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By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Greenway voted Best Visitor Attraction in Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards

In what can only be described as a phenomenal start to the year for Waterford Greenway, today saw the popular Waterford trail named as winner of the ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’ in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2022.

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 Railway, former woollen mills and railway stations and offers breathtaking views of the River Suir, the Comeragh Mountains, The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, and Dungarvan Bay.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly was delighted with Waterford Greenway’s latest accolade, “It’s fantastic that Waterford Greenway has been chosen by the Irish Independents’ readers as Ireland’s Best Visitor attraction.”

“It’s a much loved amenity here in Waterford and the South East, but it is wonderful to see how much an impression Waterford Greenway has made throughout the country.  It is a visitor attraction that has grown and developed due to the dedication, vision and commitment of Waterford City and County Council’s Greenway team, the local communities and stakeholders.”

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. “It is always alive with people.”  And those people are not just tourists: “It promotes exercise, social get-togethers of families and mental well-being through its safe routes” and “It soothes the soul.”

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive, Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford Greenway has been transformative for the county.  It’s not just locals who are benefitting, but as evidenced by this award, visitors from right throughout the country.”

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer, Waterford City and County Council added that the combined efforts of locals and the business community had helped to create a fantastic amenity that the county can be very proud of.  “It’s been a tough two years for everybody, but amenities like Waterford Greenway give people the opportunity to get out and about, and stay connected, and all the while taking in some of the most breath-taking scenery that the county has to offer.”

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.

-ENDS-

Notes:

Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction is one of over a dozen categories in the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards for 2022.

By Waterford City & County Council

RTE’s Droichid na hÉireann features Waterford!

Two of Waterford’s iconic bridges will feature on Droichid na hÉireann, an Irish language programme on RTE1 next Monday at 7.30pm.

Presented by actor Lochlann Ó Mearáin, the series explores the history, architecture, landscape, and above all the people behind these extraordinary bridges, and the pivotal role they have played in historic events and in modern-day society.

More info here : https://www.rte.ie/gaeilge/2022/0104/1269745-droichid-na-heireann-the-story-of-irelands-beloved-bridges/

Series link on RTE Player : https://www.rte.ie/player/series/droichid-na-h%C3%A9ireann/SI0000012577?epguid=IP000067211

By Waterford City & County Council

Works commence on world-class visitor experience at Mount Congreve

In 2019, Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, as joint funding partners, were awarded grant funding of €3,726,000 for the development of Mount Congreve House and Gardens, under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) and Project Ireland 2040.

With building contractors Ormonde Construction now on site, works have commenced to develop Mount Congreve, which is home to one of the largest private collections of plants in the world, as a world-class tourist destination.

The works will involve the partial redevelopment and restoration of the Mount Congreve House and will provide enhanced visitor amenities including a new visitor centre, with cafe and retail spaces.

Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council said that the investment in Mount Congreve House and Gardens will consolidate its position as one of ‘the great gardens of the world.’

“Not only will the works enhance the house and grounds, it will deliver a world-class visitor centre in the heart of the South East.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Kelly added, “This major re-development project will also open up the heretofore private areas of the house to the public, which is sure to offer a fascinating insight into the history of Mount Congreve.”

It is intended that on completion, the project will deliver a tourism destination that will attract 150,000 visitors annually, an enhanced visitor experience to the gardens and planted woodlands, which are of international importance, investment in the underdeveloped assets on the Estate to generate additional employment and revenue opportunities, along with increased visitor numbers, and ensure the long-term viability of this enormously important visitor attraction.

Mount Congreve Estate Manager Ray Sinnott said, “It’s a great development for the house and the gardens.  The beauty of Mount Congreve is that it has a broad appeal to everyone, whether it’s gardeners, historians, tourists or our friends and neighbours.  This development will throw open the gates of the estate to over 150,000 visitors each year and allow them to get a sense of the history of the house and the care and attention that has gone into the gardens.”

