The JavaScript Source

Suir Valley taken from the air. Early Autumn

The Suir Valley, People, Places, traditional crafts and heritage.

This project was conducted by fifth and sixth class. Each group had a specific topic to deal with.
When completed it should give the reader an insight to the life and times of people along the Valley from Poll an Fhírinne at the foot of the Devil's Bit until it empties into the sea at Waterford Harbour after converging with its twin Sisters the Nore and the Barrow.

In  November  1999 we were divided into groups and assigned different tasks. Some projects were easy as source material was readily available. Others had to seek all the help they could from home, the Library, Heritage Centers, Bord Fáilte and any other source available. Others had to compile questionnaires and ask local people. The Internet was another source for the Viking  influence. This Project will be ongoing and may be added to as information becomes available.

 

Click  on any  image to  see Project  details. Mouse  over   images for  summary   information

Exact location of the Suir Spring

Polluting the water which we ultimately drink?

Geology of the South East

Rich fishing of the Suir. The Suir is noted for its fine quality course water fishing

Built by Regnall a Viking leader.It was once a fortress, a mint and jail.It was used as a Museum until recently.Reginald's Tower symbolises Waterford

Milling in Kells has been in existence since the coming of the Normans in 1169 and dates to William Marshall who granted lands to the people of Kells

Typical animals of local Ireland

The Vikings had huge influence in developing urban life after mercilessly attacking the natives

Famine ravaged the country from 1845 until 1848 when the worst was over. In Mooncoin hardship was not as severe as in other areas. A typical famine reconstruction house at Newmarket Co.Kilkenny

'The Knocknagow' plied the River Suir bringing goods from Waterford to Fiddown, Piltown and Carrick-on-Suir

Basket making was synomous with the Suir for centuries and were made in most villages. The Island at Fiddown has produced fine sallies for basket production until recently.Again the sallies are now being cut down for fresh growth. Here Cathy Jones, Darren Twomey and Padraig Hill are displaying baskets during their visit to Patsy Cahill, basket maker

Every possible variety of tree is grown. Many were introduced by Landlords into their estates. Fine examples are to be found in Piltown Agricultural College, Curraghmore House Portlaw, Inistigoe, Stately Homes in Tipperary, Johnstown House Wexford and Kennedy Park. Carrigeen School has good examples of Conifer and Broadleaf trees in garden and field.

Thatching is a traditional method of roofing houses since the Vikings came to Ireland.Reeds are harvested along the river banks in September and tied in bundles. Thatch has the distinction of being warm in Winter and cool in Summer.

Cot making is traditional in the Suir, Nore and Barrow rivers. The Suir has its owm special flat-bottomed cot ideal for shallow waters

New port of Waterford at Bellview.

Charles Bianconi introduced the horse and car to transport people. He changed for ever transport in Ireland.

Curloddy Castle a Butler Tower house to protect against attack from Munster.Also home of the Grant family who were finally sent either to 'Hell or to Connaught' during Cromwellian times.

Waterford known as 'Urbs Intacta' or Faithful City, one of the oldest cities in Ireland after Dublin.

Dunmore East, largest fishery town in the South East.

A selection of wild flowers in the Suir Valley, also common to many areas in the rest of the country. We take them for granted without knowing the names of the most common hedgerow plants.

Oghamstone in Carrigeen Graveyard and Gallery.

 Railway