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Tides & Tales is a free-to-access site. We profile the best of Waterford and the surrounding areas’ maritime heritage.
Since 2014 we have continued to offer high quality content every month showcasing the richness of our maritime past. The story count is now exceeds 500 tales of ships, trades, people and the communities of the area.
This maritime heritage project is a community initiative which depends on the generosity of its subscribers and those who visit our site. If you feel that you’ve got value from the website, or if you would like to support the work into the future you can make a donation below, or ask for our details via the contact page.
Our Blog
Road to the Passage Ferry
William Whittaker Barry completed a walking tour of Ireland. His journey was later published in book form as A Walking Tour Round Ireland in 1865, by R. Bentley in 1867. I am transcribing a short excerpt here of his trip from Waterford to the Passage East Ferry, to...
Passage East Mission 1912
This month's blog travels back to Passage East to the middle of June 1912. The origins of the story were a photo which photographer Andy Kelly shared with me some years back that he had received from Sean Furlong, who generously allowed me to use it for this story....
Viking Fishing Net Weight
On Thursday, 18th June 2026, I had the opportunity, as a member of the Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society, to join other members for a private visit to view the new excavations at the internationally important Woodstown Viking settlement. The site, which...
Saltees to Waterford City by steamer in 1888
A journey from the Saltees to Waterford city by steamer in 1888. Taken from the book A Trip to the South of Ireland by John Otteran Downey WATERFORD HARBOUR, RIVER AND CITY If daylight serves, our tourist friend may conclude that he sniffs as well as sights land on...
Ballyhack Castle
Introduction Ballyhack Castle is a 15th century tower house with some amazing defensive features and an interesting story to tell. Strategically located on the historic Waterford harbour, the castle has witnessed almost 600 years of Irish history, its village and hill...
Maritime Gallery Open Days
In April 2026, an exciting and long-overdue announcement was made - that a permanent Maritime Gallery would be created in Waterford City. A series of open days will be hosted around the county in May, and the plan is for the gallery to open early in 2027. Tides &...
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