Orla Carroll, Director Product Development at Fáilte Ireland commented, “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to see work commence on this exciting development to open the beautiful Mount Congreve House and Gardens to the World. The project will create a new, vibrant attraction in Waterford for families and overseas visitors and will reinforce Ireland’s Ancient East as a world-class visitor destination.”

The works to Mount Congreve House are expected to last until summer 2022.

By Waterford City & County Council

Funding Boost For Waterford’s Outdoor Amenities

Waterford City and County Council was successful in securing €562,140 in funding under the 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), Measure 2 and 3 which was recently announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D.

copper_coast_waterford

The announcement which has committed funding support of €15.5 million for 84 outdoor adventure projects nationwide, is a key part of ‘Our Rural Future’ which will support rural economies and make rural Ireland a more attractive destination for adventure tourism in the coming years.  The funding scheme which is also supported by Fáilte Ireland at National level provides funding to Local Authorities for the development, promotion and maintenance of outdoor amenities such as trails, walkways, cycleways, and blueways.

Announcing the funding Minister Humphreys said, “The 84 projects that we are investing in today will benefit people of all ages and abilities for generations to come. This unprecedented investment will also help further our ambition to support our rural economies and make Rural Ireland a destination of choice for adventure tourism. Outdoor pursuits have become an even bigger part of all of our lives over the past two years. Through this Fund, we are developing and enhancing the fantastic natural amenities in our rural communities so more and more people can access and enjoy them.”

Under this latest round of ORIS funding the Waterford projects which will benefit include:

  • Development of Crough Wood Trailhead, Amenities and Car Park, Mahon Bridge, Co. Waterford – €365,328.30
  • Kilmacthomas River Walk Enhancement Works – €69,930.00
  • Waterford Trails and Outdoor Amenities: Visitor and Footfall Counting Project – €76,885.44
  • A separate ‘Project Development’ funding stream was also made available to projects that are at an early stage of appraisal. Waterford was awarded funding for feasibility and preliminary design of a Copper Coast Walking Trail under this category – €50,000.00

This latest funding announcement is in addition to Measure 1 ORIS funding of €57,370 which was announced back in October of this year.

Welcoming the announcement Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly was delighted to see more funding from central government.

 

“This funding not only benefits our wonderful outdoor amenities here in Waterford, but also our local communities and rural economy.  Funding support in recent years to similar projects has served to further enhance Waterford’s reputation as a wonderful location for outdoor pursuits and I have no doubt that this latest funding announcement will prove equally successful.  The importance of investment in developing and maintaining our superb outdoor activity infrastructure cannot be overstated as it enhances our sustainable tourism offering and brings undeniable benefits in terms of the health and well being to our local communities, particularly at this current time.”

ORIS has funded 35 outdoor recreation projects all across Waterford since 2017 which equates to funding support of €1,893,726 being allocated to Waterford City & County Council.  It is envisaged that projects funded under the scheme will be implemented throughout 2022 and 2023. Waterford’s recreational trails were highlighted as part of another ORIS funded project which was launched in June of this year promoting our wonderful amenities as part of the ‘Walk Waterford’ project.  A new walking trail booklet was developed as well as a fantastic online resource with maps, photos and video which can be viewed at www.visitwaterfordtrails.com.

These existing trails and outdoor recreational opportunities are currently being actively promoted not only by Waterford City & County Council but also by Visit Waterford, Ireland’s Ancient East, other stakeholders and the wider community.

Isn’t it time to go out and explore all that Waterford has to offer!

By Waterford City & County Council

Irish Silver Museum receives substantial silver donation

 

The team at Waterford Treasures, Five Museums in Waterford’s Viking Triangle, has been informed by Senator John Cummins, that the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD has approved two further donations to the Irish Silver Museum in Waterford.

