Living Map - Coastal Cartography by

Workshop - 1 George's Quay, Newtown, Waterford, Ireland

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

What are the main pollutants in John’s river?

Workshop - Co. Waterford, Ireland

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

Creation of a Landscape — Walking the Waterford Quays – 10 November 2025: We begin with a walk along the Quays in Waterford with maritime historian and shipwright Michael Kennedy, who is known for creating the Viking Boat installation at the Viking Triangle. We’ll explore the layers of Waterford’s past, present and imagined futures — shipyards, port histories, industrial change — learning to annotate the stories embedded in place and the observations we make.

Lark Park, Tramore (52.16219739826368, -7.128353813387342)

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

Mapping Change at Lark Park, Tramore – 11 November 2025: We continue at Lark Park in Tramore — a place once landfilled, now eco-park, where land, sea and estuary converge. We’ll explore mudflats, wintering birds, dunes and wildflowers. This event will map change, ecological value, human use, and imagine resilient futures for this evolving coastal space.

The Dunes

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

Workshop - The Harbour Cheek Point (52.27192521635838, -6.995210698676488)

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

Confluence and Transition at Cheek Point – 12 November: We conclude in Cheek Point, where the Suir estuary meets mudflats, heritage fishers, and ecological resilience. This session explores transformation: from fishing traditions to brackish life, from trade routes to environmental pressures. We'll map stories from geology to ecology, pollution to possibility, and imagine what balance between development and nature can look like.

Learnings from Workshop - The Fishery that was (52.27258945215334, -6.993845761383397)

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

Learning from workshop - Confluence of Three Sisters (52.27731757798745, -7.000341992539682)

info33394 — 2026-02-24 15:25:26 UTC

Recent Dredging Activity

Latest Campaign: A dredging campaign by the vessel Shoalway was underway near Cheekpoint and expected to be completed around November 20, 2025. This followed previous campaigns throughout the year.
Purpose: The dredging is conducted to remove accumulated sediment, ensuring the shipping channels, turning areas, and berths remain deep enough for large commercial vessels (Panama Max and Suez Max ships) using the main Port of Waterford terminal at Belview.
Bed Levelling: Following the main dredging, the vessel Fastnet Sound typically conducts bed-levelling operations in the area.
Operations: The vessels maintain a continuous VHF watch on channels 14 & 16, and all other mariners are advised to communicate and proceed with caution when approaching the operational area.

Built Stories

info33394 — 2026-02-26 15:57:08 UTC

These lime kilns look to represent the past history of humankind and the industry that used to exist in this location. Becoming ruins that exist, some may have the knowledge of what these were but it is important that we understand our culture and the relationship we used to have with the land. These Kilns can be traced back to the 1800's, used to add lime to their fields in order to fertalise and enhance their crops yield. The location being an important one to transport the lime stone which was burned was ferried by water, transported by lighters - so named becasue they were used to lighten the load of saidling ships who could be held back from port by sandbars.

Energy of Man

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:04:59 UTC

Man-kinds current footprint and its relationship with the land and our manner in how our society functions. The Great Island Power Station is a gas fired and former heavy fuel oil fired power station. It supplies more then 500000 Irish homes with power and was opened in 1967. In 2010 it was closed as a heavy fuel oil powered station impacting the livelihood of hundreds across the New Ross area, SSE thermal then purchased and refitted the facility to burn gas turning it into one of Ireland Cleanest and most efficient power station.

Livelihood

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:19:54 UTC

Crab and lobster pots sometimes known as creels stacked high at Cheekpoint. These show the relationship this area and its people has had with the sea, for centuries individuals have made a livelihood off of, there is often a tenuous relationship between regulators and the local people who have had a lively hood on these shores for centuries, what are we protecting and how are we doing it is a conversation that will probably never have an easy answer

Survival

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:24:08 UTC

"We were held in this place where the three rivers meet. Into this beauty we have poured distain. We were fed in this place; south westerlies rushed our men to their inherent claim. We played in this place, gone all day to row in boats and climb our dreams in Utopia. We listened here every morning, herons, terns and skylarks, wigeons, teal and mallard Curlews haunting. We made our nets here, hands cut from cotton twine soothed in linseed. We mended here, rope and bag needles corking, leading, wishing we would catch our share. We hauled our Weirs, herring, sprat, mackerel, whiting, plaince and sole. We watched otters, cracking mussels, feeding young, bouyant abundance. We scrubbed all year, barnacles, stuck fast to hulls and buoys, no longer here. I'm searching here on the strand. Silent now. For elves and little crabs under mossy rocks, Their bleached remains an assault on my memories. I stare here in dying, choking disbelief at mud and chlorine smothering and poisoning. I watch here, my dreams suspended hopeing that the light i see will illuminate the souls of those who think they know better than the barnacles and mussels, the otters, elvers and smolts, the skylark that once soared by this river"

Poem by Myra Desai daughter of the late local fisherman John Heffernan

Faith

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:26:43 UTC

The cross in Cheekpoint is said to have been originally erected in 1913 by the local community, since then the cross has been moved sometime in the 1950's to its current location. Faith is often very closely tied to these locations, with St.Itas well, St.Nicholas church and the ruins of a 13th Century medieval nave and chancel church all in within the Parish that Cheekpoint sits within.

