New Maritime Gallery celebrates Waterford's heritage and Ireland's oldest Port
CEO of the Port of Waterford, David Sinnott, Board Member of Waterford Treasures, Des Whelan, and Harbour Master Capt. Darren Doyle, CEO of Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford Treasures and Curator of Waterford Treasures Cliona Purcell.Photo:Patrick Browne
A brand new gallery has been launched at Waterford Treasures to honour the Déise's maritime history.
The gallery was created to celebrate the 1,111 years of the Port of Waterford, Ireland's oldest port.
The exhibition will showcase the seafaring stories of Waterford and present them to a wider audience.
Waterford Treasures and the Port of Waterford are encouraging the public to share any document, photograph, artefact or story connected to our local maritime history.
Waterford Treasures have also made a call-out for the return of a historic diving helmet from the legendary Déise dredger SS Portláirge. The helmet is now believed to be in private ownership but would make an excellent feature to the gallery.
During the month of May, there will be a series of open days throughout the county where members of the public can go and share their own memorabilia and stories. There will be an event from 11am - 4pm on Saturday, May 99 at the Medieval Museum, Fisherman’s Hall in Dunmore East on May 10 from 2pm to 6pm.
The Coast Guard Cultural Centre in Tramore will hold an open day from 12pm to 4pm on May 16, followed by Faithlegg National School in Cheekpoint/Passage will hold its event from 12pm to 2pm the next day.
Board Member of Waterford Treasures, Des Whelan said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Port of Waterford as our partner on this transformative project. This gallery will finally give Waterford’s maritime story the dedicated space and prominence it deserves, and we are deeply grateful to the Port for their vision, their trust and their commitment to celebrating the heritage of Ireland’s oldest city and port.”
CEO of the Port of Waterford David Sinnott said: "The Port of Waterford is immensely proud to support this new Maritime Gallery and to partner with Waterford Treasures on a project that truly reflects who we are and where we come from.
"The port has been at the heart of Waterford’s story for over a thousand years, and this initiative ensures that our maritime legacy is celebrated, understood and passed on to future generations. We very much look forward to the unveiling of this gallery and to seeing the stories, artefacts and memories of Waterford’s maritime past brought to life."
To learn more about the gallery and Waterford Treasures, check out waterfordtreasures.com.
On 16th May, the Coast Guard Cultural Centre in Tramore will host an open day from 12 pm to 4 pm, and on 17th May, Faithlegg National School in Cheekpoint/Passage will hold its event from 12 pm to 2 pm.