One of the donations is valued at €850,000 and the second donation valued at €750,000.  These donations will ensure that the Irish Silver Museum in Waterford will have one of the largest collections of antique Irish silver in the world and will be the only museum in the world dedicated solely to celebrating the virtuoso craftsmen and women who over the centuries produced magnificent works of art in silver.

Minister Donohoe opened the Irish Silver Museum in June this year in the presence of Noel and Stephanie Frisby, two local philanthropists, who financed the transformation of the former Motor Tax office on the ground floor of the Deanery into a must-visit celebration of Irish craft.

Director of Waterford Treasures, Eamonn McEneaney, thanked Senator Cummins and Minister Donohoe for their work in approving the donations under section 1003 of the Finance Act.

The two new donations together with earlier donations of furniture, paintings and other relevant and complementary museum objects will allow Waterford Treasures expand the displays in the Deanery as soon as suitable office accommodation can be secured and thus making it possible to create museum galleries in the upper floors of the Deanery.

Mr. McEneaney also thanked the Executive in Waterford City and County Council, and the Board of the Museum for their enormous support for the development of the cultural offering in the Viking Triangle.  Since opening in May this year the public reaction to the Irish Museum of Time has been phenomenal with over 36,000 fee-paying visitors.  Mr McEneaney added that a critical mass of cultural attractions has been developed in the Viking Triangle thus giving Waterford the unique distinction of having the only dedicated museum quarter in Ireland.

International interest in the museum has been very encouraging with an early booking for 2022 of over thirty visitors from the Belgian Silver Society who will be over-nighting in the Granville Hotel in the city.

By Waterford City & County Council

Works commence of Waterford Greenway Extension

Works have commenced on the extension of the Waterford Greenway from Bilberry to the City Centre and are expected to be completed within 18 months.

The project will help augment the user numbers along this section of the Greenway and, in addition, provide users with a safer and more comfortable cycling and walking experience as they approach the City Centre.

The enhancement and improvement of the 2.1km stretch of the Greenway will also provide for the future Greenway links to New Ross, currently at construction phase, and Rosslare and Tramore.

Following a competitive tendering process the €6.8m contract was awarded to John Craddock Ltd. of Kilcullen.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly welcomed the commencement of the project and the continuing commitment to enhance the Waterford Greenway.

“The Greenway has breathed new life into the city and county and the fact that this extension will give users a more comfortable cycling and walking experience is to be welcomed.”

“Having recently being recognised as the second best Greenway in Europe, at the 10th European Greenway Awards, just reinforces what we already know.  The Waterford Greenway is an amazing amenity and the envy of many cities and countries in Europe.”

“The extension from Bilberry to the City Centre will enable users to extend their journey from Dungarvan right into the heart of Waterford city, and eventually onto Tramore and New Ross.”

“The collaboration and cooperation of the regions’ local authorities in consolidating the Greenway network is testament to the significance in which the Greenway is held as a valuable tourist attraction and a means to promote leisure and encourage active movement.”

Further works will include 2 structural steel boardwalks, boundary treatment comprising of a combination of Reinforced Concrete retaining walls and paving works, including exposed aggregate, limestone/granite slabs and setts.

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Free to use images:  Patrick Browne

l-r:  Michael Walsh Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council, John Craddock of John Craddock Construction Ltd., Paul Flynn Executive Engineer Waterford City and County Council,  Alan Wright of John Craddock Ltd., Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly, and Caroline Butler Project Director Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates.

John Craddock of John Craddock Construction Ltd, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Kelly and Michael Walsh, Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council.

By Waterford City & County Council

New Festival & Event Funding Policy adopted by Waterford City & County Council /RÁITEAS NUACHTA Polasaí Nua do Mhaoiniú Féilte & Imeachtaí glactha ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

At the September meeting of the Plenary Council, Waterford City & County Council adopted a new Festival & Event Funding Policy which will help ensure that funding will be available to help events across Waterford to develop and grow and to ensure that Waterford continues to be the best place to live in Ireland.

