Waterford County Museum

Dungarvan in the Twenty Most Charming Towns in Ireland on TravelMag.com

TravelMag.com recently asked three hundred writers, photographers and selected travel professionals to name the three towns in Ireland they consider to be the most charming, and Dungarvan is in the top twenty.

The article has a lovely photo looking from the Quay towards Abbeyside, along with a brief description of the town, including a mention of Waterford County Museum.

Object of the Week - Angel from St. Mary's Parish Church, Dungarvan

This angel was at the top of the centre piece of the high altar above the tabernacle in St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Church, Dungarvan.

It is great to see all the work which has been completed in St. Mary’s recently to bring it back towards its former glory, with the restoration of the beautiful stained glass windows, along with the new roof and work on the fabric of the building, and more work to follow.

Sunday 9th July - Guided Tour of Ardo House, Ardmore

There will be a guided tour of Ardo House in Ardmore by Liam Suipéal on Sunday 9^thJuly. Meet at the museum on Friary Street at 2.30pm sharp.

Shared private cars to be used if you intend on going. Please contact the museum in advance at 058-45960. Cost free.

New Books for Sale in the Museum

We always have a selection of books with local connections for sale in the Museum with a wide range of topics from local history to guide books to poetry and photographs. We have two new books by Donald Brady for sale at the very reasonable price of €10 each. Donald was County Librarian for County Waterford from 1982 until 2010. He spoke about one of the books 'Katherine Cecil Thurston Irish New Woman Author' at the Immrama Festival in Lismore recently. The second book is 'Essays from Lismore II' which features some of Donald's previous contributions to Immrama.

A percentage of all of our book sales goes towards the running costs of the Museum. Please do consider calling into us in Friary Street to view our selection of books.

Donation of Objects for the Museum

The Museum relies on donations of objects/old photographs from members of the public. We do not have funds to purchase objects, so we would be very grateful for any objects of local historic interest which you may have in your possession which you would be willing to kindly donate to us.

By donating items to us you will be playing your part in helping to preserve local history for future generations. You can drop items into us in Friary Street here in Dungarvan, or call us on 058 45960 to discuss any items you are thinking of donating.

Your Chance to Support the Museum!

Museum membership is available for an annual fee of €15 if you would like to support the work of the Museum.

The Museum relies heavily on membership fees, donations and fund raising activities, so we would be delighted if you would join us as a member. As a member you will benefit from knowing that you are supporting the important work of the Museum in County Waterford, plus being informed of various talks, new exhibitions and activities taking place throughout the year. There is also a member's annual trip and Christmas meal.

Please do consider joining us as a member. You can see the very varied and interesting work of the Museum, including volunteers recently taking part in local archaeological digs in the previous posts here on our website and blog. Call in to see us in Friary Street here in Dungarvan, or call us on 058 45960 for more information.

June 2017 Archaeological Digs at Gallows Hill and Dungarvan Valley Caves

June has been a very exciting month with two important archaeological digs taking place.

First there was the dig at Gallows Hill in Dungarvan led by Archaeologist Dave Pollock with volunteers connected with the Museum helping. This dig uncovered important information giving clues as to the origins of Gallows Hill, including an unknown 17th century siege fort, a hidden Anglo Norman Motte, four ditches, a piece of worked flint, pottery, clay pipes and a cannon ball. On the first day of the dig there was also a special dig for children with the Big Dig team which was very well attended and enjoyed by all.

Next came the dig at Dungarvan Valley Caves. Our thanks to Dr. Cóilín Ó Drisceoil and Dr. Richard Jennings and their team for inviting the volunteers to take part.

Dungarvan Valley is an archaeological gem that has the potential to reveal Ireland's earliest evidence of human occupation. This was a fascinating dig with huge amounts of information being gathered together by the archaeologists with help from the volunteers. Finds included a 35,000 year old bear tooth and ancient animal bone remains.

Our thanks to Eddie Cantwell and Chrissy Knight-O'Connor, to all the archaeologists, volunteers, Waterford City & County Council, The Heritage Council, Adopt a Monument Ireland, Dwane Tool Hire, Trihy's Saw Mills, Graphic Print & Signs, Cathal Brugha Resident's Group, artist Anthony Hayes, and all who helped in any way. Photos are from John Foley and the Gallows Hill Community Archaeology Group.