Tides & Tales

 Tides & Tales is a community response to the loss of maritime traditions in the Waterford harbour villages,  the tidal portions of the Three Sister River network, Barrow, Nore & Suir and the Waterford coastline.  We focus on the maritime and fishing heritage that was once an intrinsic part of the maritime community here through research, writing and dissemination.  The work is communicated via the blog, social media, books, presentations, workshops, walks and in educational settings. 

Voluntary Management Committee

In December 2023 a voluntary committee was formed to seek to secure funds to offset the costs of the work which up to that point had been entirely self-financed through personal means, walks and talks. The work was and is also supported with information and images by many contributors and mentors with a deep interest in the maritime community, local history, traditions and heritage. In September 2024 we became a CLG (#772195) with a three person board. Our Chair is Breda Murphy, Secretary, Damien McLellan and Treasurer is Eoghan Hegarty.

Our Vision

Heritage Preserved, Opportunities Created

 Our Mission

To foster understanding, appreciation and care for the unique culture and natural environment of the Three Sister Rivers by researching, documenting and promoting the stories, traditions, trades and river craft of the communities where the rivers meet the sea

Strategic Plan 2025 -2029

Annual Report 2025

Our Method:

  1. To raise awareness of the rich historic and cultural heritage of these communities that may not be forgotten or taken for granted.
  2. To research, record, document and publish the maritime stories and traditions that are in danger of being lost forever.
  3. To establish a working group that can support this work and put it on a more permanent basis.
  4. To finance a co-ordinator who can take a lead role in this work.
  5. To raise funds by sourcing grants and other income streams that are available and relevant to the project.  

    About The Management Committee:

    The Management Committee is a not-for-profit group.

    The aims of the Management Committee are as follows:

    • Maintain and support the existing body of work.
    • Examine the feasibility of identifying and establishing an appropriate formal framework to support the work.
    • To develop a pilot project proposal.
    • Explore funding options.

      Our Values:

      This project has been driven since inception by the principals of community development.  It was born out of a desire to strengthen the social capital and community pride of the maritime communities of the estuary and rivers.  Some specific values that guide us include:

      • Awareness Raising.  To raise the consciousness of what we have in terms of location, history, knowledge and skills.
      • Empowerment. Seek to encourage an appreciation and respect for the traditions of this maritime community to get people engaged, excited and involved.
      • Participation. Seek ways to include people of all ages in the process of researching, communicating and preserving the heritage of our community.
      • Respect.  Model respect and pride in our maritime traditions and those who practiced them and work to foster a shared appreciation of this in everything we do.
      • Social Justice. Strive to put a focus on the issues impacting the maritime villages and communities and ensure that any benefits are directed towards these and not those already doing well.
      Contact The Committee

      Our Blog

      Barrow bridge toll

      by | Jul 20, 2018 |

      This week sees a significant local anniversary, for on the 21st July 1906 the first official train crossed the Barrow railway bridge.  The infrastructure was the last significant piece of railway network constructed nationally and it linked the west of Ireland with...

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      Paddle Steamer excursion

      by | Jul 13, 2018 | , ,

      The Waterford Steamship Navigation Company river service commenced in 1837.  It ran daily return trips between New Ross-Waterford and Duncannon-Waterford, Monday to Saturday. In the Summer season Sunday trips were also offered. During the week the ships departed the...

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      Maintaining Dunmore East Harbour

      by | Jun 29, 2018 | ,

      For this latest guest blog, I'm delighted to welcome back David Carroll, who shares more memories of his childhood in Dunmore East in the 1950's & 60's. In a similar vein to his previous blog on the village, and his recollection of the ship wreck of the St...

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