St John’s Pill

Waterford’s St John’s Pill or St John’s River is a historic landmark in the development of the city. Initially, it was a major factor in Viking settlers choosing the area for their Longphort. The marshes it drained provided a strategic defence for the developing town too. Later, as the town expanded it looked to the marshes both for settlement and industry, much of it utilising the river for access, at least as far as Poleberry.

This journey explores the river and the men that navigated it, from the mouth where sailing ships could enter to Georges Quay, and beyond this where the Lightermen ruled. This project was supported by Waterford City & County Council through the Local Authority Heritage Fund 2023.

Hardy’s Bridge, Catherine St, from the St John’s Pill heading downriver

John’s Pill today is, in general, a largely forgotten and underappreciated river that winds its way through Waterford City. But it was not always so. Once ‘The Pill’, as it was locally known, was a vital artery in the city’s trade, a historic crossing point, a hive of industry, a vital means of employment and a scene of much social activity.

As befits such a waterway, it deserves to be more than a modern-day backwater, a hindrance to the mighty car, a handy dump to a minority of ignoramuses. It deserves to shine like all our rivers, to be appreciated for its function and celebrated for its history. It does have champions however, and one in particular springs to mind, the Friends of the St John’s River. This community response must be admired for its weekly clean-ups, stewardship and dedication.

The full report can be viewed on the council site. Check out the link here.

Pill Placename

The word Pill is historically associated with small rivers, particularly on the Three Sister Rivers in the south east of Ireland – the Barrow, Nore & Suir and the word can be found in the counties of Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and Tipperary.  Initial research suggests it is an imported word, possibly of Norman origin, to describe a tidal, winding river inlet.  Whilst many are incorporated into the local placename such as Piltown in Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford and Campile in Wexford, others are less obvious.  Many of these have slipped out of regular use, but may enjoy some local use and retention by river users. You can follow the work on the Pill Placename Project from here.