Watching and Understanding

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:29:47 UTC

There are many birds seen along the River and Estuary at Cheekpoint. Like the Kingfisher common along quieter river stretches and estuarine channels.. The Dipper, Grey Wagtail, found along fast-flowing sections of the River Suir. The Mute Swan, Mallard found along riverbanks and estuary. The Little Egret found increasingly along estuarine shores. The Redshank, Greenshank and Curlew waders in estuarine mudflats, best found in the winter.

Coming together

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:33:22 UTC

Spending time to look at and engage with our surroundings is something that we might not do as often as we should, this project leans on how as individuals we perceive and interact when we take that time.

Tidal

info33394 — 2026-02-26 16:36:00 UTC

One of the observations made by participants in the workshop was the seaweed along the banks and by the harbour.

Waterford City and County Libraries Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford

2026-03-03 12:27:20 UTC

Cotton Fields

info33394 — 2026-03-09 11:17:08 UTC

Workshop in Tramore: Remembering times gone by and the changes that have been witnessed through generations. A participants memory of nearby cotton fields, not far from Tramore, speaks to the past industry and processes of production. The grand monument of 'The Metal Man', a nautical figure who is rumored to say the rhyme 'Keep out, keep out from me. I am the rocks of misery!' also reminds us of the mariners that would have visited the shore of Tramore in years gone by. We wonder how many were saved by the Metal Man's warning of shallow, rocky waters.

Seeing & Looking

info33394 — 2026-03-09 11:57:15 UTC

To take care of the world around us, we must first pay attention to it. Our Science Week workshops encouraged observation of our natural and built environments, to keep an eye on what has or is changing and to approach our locale with a sense of what theorist Donna Haraway calls "kinship". To be friends with the spaces we occupy, to check in on them with fondness and concern, this is a care we can each implement into our daily lives.

Restoring

info33394 — 2026-03-09 12:04:07 UTC

Marram grass planting is undertaken in the dunes to help support the local wildlife. The birdhide and watchpoint in Lark Park offers a wonderful space for fostering the relationship of humankind with the rejuvenating bird population here.

Midden

info33394 — 2026-03-09 12:17:45 UTC

In the sand dunes of Tramore lies an area of archeological interest, known as a midden. Tramore beach's midden contains a prehistoric kitchen and waste dump. In this aptly named 'kitchen midden' it was found that the predominant diet of the first settlers in Tramore was shellfish and seafood, however the bones of Oxen, Goat and The Great Awk have also been discovered here. This site bring a significant connection to the history of the area and allows us to better understand the evolution of our human relationship with the dunes of Tramore.

Flightless

info33394 — 2026-03-09 20:44:30 UTC

The Great Auk was a large, flightless bird with black and white coloring that resembles that of a penguin. Closely related to the puffin, this bird walked upright, at the height of a toddler and was referred to as 'falcóg mhór' in Irish which translates to 'big seabird'. The last Great Auk on the island of Ireland was seen off Waterford's coast in 1834. Unfortunately this bird was sold into captivity and didn't live long - its body later being preserved by Dr. Robert Burkitt and donated to Trinity College's zoological museum.

Unmoving

info33394 — 2026-03-09 21:39:27 UTC

Off the coast of Waterford 'blows' of water can be seen. These plumes appear to erupt out of the sea and mark the presence of fin whales. Fin whales arrive in Tramore's coastline at the end of October, to early November. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Watching Group suggest that by counting the number of 'blows' and the time in between each, we might be able to estimate the number of whales.

Songbird

info33394 — 2026-03-09 21:53:22 UTC

The skylark is a common resident throughout Ireland. This little bird sings in flight, particularly from February to June where its songs can last up to half an hour. The skylark likes to spend winter in its flock and often head to coastal areas during this time.

Growth & Recovery

info33394 — 2026-03-09 22:01:09 UTC

Tramore has some of the highest sand dunes in Ireland with a huge variety of sea plants and wildlife species taking residence here. Marram grass helps to slow down erosion on these 50,000 year old natural sand structures and encourages diverse plant, insect and animal life to prosper.

Tramore, County Waterford

info33394 — 2026-03-09 22:12:11 UTC

'Planting the Alder'

For the alder-wood, flame-red when torn

Branch from branch.

But mostly for the swinging locks

Of yellow catkins.

Plant it, plant it,

Streel-head in the rain.

