford.

Feasibility studies for a connection between Waterford City and Tramore, Dungarvan and Mallow and a Waterford Greenway to Suir Blueway connection are all underway and will undoubtedly bring more opportunities to locals and visitors to get out and enjoy the fantastic sights in Waterford and the South East.

You can follow Waterford Greenway on Facebook or Instagram for all the latest on what’s happening and share your memories (old and new) to help us celebrate five great years of the Waterford Greenway using the hashtags #HappyBirthday #WaterfordGreenway

www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com

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By Waterford City & County Council

Councils to examine feasibility of new Greenway linking Mallow and Dungarvan

Pictured in 2021 at contract signing stage of the Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway Feasibility study were: Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer, Waterford City & County Council; James Fogarty, Deputy Chief Executive, Cork County Council, Cllr. Tom Cronin, Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan/Lismore Municipal District; Niall Healy, Director of Services Cork County Council; Cllr Kay Dawson, Former Chair of Fermoy Municipal District; Kieran Boyle, Atkins; Pauline Moriarty, Fermoy MDO, Cork County Council; Richie Walsh, SEO, Waterford City & County Council.

Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council are to examine the feasibility of a new Greenway linking the two counties.

The potential Greenway would be developed along a 77.35km stretch of scenic countryside adjacent to the River Blackwater, incorporating stunning scenery and using viaduct crossings at key landmark locations.

The route under consideration would run from Mallow, through to Fermoy, and onto Dungarvan where it could link-in and connect with the existing Waterford Greenway.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, said, “This project, should it come to pass, would provide a wonderful opportunity to create a vibrant tourist attraction in the north of the county, which in turn could feed into the tremendous success that is the Waterford Greenway. Nature has already provided us with a wonderful backdrop which in itself already draws tens of thousands of tourists every year. Since the pandemic struck, everyone truly appreciates the benefits of being outdoors, and it is incumbent upon us to explore every opportunity to create new and compelling reasons to explore our wonderful county. I look forward to the outcome of the feasibility study.”

Commenting on the project, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly, said, “The existing Waterford Greenway has been an unparalleled success since its opening in March 2017. We have witnessed at first hand the transformative effect that a project like this can have on local communities, business and the health &well being of our people. Here in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Waterford has already been working with Kilkenny, Wexford and Tipperary on Greenway and other outdoor recreation projects. We now look forward to potentially creating further linkages with our near neighbours in Cork through what has the potential to be a very exciting Greenway project.”

Cork County Council will act as the lead authority to carry out the required management responsibilities for the feasibility study, including the formal appointments of project consultants.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, said, “This feasibility study is the first step in bringing a project like this to fruition. This is an opportunity to develop a strategic, sustainable and captivating Greenway that links the beautiful countryside at the heart of Munster to the scenic coast of Waterford, and beyond. We look forward to seeing the results of the study, and would like to thank the Department of Transport for the funding that has allowed us to explore this exciting project in greater detail.”

Having provided services to similar projects in Ireland and internationally, consultancy company Atkins will bring experience from previous projects, including the Royal Canal Greenway and the Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway as well as the ongoing Fingal Coastal Way and Boyne Greenway. Kieran Boyle, Technical Director at Atkins, said: “The Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway Project will provide a new scenic link for local communities and tourists alike to traverse between attractions while enjoying the beautiful landscape. We look forward to collaborating with Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council to create a new focal point for the region that supports more sustainable travel, encourages tourism, and complements the natural landscape.”

Funding of €361,238 has been awarded to both Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council by the Department of Transport under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways to complete the feasibility project.

As part of the initial steps in the development of the feasibility study, the Local Authorities are launching an Online Public Consultation to seek the views of the general public on the Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway. The Consultation will provide information on the vision for the Greenway and other keys details being considered during the initial feasibility route option assessment study. Members of the public are invited to visit the www.corkrdo.ie/greenways from the 7th March to submit their comments online. A local awareness campaign will also be undertaken.

