Information Dunmore East Ireland
A beautiful seaside resort in Waterford, Dunmore East is a fishing and sailing centre. An Dún Mór Thoir in Irish, or the Great Fort of the East. It is located on the west side of Waterford Harbour. It lies within the barony of Gaultier (Gáll Tír – “foreigners’ land” in Irish). This refers to the fact that it was in the zone of influence of the Norman settlers in the region, who invaded Ireland from this area. The resort is famed for its sailing, and is a vacation spot and a tourist draw. Habitation in the area began in the Iron Age, when a promontory fort overlooking the sea was established. Fish was central to the diet of the people in the area. A castle was built in 1640 by Lord Power of Curraghmore, but it didn’t last more than one hundred years, and only one tower remains extant. Aodh’s Church built in the twelfth century has fared worse, being older, and just one wall remains. This can be seen opposite the Roman Catholic church of The Holy Cross. The village is one of five of the country’s National Fishery Harbours. It is second only to Killybegs in terms of fish landings. The village was significant according to records as a fishing port around 1745, with fishermen’s homes built near the strand before the construction of a harbour. Communications between Britain and Ireland were what necessitated the construction of a harbour in 1814 to house the packet station for the Royal Mail. At great cost – a factor of many times what was originally anticipated – the original intention for the harbour became obsolete with steam technology, and the mail boats started to go instead to Waterford town, to which steamers found it easier to navigate around 1837. Nevertheless, the harbour went to good use and became a fishing port.
Attractions Dunmore East Ireland
Curraghmore House - Portlaw
Located at Portlaw, Curraghmore House is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork. The House is open by prior appointment year round, Monday to Friday. The guided tours are usually conducted personally by Lord Waterford. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine,
Lismore Heritage Centre - Lismore
This former courthouse has now become the Lismore Heritage Centre, with Lismore's Celtic origins on view in the historical display room. The story of Lismore dates from 636 and is told in an award-winning presentation narrated by Niall Toibin.
Passage East - Waterford
A small, friendly fishing village based around two open squares. The fishing village is built beneath a high escarpment with small squares, streets and three main quays: Boathouse Quay, Haketts Quay and Middle Quay. From here you can hop on the ferry that crosses the River Suir to the Wexford side of Ballyhack. The village hosts a Mussel Festival every September.
Reginalds Tower - Waterford
Located at The Quay, Waterford City, Reginalds Tower dates from the late twelfth century and is the oldest urban civic building in the country. It has recently been completely restored to its medieval appearance. The heritage museum houses two fascinating collections. On the ground floor, artefacts from the Viking and Medieval periods are on display. The mezzanine floor houses one of Ireland's great collections of decorated charters and civic regalia.
Waterford Crystal Shop - Waterford
Located on the Cork Road out of Waterford City, Waterford Crystal has traditionally extended a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. Tours are given of the production areas where the famous crystal is actually made. Three's also an audio visual presentation, tracing the ancient craft of glassmaking to the present day.
