Port of Waterford 1111 Andrew Doherty Waterford's Maritime Heritage

To mark World Oceans Day and celebrate 1,111 years of the Port of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest port, has released the second episode of its new podcast series, Port of Waterford 1111. Hosted by Tom MacSweeney of RTÉ’s Seascapes, the episode features historian and author Andrew Doherty, founder of the Tides and Tales project.The conversation dives into Waterford’s rich maritime legacy—from the bustling quays of old to iconic landmarks like the Spider Light, and into classrooms where Doherty is reviving traditional knowledge for a new generation. His community-driven work, especially with schools, brings stories of fishing, boat-building, and coastal life vividly to life.Now in its 11th year, Tides and Tales has grown into an archive of nearly 300 stories capturing the Southeast’s marine history. Doherty and MacSweeney explore the lives of hobblers, the historic salmon weir conflicts, a WWI U-boat incident in Dunmore East, and the enduring cultural significance of Waterford Harbour. These stories are more than history—they’re part of the living memory of local communities.The episode also touches on ongoing efforts to reconnect the city with its river, including the North Quays project and a new pedestrian bridge. Doherty stresses the importance of preserving maritime heritage not just for posterity, but as a source of pride, identity, and future opportunity.This latest podcast episode of Port of Waterford 1111 is more than a history lesson—it’s an invitation to rediscover Waterford’s unique relationship with the sea through the eyes of those who live, work, and remember. For anyone curious about Ireland’s coastal heritage or those who simply appreciate good storytelling rooted in real places and people, this episode offers a compelling listen. Listeners can hear the full episode and previous instalments of Port of Waterford 1111 at www.portofwaterford.com/port-1111, where new episodes will continue to be released throughout 2025.