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By Waterford City & County Council

Mayor of Waterford City and County accepts Waterford Greenway award

Photographs: Patrick Browne

2022 got off to a promising start as Waterford Greenway added to its trophy cabinet when the 46km walking and cycling trail was named as winner of the ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ in the Irish Independent 2022 Reader Travel Awards.

With tens of thousands of amenities, places and hospitality businesses nominated in fourteen categories, Irish Independent readers were particularly taken with Waterford Greenway.

Some of the Irish Independent’s readers comments included, “The surface is perfect,” and with coffee and lunch stops “for treats” along the way, and a super choice of places to eat, drink and stay in Waterford and Dungarvan and “It is always alive with people.”  Locals as well as tourists were particularly forthcoming with their praise for Waterford Greenway, citing “It promotes exercise, social get-togethers of families and mental well-being through its safe routes” and “It soothes the soul.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly was delighted to accept the award.  “What’s particularly special about this award is that it was made on behalf of the Irish Independent readers who have visited Waterford Greenway. With their experiences so positive and their feedback so affirming, the Council’s Greenway team, local communities, and stakeholders can take great pride in what they have created in Waterford.”

Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor Irish Independent said, “I look forward to the Irish Independent’s Reader Travel Awards because they provide us with priceless, real-world insights from holidaymakers on the ground. Tens of thousands of comments provide a fascinating picture of what people actually visit, and why – and not a marketing snapshot.”

“This year, it was no surprise to me to see the Waterford Greenway top the nominations for ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’.  It’s a super example of a route that has caught the imagination of both locals and visitors, created real tourism momentum, and inspired businesses both on and offline.  In just a few short years, it has become a gold standard greenway.”

The old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature crossing eleven bridges, three impressive viaducts and an atmospheric tunnel.

The popular route in Ireland’s Ancient East is peppered with heritage, history and natural beauty as it runs alongside the world renowned ornamental gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford & Suir Valley narrow gauge heritage railway, former woollen mills and railway stations and offers breathtaking views of the River Suir, the Comeragh Mountains, The Copper Coast and Dungarvan Bay.

No stranger to accolades, Waterford Greenway made an impact with Irish Independent readers in 2019 when it was named ‘Ireland’s Favourite Adventure’ in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards, while in 2021 it was awarded silver in the Excellence Category at the 10th European Greenways Award Ceremony.  In 2020 Waterford Greenway was the first Irish Greenway to attain Green Flag status, which it retained in 2021.

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st_patricks_day_parade

By Waterford City & County Council

Be Part of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Waterford

March 17th sees the return of the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Waterford and for the first time, a three day festival from March 17th to March 19th.

Waterford City and County Council and EveryEvent are inviting applications from community groups, sports clubs, charities and businesses, large and small, to take part in the parade to really showcase what a diverse and special place Waterford is.

This year the theme of the parade is ‘Waterford – Ireland’s Best Place to Live’ and the festival will pay homage to Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent.  So whether you want to drive, walk, dance, hop, skip, or jump your way along the parade route, now is the time to get involved!

As Waterford was Ireland’s first City to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, back in 1903, over the years the Waterford parades have become synonymous with colour, culture and creativity.  St. Patrick’s Day 2022 will be no exception, particularly after a two-year absence.

Trevor Dermody, Director of Waterford Academy of Music & Arts (WAMA) said he and his team are looking forward to partaking in the Parade. “For the last number of years, walking in the Waterford parade has been a highlight of our calendar.  It’s a great way to showcase our students and their talent.  The WAMA members are really excited to take part again in 2022, and are looking forward to showing off our music, dance & artistic talents to the people of Waterford.”

“It’s also a great day for families, especially this year when this is the first occasion we can really get together as a group.  There’s a great buzz in the academy as our teachers and students are busy exploring themes that reflect why Waterford is Ireland’s Best Place to Live.”

