Waterford Rural Tourism Network Learning Journey to the Gaeltacht na nDéise
A day of ‘craic agus ceol’, shared learning and exceptional stories all unfolded in the resplendent landscapes of Gaeltacht na nDéise on Thursday 6th March.
Tourism businesses and agencies from across Waterford met in Dungarvan to begin the Learning Journey through the Gaeltacht na nDéise area of Waterford. This was the third in a series of five Learning Journeys that are taking place across all five cluster areas in 2024 and 2025: Blackwater Valley, Comeragh Uplands, Copper Coast, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary.
The Learning Journey gave local businesses the opportunity to; develop a greater understanding of the tourism experiences and products located in Gaeltacht na nDéise; connect, collaborate, gain personal learnings to help their business, and the wider Waterford tourism destination.
Over 40 participants guided along their journey through Gaeltacht na nDéise by Éimhín Ní Conchúir of Solás na Mara (based in Gaeltacht na nDéise). Éimhín spoke seamlessly in Irish and English and made the participants instantly at ease to try a cúpla focal.
The first stop of the day was the Joan Clancy Gallery. Joan graciously gave a tour of her beautiful home and gallery where she recounted stories of her and her husband’s life, the famous Tom Clancy, as well as showcasing the beautiful artwork on display.
Our second stop of the day was to Coláiste na Rinne where, its director, Críostóir Ó Faoláin gave the group an insight into how the Coláiste was formed, how it has developed over the years and the courses, facilities & classes now on offer.
Other businesses from Gaeltacht na nDéise introduced their offering at Coláiste na Rinne including; Deidre Magner of Amble on Tours which offers fantastic bespoke tours for small groups that blend education, relaxation and fun, while Nicola & Grahame Morphey of Glenmore Villa offer a unique culinary, kitchen garden and fine dining learning experience.
The last speaker at the Coláiste was Cabríní de Barra from Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise. Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise is the community and language development body for Gaeltacht na nDéise. It was established in 2005 to bring together and coordinate the community and language development of the communities in An Rinn and An Sean Phobal.
Liam Suipéil acted as guide for our journey from Coláiste na Rinne to the next stop of Mooney’s Pub. At Mooney’s Pub, which is serviced by the TFI Local Link, the group experienced this truly unique location, a perfect place to enjoy a fireside chat ‘as Gaeilge’.
At the very peaceful surrounds of Sólás na Mara, located at Ceann Heilbhic, Éimhín Ní Chonchúir and the team described to the group the many treatments they have on offer from seaweed baths to facials and highlighted some of the local products they use, and sell, on the premises.
The bus journeyed to The Marine Bar where everyone enjoyed some delicious food, & live music by Eoghan O’Neill, in very comfortable surroundings.
At Criostal na Rinne, Éamonn Terry gave a demonstration of how his team prepares and cuts the beautiful crystal. Éamonn educated the group on the methods and training required to achieve the level of Master Craftsman.
The day ended in Tigh Mhuirithe Pub, which has one of the most stunning views in all of Ireland. The group were warmly welcomed with a ‘cupán tae’ by the Bean an Tí, Breda Murray. Stefanie Strude from Heritage Connections spoke to the group about the amazing bi-lingual events hosted there which involve people, with all levels of Irish, coming together to enjoy a chat and a singalong in very welcoming surroundings.
These events allow people of all ages and stages to learn more about the Irish language and how to incorporate it into their day to day lives. This experience neatly encapsulates what the Gaeltacht na nDéise is trying to achieve and the visit ended with the group happily singing a chorus of ‘Báidín Fheilimí’.
This Learning Journey to Gaeltacht na nDéise is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme which is funded and supported by Waterford City & County Council and Fáilte Ireland, being delivered by Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions.
Waterford City & County Council and Fáilte Ireland would like to thank all the business who participated and thank especially the businesses who worked with us to host the different aspects of the Learning Journey.
If you would like to find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email caroline@runda.ie.
