Dungarvan was the centre of the boat building industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the early 1800s the Duke of Devonshire employed Jesse Hartley, builder of Liverpool docks, to build the quay.

In 1818, 25% of the mariners working the Irish coastal trade, or serving under Nelson and other naval commanders, came from Dungarvan.

We spent an interesting hour in the Waterford County Museum, mainly hearing about Lismore resident Dervla Murphy. In 1963 she cycled from Ireland to India, and wrote about her adventures in “Full Tilt”, starting her career as a travel writer. Quite a character; we’re looking forward to reading more.

The Royal Castle at Dungarvan was built by the Anglo-Normans around 1200.

The first record of the town walls is in 1463 when Edward IV reincorporated the town and granted the castle and town to Thomas, 8th Earl of Desmond. We immediately spotted the beach huts, but like many at home, they weren’t being used!

As we strolled around there were some interesting signs and paintings on walls.

A beautiful evening.

There is a constant buzz of nightlife in town.