John Grubb of EveryEvent said that since the announcement of the Parade going ahead, there’s a lot of enthusiasm amongst community and sporting groups.  “After two long years, the general feeling is one of anticipation and excitement.”

“Groups and societies have had little or no prospect to get together for quite a while, so taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a great opportunity to get together, dress up, put on the face paint, and showcase to the whole city.”

If your business, group or club would like to take part in Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2022 visit https://stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com/take-part-in-2022/ and register your interest.

You can also keep an eye on the Facebook page and Instagram accounts (@stpatricksdaywat) for festival updates.

 

By Waterford City & County Council

West Waterford Festival of Food to return in June

The 13th annual West Waterford Festival of Food is to take place from 10-12 June 2022. Typically an April event, the new date for 2022 is to allow time following the upheaval over the past two years for West Waterford’s producers, chefs, suppliers, growers and brewers to prepare for one of Ireland’s biggest foodie festivals. Full details of the programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

West Waterford Festival of Food CEO Maeve Quill said: “We are delighted to announce that West Waterford Festival of Food will return in 2022, having been sadly missed from our calendars over the past two years. This three-day foodie paradise is incredibly close to the hearts of all those involved, the local West Waterford area, and of course the wider foodie community. To ensure we put on a Festival that is a real showcase event, we wanted to allow all those involved the time to prepare following a turbulent two years. For visitors, June will be a better and safer time of the year for dining events, as it allows us more outside dining opportunities and for our amazing suppliers and other stakeholders, the new date will allow them time and space to resolve any staffing or business issues that they may have.

“Waterford has a strong culinary reputation, having been named the winner of Foodie Destinations back in 2019. It is incredible news that we can once again shine a spotlight on the food from West Waterford, and the amazing culinary talent that we have.”

The 2022 West Waterford Festival of Food is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Local Enterprise Office and LEADER Partnership.

“Through our funders, sponsors, producers, chefs, makers, supporters, venue hosts, friends, volunteers and of course, the visitors, West Waterford Festival of Food is made possible,” added Maeve. “We can’t wait to launch this year’s programme, which will be full of free and ticketed events and invite everyone to visit us from 10-12 June to indulge in the region’s best food, drink and live entertainment.”

For up-to-date information, visit www.westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com or follow:

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Treasures ends year on a high

With so many highlights to choose from, 2021 ended on a high for Waterford Treasures.

With over €1.2 million donated by extremely generous private benefactors, the Viking Triangle was transformed into a leading visitor destination with the addition of two new museums; the Irish Museum of Time and the Irish Silver Museum.

The icing on the cake had a distinctive Waterford flavour as a painting by Thomas Roberts was gifted to the museum by an extraordinarily generous Waterfordian Dr Fiona Healy, benefactor of Waterford Treasures. The painting, ‘A Bay Horse and Two Donkeys in a Wooded Landscape’ dated to c1773, was gifted in memory of Fiona’s grandmother Agnes Healy, horsewoman and breeder of horses, and will adorn the Entrance Hall of the Bishop’s Palace.

Born in Cathedral Square to Susannah Mary Sautelle Roberts and architect John Roberts, Roberts was the greatest Irish landscape painter of the 1700s.  For over two decades it has been an ambition of the Museum to acquire a painting by Waterford man Thomas Roberts, and this recently became a reality.

Eamonn McEneaney, Director of Waterford Treasures was delighted to accept the painting from Dr Healy, “To be gifted such a wonderful painting by a renowned Waterford artist is extraordinary.  Thomas Roberts, despite a brief career produced works of outstanding quality and to have ‘A Bay Horse and Two Donkeys in a Wooded Landscape” adorning the entrance to the Bishop’s Palace really is a dream come true.”

“I’d like to thank Dr Healy for her generosity and support of Waterford Treasures and assure her that the painting will be cherished for generations to come.”

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