As a child in Cheekpoint I was told that in the past I could have travelled to Waterford by paddle steamer. Christy Doherty RIP, one of the old school fishermen related stories to me of the paddle steamers calling to Cheekpoint quay, picking up passengers and heading...
Waterford’s greatest maritime tragedy
Next weekend in Waterford we will remember our greatest maritime tragedy when, within two days in December 1917, Clyde Shipping's SS Formby and SS Coningbeg were sunk by a U Boat. Of the 83 souls who perished 67 were from the city, the harbour and hinterland. It...
Waterford’s St James’ Day flotilla
Sir William Brereton was an English politician and writer who did a tour of Ireland in 1635 and wrote an account of it that is available online. Interesting in itself, what I found fascinating was his departure from Ireland. Brereton sailed on St James Day, July 25th...
Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
Today I’m following in the footsteps of one of Waterford's most famous mayor’s, James Rice. For like him I’m starting on a journey to do pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Of course my journey will be remarkable different from the travels of a 15thC wine merchant...
Waterford to New Ross by paddle steamer 1842
I recently had some American and English visitors on a tour of the village. I found it interesting to hear their thoughts on the area and I always get as much from their perspectives and questions as I ever give. In the same way the perspective of others from years...
the Clyde boats – Clyde Shipping company at Waterford
I was raised on stories of the Clyde boats such as the Rockabill or the Tuskar. It wasn't just because they passed the house on a regular basis, but they were major employers in the area, and were vital when it came to the export of cattle and other goods. We can't...
Mining Waterford Harbour
Two weeks ago we looked at the mine incident that closed the Barrow Bridge in 1946. It was a floating mine, the origins of which was not identified, but it had been in the water for some time. It might conceivably have dated to WWI. At the time the mouth of the...
SS Pembroke and Cheekpoint
SS Pembroke - AH Poole Collection NLI The SS Pembroke was built of steel by Laird Brothers of Birkenhead, in the year 1880 and was originally a paddle steamer. The Pembroke was registered at the Port of Milford. In 1896 the ship was altered by the shipyard into a...
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