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Irish Independent

Six Waterford Heritage Week events to capture the imagination

This year's theme 'Exploring our Foundations' invites the public to delve into the building blocks of Ireland's heritage: not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped our country. Here are some of the highlights. Áonach na nDéise In Waterford, Heritage Week kicks off this weekend with Áonach na nDéise - Woodstown Viking Festival at the Waterford Greenway. This signature event of Waterford's Heritage Week Programme, supported by Waterford City and County Council, is now in its eight year. The free, family-friendly event draws great crowds every year for those who want to enjoy vigorous Viking fighting in battle re-enactments and explore the range of crafts in the Viking village from blacksmithing to spinning and weaving, jewellery making and leatherworking, to pottery and woodturning. There will be Viking games and storytelling for children, along with the outreach education team from the National Museum of Ireland and TVAS Archaeologists with their Dig in a Box for the aspiring Indiana Joneses. The Discovery Programme will also have a display explaining very exciting findings from three years of geophysical surveys from the site. A Viking boat, birds of prey display and Irish wolfhounds are always very popular with visitors. With plenty of food trucks and green spaces available on site, it's the perfect picnic spot. The great Viking spectacle takes place from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, August 16, and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, August 17. The event may be accessed by walking or cycling, about 10 minutes, from Carriganore car park along the Greenway, adjacent to X91 XD96, turning left on crossing the N25 flyover. More information is available on all the fantastic events taking place in Waterford, on the National Heritage Week website. Lismore Bank of Ireland Some of the events lined up include a 'past, present and future' tour of the former Bank of Ireland Lismore. The open day will be held on Saturday, August 16, between 2pm and 5pm at the former Bank of Ireland Lismore to show what is planned for the building. Walk in event, no booking required. For further information contact Lismore Town Association at 086 0258853, or Lismoretown@ Waterford shipping disaster Carrickphierish Library, (X91YK12) is to host a fascinating exhibition on the Waterford Shipping Disaster of 1917 which resulted in the complete loss of the crews and passengers of two ships, the SS Formby and the SS Coningbeg and had a death toll of 83 people. This loss of life was the tragic outcome of the battle for the seas in the First World War. View the exhibition during library opening hours from August 18 - 22. Further information at Waterford Libraries. Tel: 051849696 or email carrickphierishlibrary@ Reginald's Tower As part of Heritage Week 2025 Reginald's Tower is offering free admission on Saturday, August 16. No pre-booking needed. Open from 9.30am – 4.45pm. Reginald's Tower is the Quay landmark of Waterford City, and is central to the story of the county's development. If you haven't visited already, now is the time. More information at the Office of Public Works, call 085 8013885 and 051 304 220 or email reginaldstower@ Geological Walk in Annestown Enjoy a guided walk exploring the unique geology of Annestown and its spectacular coastal cliffs, on Sunday, August 24, 11am - 12pm, on Annestown Beach. Led by geologist Robbie Galvin of the Copper Coast Geopark. A great chance to look at Annestown's geological, archeological and historical heritage from a new angle. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. Further Information from Copper Coast Geopark at 051292828 or email admin@ Who is Dervla Murphy? Dervla Murphy was a renowned Irish travel writer and adventurer, celebrated for her solo journeys and insightful observations of the world. She is best known for her book Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle, which chronicled her 1963 cycling trip through Europe, the Middle East, and India. Murphy's writing style was praised for its honesty, political awareness, and refusal to shy away from challenging topics. This video features an interview with Dervla Murphy and offers insights into her life and travels. This event takes place on Wednesday, August 20, from 2pm - 3pm at Lismore Heritage Centre, Courthouse Lismore (P51 TP26). An indoor seated event. Booking is essential. Further information from Lismore Heritage Centre at 058-54975 or email adonoghue@