Tourism businesses and agencies in Waterford have participated in a Learning Journey around the Blackwater Valley area, supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland as part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme.
The Learning Journey in the Blackwater Valley was the first in a series of five planned over two years, covering all five cluster areas in Waterford- Blackwater Valley, Comeragh Uplands, Copper Coast, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about tourism experiences and products in the Blackwater Valley region, connect, collaborate, and gather insights to benefit their businesses, the cluster, and the overall Waterford destination.
The day included visits to Villierstown for insights from Blackwater Eco Tours and Dromana House, the Lismore Heritage Centre for heritage experiences, MCG Kayaks and Peters Tours for tours on the Blackwater River, Ballyduff for Blackwater Distillery, The Storehouse, and Blackwater Valley Fishery.
The itinerary also included lunch and interactions at Ballyin House, and a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey to learn about their tourism offerings, including Saint Declan’s Way, a pilgrim walking route through Mount Melleray and the Blackwater Valley, highlighting business development opportunities along the ancient pilgrim path.
