Waterford Greenway Official Opening

The official opening of the Waterford Greenway will take place on Saturday 25th March 2017 between 12 noon and 4 pm.

Waterford County Museum in conjunction with Andy Kelly will have a photographic exhibition at Kilmacthomas Library.

A small selection of railway memorabilia is on display in Waterford County Museum daily.

March Lecture

Dr. Christina Henri with William Fraher & Eddie Cantwell of Waterford County Museum. 

Waterford County Museum's March lecture last Wednesday 15th March 2017 given by Dr. Christina Henri from Australia, 'Roses from the Heart' an Irish/Australian Story, was a great success.

Our thanks to Dr. Christina Henri and to all who helped to arrange the lecture.

Object of the Week - Wooden Cylindrical Butter Churn c. Early 20th Century

This c. early 20th century butter churn from Mount Melleray is marked 'New Style White Cedar Cylinder Churn'.

Milk would be poured in through the opening in the top of the churn, the top would then be closed and the milk beaten by a wooden frame inside by turning the crank handle until the butter was made.

After churning, when the butter was thick and ready for moulding, it was washed, sometimes salted, and then shaped with butter pats.

April 23rd to 26th 2017 Museum Member's Annual Trip

The Museum Member's trip this year is to the 4 star Glenview Hotel in the Glen of the Downs in Co. Wicklow.  The trip includes B & B, 3 evening meals, leisure centre, bus for 4 days, entrance fee to all visits, including Russborough House, Avoca, Glendalough, Wicklow Gaol, and Avondale which includes the home of Charles Stewart Parnell.

Leaving Dungarvan Sunday 23rd April at 3pm (bus collection point to be confirmed), arriving back in Dungarvan early Wednesday evening 26th April.

The price is €290 double/twin per person sharing, €380 single (single supplement of €30 per night).

Object of the Week - Butter Carton from Knockmeal Co-operative Creamery Ltd., Ballinamult

Knockmeal Co-op was originally called Ballinamult Co-op which was established in 1895.  It was the second co-op to open in County Waterford.  In 1850 it was the site of the Finisk Flour Mill run by Denis Keily.  In the 1890's it was used as a corn mill.


On 1st March 1954 electricity was introduced to the area.  The Creamery was the one hundred thousandth customer and the switch-on was performed by Seán Lemass, Minister for Industry and Commerce.  'With the co-operation of Pye (Ireland) Ltd., the complete proceedings were televised, with receivers placed to show the ceremony to overflow crowds both inside and outside'.  The Parish Priest, Father Walsh also spoke at the event. (See www.esbarchives.ie)

Object of the Week - Weighing Scales from the Maternity Ward, St. Joseph's Hospital, Dungarvan

These scales were used to weigh babies in the Maternity Ward at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dungarvan.

Stamped on the scales is: Norman Cook & Sons, Dublin, Made in England, C.W. Brecknell Ltd., "Sensitive", Ombersley Road, Birmingham.

C.W. Brecknell Ltd. was founded in Birmingham in 1913, and these scales were probably used in Dungarvan in the early to mid 20th century.

Object of the Week - Maritime Diorama, 19th Century

This diorama was carved by a Mr. Carroll, a ship's captain from Dungarvan, in the 19th century.

These models were often made by retired sailors, captains or shipwrights.  They are made almost entirely of wood with some additional details such as the sea in plaster.

The three masted schooner depicted in this model is not named.  It carries the Red Ensign which was flown by British merchant ships since 1707.  Another flag on one of the main masts depicts a blue background with a gold star.  This may be the house flag, these were introduced in the late 18th century.  Patrick and William Carroll are listed as Master Mariners in the 1840's.