The policy, which identifies a number of flagship festivals for Waterford, will put larger scale events on a surer footing by committing to three years funding.  This commitment by the Council will put these events, which attract regional and national audiences to Waterford, in a stronger position to secure acts and artists of a calibre that will raise both their and Waterford’s profile nationally and internationally.

Under the new policy, training will be provided to all event organisers to help them develop their event and create opportunities for existing events to grow and for new events to become established.  Details of the training will be advertised on Waterford Council’s social media in the coming weeks.

Festival and event organisers across Waterford are now being encouraged to apply for funding for events to be held in 2022.  Applications can be submitted online from October 5th at www.waterfordfestivals.ie and the closing date for applications is Sunday, November 7th

A helpline will be open from Wednesday, October 6th to Friday, November 5th to answer any queries relating to the application process – 0761 10 2169.

Waterford City & County Council’s Festival & Event Funding Policy is available at www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

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RÁITEAS NUACHTA Polasaí Nua do Mhaoiniú Féilte & Imeachtaí glactha ag Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge

Ag cruinniú Meán Fómhair de chuid an Chomhairle Iomlánach, ghlac Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge le Polasaí Nua do Mhaoiniú Féilte & Imeachtaí, a chinnteoidh go mbeidh maoiniú ar fáil chun cabhrú le himeachtaí ar fud Phort Láirge forbairt agus fás agus chun a chinntiú go mbeidh Port Láirge fós mar an áit is fearr le maireachtáil in Éirinn.

Aithníonn an Polasaí roinnt phríomh-fhéilte i bPort Láirge, agus cuireann sé bonn níos láidre faoi imeachtaí ar scála mór trí mhaoiniú a ghealladh do thréimhse trí bliana.  Leis an tiomantas seo ón gComhairle beidh na himeachtaí seo, a mheallann lucht féachana réigiúnach agus náisiúnta go dtí Port Láirge, i staid níos fearr chun grúpaí agus ealaíontóirí d’ardchaighdeán a fháil, rud a chuirfidh le próifíl na n-imeachtaí agus próifíl Phort Láirge go náisiúnta agus go hidirnáisiúnta.

Faoin bpolasáí nua, cuirfear oiliúint ar fáil d’eagraithe na n-imeachtaí chun cabhrú leo a gcuid imeachtaí a fhorbairt agus chun deis a thabhairt d’imeachtaí reatha fás agus d’imeachtaí nua teacht ar an bhfód.  Fógrófar sonraí na hoiliúna ar mheáin shóisialta Chomhairle Phort Láirge sna seachtainí amach romhainn.

Tá eagraithe féilte agus imeachtaí ar fud Phort Láirge á spreagadh anois chun cur isteach ar mhaoiniú d’imeachtaí a bheidh ag dul ar aghaidh i 2022.

Is féidir iarratais a chur ar aghaidh ar líne ón 5 Deireadh Fómhair ag www.waterfordfestivals.ie agus is é an Domhnach, 7 Samhain an dáta deiridh le haghaidh iarratais.  Beidh líne chabhrach oscailte ón 6 Deireadh Fómhair go dtí an 5 Samhain chun ceisteanna maidir leis an bpróiseas iarratais a fhreagairt – 0761 10 2169.

Tá Polasaí Maoinithe d’Fhéilte & d’Imeachtaí Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge ar fáil ag www.waterfordcouncil.ie.

 

Teagmhálaí:

Lisa Grant

Oifigeach Forbartha Eacnamaíoch

087/2124242

lgrant@waterfordcouncil.ie

 

 

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister Heather Humphreys TD officially opens St. Declan’s Way

The official opening of St. Declan’s Way took place yesterday and is the culmination of almost a decade of work to revive this ancient pilgrim path.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD officially launched the 115km walking trail during a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey in County Waterford. The Minister’s Department provided support under the Rural Recreation Fund to bring the project to fruition.