- Seamus Heaney

Alder trees have a strong fibrous root system, meaning they like the wet soils of riverbanks and lakesides. Native to Ireland, the Alder tree's roots can be found holding banks together. Used in times gone by as wood for round shields and in furniture making where it was known as 'Irish Mahogany', the Alder tree is a significant cultural species.

Fort of Oak

info33394 — 2026-03-09 22:22:06 UTC

Reginald's Tower in Waterford City is a large, round, stone tower acknowledged as Ireland's oldest civic building. Said to have been in continuous use for 800 years, Reginald's Tower now houses a collection of artifacts from Waterford's Viking history and can be visited and enjoyed by the public.

Culture & Change

info33394 — 2026-03-09 22:34:11 UTC

Waterford City is said to have been found by the Vikings in 914AD, making it Ireland's oldest city. 'Vadrafjordr' was the Viking name for Waterford and the name given to the replica Viking longboat located near Reginald's tower. A 1980 excavation of Waterford revealed a number of ship timbers, along with housing made of clay floors and wattle walls. This prompts us to consider the vast change that has happened in the city and how intrinsically tied we are to times gone by.

Solemn

info33394 — 2026-03-09 22:42:47 UTC

The grey Heron lives along Ireland's waterways year round. Enjoying both coastal and freshwater locations the Heron is a largely solitary bird with a squawking song. Feeding off fish, amphibians and even small mammals, the Heron's beak and long neck allow it to spear prey with speed and accuracy.

Past & Present

info33394 — 2026-03-09 22:55:04 UTC

Waterford's 'Viking Triangle' marks the original Viking settlement of Waterford dating back over 1100 years. These ancient walls comprise of the towns barrier defense, interspersed with various watchtowers. These thick walls with holes for arms fire and watchtowers created a 'fortified' city - strong against the threat of attack or invasion. The remains of these walls reminds us that this history is not as far away as we might feel it is, the city still weaves in and out of boundaries created centuries ago.

Familiar & Fond

info33394 — 2026-03-09 23:26:08 UTC

Swans are winter visitors to our wetland areas in Ireland and usually arrive here from October to April. The Whooper swan is the most common species seen in our wetlands with its distinctive white plumage and yellow bill. The Whooped Swan largely feeds on aquatic vegetation and enjoys a milder winter in Ireland, compared to the winters of Iceland where it migrates to in the summer. The swan was deemed fond and familiar by our science week workshop participants, highlighting its cyclical presence in our lives with the changing seasons.

Water is Life

info33394 — 2026-03-09 23:36:32 UTC

Fresh water is something we need and rely on every day. Much like us, over 29 species of native freshwater fish, various amphibians like frogs and mammals like otters also need access to clean fresh water. According to Uisce Éireann over 80% of the water we consume each day in Ireland comes from a river or lake, meaning keeping these areas clean is essential for both us and the wildlife we share these resources with.

Norman Reintroduction

info33394 — 2026-03-09 23:53:24 UTC

The Fallow Deer was introduced to Ireland by the Normans. Waterford has a high variety of coat colours in their fallow deer, this along with the prevalence of 'Deer' in the name of local towns-lands suggests that they were widely kept in times gone by. Male fallow deer can be heard grunting and fighting as a display of strength in the Autumn months. Wild Red Deer have died out in Waterford, however a smaller lookalike called the Sika deer can be seen in the wild. The Skia deer originated in Japan and were introduced to Ireland through captivity. Escaped Sika deer have adapted well to Ireland's natural landscapes and the males of this species can be heard making a loud and distinctive whistle noise during the night when mating season arrives.

Big War Ship

info33394 — 2026-03-10 00:04:33 UTC

The Tall Ships Race has been hosted twice in Waterford, in 2005 and 2011. Ireland was represented by three ships, most notably the famine ship replica name 'Dunbrody' which can be visited in neighboring New Ross. These races focused on providing training for young aspiring sailors and half of each boats crew had to be between 15-25 years old, making it a fun and meaningful event in the lives of many who participated. Brightly colored sails and carved wooden sculptures adorn many of the boats that participated in this event, making it a truly special spectacle and one that the community of Waterford is very proud of to this day.

Unnamed Road, Ballyeagh, Co. Kerry, Ireland

2026-03-11 19:18:33 UTC

Remember the corncrake every summer in early 1970s

2026-03-11 19:21:15 UTC

Shared this time with some great people

Portally Cove Beach, Portally

2026-03-11 19:21:42 UTC

My favourite place - as the tide comes in and nobody is there just at sunrise or sunset. My dad used to talk about local fisherman putting their tied up punts out to sea, but those days are long gone now. Memories now.

Drummin Bog, Co. Carlow, Ireland

2026-03-11 19:24:03 UTC

The last remnant of raised bog and a wonderful community-led, co- peatland restoration project https://drumminbog.com