Portuguese street artist brings new life to the Walls of Waterford with Ferrybank murals
Mariana Duarte Santos pictured alongside one of her new murals on Dock Road. Photo: Waterford City and County Council
Waterford City and County Council has commissioned a large-scale mural spanning across the Dock Road in Ferrybank, presenting 29 distinct scenes from the area’s history.
The work is being carried out by Portuguese street artist Mariana Duarte Santos, who aims to pay tribute to the historic communities of Ferrybank and Sallypark through her art.
Mariana told the that she spent months trawling through the area’s historical archives- taking design cues from historic maps, census records, newspaper articles and photos.
She began her work on April 16, and leaves on the 29th, though she concedes she may need to make another trip to fully complete the 150-metre wall.
Her job has taken her across Europe, although it’s not her first time in Waterford. In 2025, she completed a mural outside of Waterford City’s Greenway Bike Hire.
“I really enjoy working here, I don’t get much of a chance to see the city because I’m working, but when I have seen it I’ve enjoyed it,” she said.
Senior Engineer with Waterford Council, Paul Johnston, said the work is “vitally important” in celebrating the history and essence of Ferrybank.
“This mural is significant not only in scale but is a stunning visual narrative that bridges past, present and future.
“Most importantly, it pays tribute to the people who shaped Ferrybank, from railway workers and stevedores to families and generations of residents whose lives and livelihoods defined the character of the area.”