St. Declan’s Way has long been part of the heritage and folklore of West Waterford and South Tipperary. The trail recalls journeys made by Declan in the fifth century from his monastery in Ardmore northwards to Cashel, the seat of the Kings of Munster. Declan is credited with bringing Christianity to his Déise people who ruled this part of Ireland in his lifetime.

Renewed interest in pilgrim walking in recent years spurred local communities to come together to make this ancient path accessible as a modern walking trail. Old laneways were cleared, new signs replaced old ones and all trail infrastructure is now in place. St Declan’s Way got the green light from Sport Ireland last June and is now on the National Trails Register.

The revitalisation of St. Declan’s Way is a tremendous example of partnership in action and many organisations and agencies working together to achieve this goal. Funding came from the Department of Rural & Community Development under the Rural Recreation Fund, along with a private donation from the Tomar Trust. The cooperation and support of more than 40 landowners along the trail was vital. Local Development Agencies Waterford LEADER Partnership and South Tipperary Development CLG and both Waterford City & County Council and Tipperary County Council backed the project at an early stage.

The key driver of the project was the St. Declan’s Way Management Committee, a voluntary group with representation from communities along the trail. It is primarily thanks to their efforts that this wonderful amenity is now available to all.

St. Declan’s Way has the potential to be a great asset to tourism, business and communities along the trail. Feedback so far from walkers has been very positive and with the economy and society now reopened after Covid, the future looks bright. The message is very clear: get your walking boots on and get out on the trail and enjoy the natural beauty, history and folklore of St. Declan’s Way. For information on all aspects of St. Declan’s Way visit www.stdeclansway.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism

  • 31 new trails added in 13 counties under Government’s ‘Walks Scheme’

  • Rural Recreation Officers to be appointed to enhance our outdoor amenities

  • Department to work with over 2,400 farmers and landowners to promote rural tourism

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a major initiative for Rural Ireland, which includes the addition of 31 new walking trails to her Department’s Walks Scheme and funding for a number of new Rural Recreation Officers.

The 31 new trails across 13 counties are to be added to the ‘Walk’s Scheme’, which aims to open up our countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists.

Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.

Today’s announcement means there will now be 80 trails under the Scheme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the Local Development Companies (LDCs) and over 2,400 farmers and landowners in total.

The trails added today involve over 400 farmers and include the Dingle Way in County Kerry, St Declan’s Way in County Waterford, the Ballyhoura Way in County Limerick, the South Leinster Way in County Kilkenny and the Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí in County Cork.

The Cavan Way in County Cavan, the Wicklow Uplands Way in County Wicklow, the Lung/Lough Gara Way in County Roscommon and the Durrow Leafy Loop in County Sligo are also among the trails being added to the Scheme.

Additional funding will also be provided to the Local Development Companies that deliver the scheme locally, as well as for the salaries paid to the Rural Recreation Officers who play a vital role in delivering the Walks Scheme and developing the outdoor recreation sector locally. Minister Humphreys also today announced the creation of up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officer posts in addition to the 13 already in place. These are designed to further enhance our outdoor amenities and the experience of visitors to Rural Ireland.The announcement delivers on commitments in both the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to increase the number of trails under the ‘Walks Scheme’ in order to boost outdoor recreation and tourism in rural towns and villages.

Minister Humphreys also today published a review of the Walks Scheme, which sets out a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the Walks Scheme and the role of Rural Recreation Officers, and will be implemented in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Minister made the announcements during a visit to officially open St Declan’s Way in Co. Waterford, a 115km trail involving 45 farmers and landowners which is amongst the trails being added to the scheme.

The Minister said:

“Our walkways, trails, greenways, blueways and cycleways are a defining feature of Rural Ireland.

“They have been a godsend throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic – providing so many of us with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and to meet up with family and friends.

“Over the past number of months, we have seen unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by the most ambitious ever policy for Rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’.

