Maritime Gallery Project - Series of Open Days

The Port of Waterford and Waterford Treasures will unveil a new permanent Maritime Gallery celebrating Waterford’s rich seafaring heritage.

The exhibition will explore the city and county’s deep and enduring relationship with the sea, from shipbuilding and global trade to migration, fishing, and life along the river. It will highlight the people whose lives and livelihoods were shaped by the port over centuries, bringing Waterford’s maritime story vividly to life through artefacts, photographs, documents, and personal stories.

As part of the development of the gallery, members of the public are invited to take part in a series of open days throughout May. Visitors are encouraged to bring along items of maritime interest and share personal stories, helping to shape this important new cultural space and ensure it reflects the lived experience of Waterford’s coastal and river communities.

A special appeal is also being made for the return or loan of a historic diving helmet from the Waterford dredger SS Portláirge, believed to be in private hands, which would form a striking centrepiece for the new gallery.

Locations/Dates/Times:
9th May – Medieval Museum (City Open Day), 11 am – 4 pm
10th May – Fisherman’s Hall, Dunmore East, 2 pm – 6 pm
16th May – Coast Guard Cultural Centre, Tramore, 12 pm – 4 pm
17th May – Faithlegg National School, Cheekpoint/Passage, 12 pm – 2 pm

Admission: Free.
If you have any questions email: cpurcell@waterfordcouncil.ie