Port of Waterford and Waterford Treasures partner for Maritime Gallery
A new permanent Maritime Gallery dedicated to Waterford’s long-standing relationship with the sea is to be developed through a partnership between Port of Waterford and Waterford Treasures.
The initiative coincides with the port’s milestone of 1,111 years in operation, marked in 2025, reinforcing its status as Ireland’s oldest port.
The project aims to preserve and present the city and county’s maritime heritage, with a focus on industries such as shipbuilding, trade, fishing and migration, as well as the communities shaped by them.
The planned Maritime Gallery will form part of the Viking Triangle museum campus and is intended to provide a dedicated space for stories and artefacts linked to Waterford’s seafaring past.
It will highlight the role of the port over centuries and its contribution to the region’s economic and social development.
Des Whelan, board member of Waterford Treasures, 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.”
David Sinnott, CEO of the Port of Waterford, added, “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.”
As part of the development phase, organisers have issued a public call for contributions.
Residents across the city and county are being invited to submit objects, photographs, documents and personal accounts connected with maritime life.
A series of open days will take place in May to facilitate submissions. Events are scheduled at the Medieval Museum on 9 May, Fisherman’s Hall in Dunmore East on 10 May, the Coast Guard Cultural Centre in Tramore on 16 May, and Faithlegg National School in the Cheekpoint/Passage area on 17 May.
David Sinnott Port of Waterford
Organisers are also seeking the return or loan of a historic diving helmet from the dredger SS Portláirge, believed to be privately held, which could serve as a central exhibit.
The gallery will also showcase the legacy of local shipyards, including Neptune Ironworks, White’s Shipyard and the Penrose Shipyard, underlining Waterford’s evolution as a global port city.
Photo: 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.
Comments (0)