“Today’s announcement is further action behind that policy. By adding 31 new trails to the Walks Scheme, we are opening up our rural countryside further to walkers, hikers, adventurists, cyclists, as well as domestic and international tourists.

“And it means we are investing in some of the most picturesque locations in the country, so that they can be enjoyed and experienced by millions of people every year.”

The Minister added:

“In rolling out the Walks Scheme, my Department works closely with our Local Development Companies, community groups and rural farmers and landowners. We are indebted to our farmers and other landowners throughout the country that facilitate access to these wonderful trails and who now, through this scheme, are being funded to maintain the walks to the high standard we have all come to expect.

“Another important part of today’s announcement is the decision to appoint up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officers, as well as improving the salaries of the Rural Recreation Officers that are already carrying out great work across the country.  These individuals are crucial in implementing the Walks Scheme and working with all stakeholders to enhance our outdoor amenities.

“As Minister, I am committed to expanding the Walks Scheme so that more communities can reap the benefits.

“I am also committed to looking at further increasing the number of RROs nationwide based on the outcome of our new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which is currently being developed and which will make Rural Ireland an even better place to live, visit and raise a family.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“I am also today publishing a review of the Walks Scheme, which was carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI).

“The recommendations in the review are extensive, covering every aspect of scheme delivery and impacting across a range of stakeholders.

“Given the breadth of issues covered and that many impact beyond my Department, I intend to establish a stakeholder consultation group to explore the recommendations and how they could be implemented at a local level.

“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the Local Development Companies, Trail management groups and especially the farmers and landowners for their excellent cooperation with my Department.”

The report on the review of the Walks Scheme can be on gov.ie here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/942b4b-the-walks-scheme-and-rural-recreation-officers/#2021-review-of-the-walks-scheme

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council announced as successful applicant to Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme

Under Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animations Capital Investment Scheme, Waterford City and County Council has been awarded €539,275 to support sustainable tourism development through public realm and urban animation projects.

The successful project application ‘City of Light’ is set to transform and re-imagine Waterford’s urban centre for visitors and communities.

The application identified a collection of 21 different locations across the city centre, where a new night time trail will be developed to establish Waterford as an iconic ‘City of Light’.  The trail will connect four different zones of Waterford City centre; Waterford Viking Triangle, Waterford Cultural Quarter, the retail spine and the Apple Market which is the core area for the evening and night time economy.

According to Lisa Grant, Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford offers a broad range of day time visitor attractions, however the proposal to create a night time attraction was particularly well received.

“The light trail not only creates an opportunity to develop new night time tours but also creates opportunities for visitors to self navigate and explore the city at night.   Given that the lighting will have the greatest impact in the off-peak winter season, this project will spread tourism throughout the year in the off-peak and shoulder seasons, so the benefit will be felt throughout the year.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Kelly was delighted with the capital funding granted for the project which will further enhance Waterford’s tourism offerings.  “Waterford has such a rich and proud history.  The ‘City of Light’ will quite literally put the spotlight on the structures that make up the trail, those that represent different periods of Waterford’s history, from the arrival of the Vikings in 914 right through to the modern era of 20th-century architecture.”

“While the majority of the locations included on the light trail are attractions in their own right, the addition of creative and architectural lighting, will help to increase awareness of these attractions and potentially increase the number of day time visitors too.”

Each of the 21 locations included on this new trail has a story to tell about Waterford’s history and commercial heritage.  Through the further development of digital trail being advanced under the Fáilte Ireland Destinations Towns project, QR codes at each of the locations will lead to more insight and animation of the story of the building, thus strengthening the connections between people and the placed they share.

