Waterford its a Feeling

Gaeltacht na nDéise: The Waterford Gaeltacht

For culture-hounds in search of a something special, a visit to the Waterford Gaeltacht is an exciting way to connect with the Irish language hub of South East Ireland. You’ll find this welcoming community of about 1,500 Irish speakers just outside Dungarvan.

Lying on a naturally secluded peninsula that overlooks Dungarvan on one side and Muggort’s Bay on the other, the magical scenery and seascapes alone make it worth a visit. But it is the vibrant love of culture - music, language, storytelling, dance and song – that make this a unique spot to tune into the Irish psyche.

A place to learn about language
Known by many Irish people simply as Ring, or An Rinn, the community itself is known as ‘An Déise’, and it comprises two areas – ‘An Rinn’ and ‘An Sean Phobal’ (Old Parish) where the Irish language has prevailed as the principal spoken word.

The famed An Rinn school of Irish language has taught generations of local and Irish children. The school still provides day and boarding tuition and special courses in the summertime.

Coláiste na Rinne flyer: front and back

And about nature
There is no better and more inspiring lesson than to appreciate nature at its simple best as you explore the rolling headland, the wild beaches and the beautiful glens.

Ring’s ‘Connigar’, an extended, permanent sand bar that stretches out towards Dungarvan, is home to thousands of different kinds of wild birds and other wildlife. A hike along it provides stunning views of the sea framed by Ballinacourty and Helvick Head. The bay itself creates a natural sheltered cove where swimming and kayaking are safe and fun.

Walks and attractions
On a stroll around the area, you might run across ‘An Chailleach Béara’ - a megalithic tomb dating from around 2,000 BC. You will be moved by the mass grave in An Rinn Famine Graveyard, where the multiple remains of those who died during the Great Famine are laid to rest. The community has erected a monument in their honour, known as Reilig an tSléibhe. The Mine Head lighthouse, dating from 1851, is another landmark.

Arts and Culture
If you enjoy traditional Irish pub culture, then step into one of the many ‘seisúins’ or music sessions in the pubs at night – you’ll find a wealth of musicians and singers, or even just the joy of a lively conversation over a pint, both the Seanachaí Pub and the Marine Bar in Rinn have traditional and contemporary life music throughout the year.

Don’t forget to check out the Joan Clancy Art Gallery featuring exhibits from emerging and established Irish artists, and the crystal glass workshop, ‘Criostal na Rinne’.

An Rinn is a vibrant and cultural community with plans to keep the native tongue flourishing for many years to come, and well worth exploring for any visitor in the area.

Tionól Niocláis Tóibín is a festival held in An Rinn to celebrate the life of the famous sean-nós singer, Nioclás Tóibín. The 2012 festival appeared on TG4, the Irish language television station. Watch the festival clip here.