The 21 locations identified to make up the City of Light trail are:

  • Beach Tower, Jenkins Lane
  • Bishops Palace
  • Blackfriars, Conduit Lane
  • Central Library, Lady Lane
  • City Hall, The Mall
  • Double Tower, Castle Street
  • French Church, Greyfriars
  • French Tower, Browne’s Lane
  • Menapia / Waterford Crystal, The Mall
  • Museum of Silver, Cathedral Square
  • Museum of Time, Greyfriars
  • Old Munster Express Building, Hanover Street / The Quay
  • Presbytery, George’s Street
  • Reginald’s Tower
  • St. Martin’s Gate, Spring Garden Alley
  • The Granary, Hanover Street
  • Walls at the Manor / Castle Street / Browne’s Lane
  • Watchtower, Railway Square
  • Waterford Gallery of Art, O’Connell Street
  • WCQ Art House, 7/8 Thomas Street
  • WVW Plaza, The Quays

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Treasures enjoys timely summer surge

Waterford Treasures is enjoying a busy summer as the additions of the Ireland’s only Horological Museum (The Irish Museum of Time) and the Museum of Silver, have proved popular attractions with visitors.

Waterford’s Irish Museum of Time, a fitting home for the finest collection of Irish timepieces in the world, opened its doors to the public at the start of the tourist season, followed shortly by the Irish Silver Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of silver worldwide.

The addition of the two new museums further enhances the stable of Waterford Treasures, comprising of the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace, King of the Vikings Virtual Reality Adventure and the Epic Walking Tour.

Eamonn McEneaney, Director of Waterford Treasures, said that the summer has been extremely busy.  “We experienced an uplift in visitor numbers, particularly after the unveiling of our two new visitor experiences, the Museum of Time and the Silver Museum.”

Museum_of_time_waterford
Picture: Patrick Browne

“In fact, Waterford Treasures had its financially best day ever last week with all six offerings – Irish Museum of Time, Irish Silver Museum, King of the Vikings Virtual Reality Adventure, Bishop’s Palace, Medieval Museum and the Epic Guided Walking Tour – all booked to capacity.  It was wonderful to see the Viking Triangle buzzing!”

“The opening of two museums, along with the introduction of the Freedom of Waterford discounted ticket, has proved really popular, especially with families holidaying in Waterford and the South East.  The guided walking tours bring history to life in a fun, engaging and imaginative way.”

The Freedom of Waterford walking tour is a fantastic way to take in 1,000 years of history all within 1,000 paces, with highlights including an opportunity to learn of the City’s Viking foundations, be inspired by medieval wonders and experience elegant Georgian architecture.

“After months of uncertainty, lockdowns and the temporary closures of many tourist attractions and amenities, it is wonderful to be able to welcome so many new and old visitors back to Waterford Treasures.”

museum_of_time_waterford
Picture: Patrick Browne

For further information visit WaterfordTreasures.com.

By Waterford City & County Council

Families are invited to enjoy a new free ‘Treasures Trail’ in Waterford

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

A brand new free family fun trail has been announced by Waterford Treasures – the ‘Treasures Trail’ enables children and families to discover the depths of historical treasures in Ireland’s oldest city by following a series of clues that they have to solve.

The easy-to-follow route mystery trail is rooted in the heritage of the Viking Triangle and takes in some of the most fascinating sights along the way. Through a series of 12 questions families are guided through an 800-metre walk through ancient Waterford as they search for the visual clues which will help them to solve the trail and once completed the little navigators will be awarded the title of ‘Official Historian of Ireland’s oldest city.’

The trail can be self-guided or it can be used on the Freedom of Waterford or Epic guided walking tours offering parents and guardians the opportunity to enjoy a visitor experience while little ones are engaged in the interactive experience too.

Museum Director Eamonn McEneaney says, “This new Trail is a really wonderful family way to explore the Viking Triangle. Our Treasures Trail is a way of engaging with young people, helping them to participate in our guided walking tour. It has been created for primary school-age children and the goal has been to turn real-life history into a fun adventure. It is an engaging and imaginative learning opportunity that is fun for all involved.”

The original artwork for the new Treasures Trail has been created by Waterford-based artist and mum of two Anouschka Joyce. To try out the new Treasures Trail visitors can pop into the Bishop’s Palace Museum for a copy of the new map.

Waterford Treasures is a suite of 5 museums located in the heart of Waterford City, the Georgian Bishop’s Palace, the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower, the Irish Museum of Time, and the Irish Silver Museum. The Freedom of Waterford ticket gives you all 5 museums plus the guided Epic walking tour (€15 per adult) – pre-book at WaterfordTreasures.com. Children under 12 go free.

ENDS

Pictured launching the new ‘Treasures Trail’ in Waterford City are brothers Freddie and Felix Fitzgerald. The free family fun trail enables children and families to discover the depths of historical treasures in Ireland’s oldest city by following a series of clues that they have to solve – for more see WaterfordTreasures.com.

By Waterford City & County Council

New Walk Waterford booklet launched

Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly officially launches the new version of the Walk Waterford-From Sea to Mountains booklet, along with an accompanying on-line resource www.visitwaterfordtrails.com at the Anne Valley Walk, Dunhill. Cllr. Kelly was joined for the launch by Mike Walsh, Mary Finn and Bernie Roberts all Dunhill Tourism Walking Trail CLG, Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer, Waterford City & County Council and Willie Moore, chairperson, Dunhill Tourism Walking Trail CLG. Photo: John Foley Images.

The new version of the Walk Waterford–From Sea to Mountains booklet, along with an accompanying online resource was recently launched by Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly at the beautiful Anne Valley Walk.

Walk Waterford is a series of 39 recreational walks throughout Waterford, from stunning coastal walks to breathtaking mountain scenery to tranquil woodland settings to picturesque towns and villages and Ireland’s oldest city. In the booklet, each walk has a map, trail description and important trail information that will help visitors plan their visit. The format of the booklet sees trails being grouped into themes such as coastal, mountain, woodland & nature, long distance & Greenway and urban trails. With details about the grading of each trail, it is hoped that the booklet will help people make an informed decision about the trail they choose to visit.

Launching the booklet, Cllr. Kelly said that he was ‘delighted to be able to help formally announce that the booklet was available. It will be a great free resource for people planning their next walk, day trip or holiday to Waterford’.

Cllr. Kelly also went on to say that ‘now more than ever, as we continue to emerge from pandemic restrictions, it is vital for our health & well-being that we keep active and healthy. Where better to do this in the great outdoors. We are very fortunate here in Waterford, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, to have a wealth of trails and amenities to choose from. I look forward to discovering some of the trails myself over the summer!’

The booklet which was prepared by Waterford City & County Council was also supported with funding from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer with Waterford City & County Council, who was also in attendance at the launch, pointed out that ‘the project also includes the addition of a dedicated trails section to the Visit Waterford website which promotes all there is to see and do in Waterford, as well as where to stay, what’s on and where to eat.

We would encourage locals and visitors alike to log onto www.visitwaterfordtrails.com where they can download the new booklet, watch newly created videos and find lots of useful information while planning their visit to the outdoors. We would also like to thank all those who contributed to this project and of course all of the voluntary trail development groups around the county, like the local community here at the Anne Valley Walk who manage and maintain many of Waterford’s wonderful walks for all of us to enjoy’.

Walking in nature is without doubt one of life’s most enjoyable experiences and best of all…it’s free! However, with this freedom comes responsibility. Waterford City & County Council and stakeholders involved in this project would like to take this opportunity to remind those venturing into the outdoors to be considerate of your surroundings, land owners and other trail users at all times. Always remember to practice the principles of Leave no Trace. Dispose of waste properly: If you bring it in, take it out. Visit www.leavenotraceireland.org for further information.

The new Walk Waterford booklet will be available from Waterford City & County Council, Tourist Offices, Libraries and other outlets over the coming days and weeks.

Find your trail in Waterford…where Ireland begins.

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