Dungarvan businesses dust off artefacts to go on display

Pharmacies, fashion providers, children’s toy makers, bakers, pubs and photographers have wiped the dust off artefacts from a bygone era to showcase the rich retail heritage of a west Waterford town.

More than 20 businesses in Dungarvan are reshaping their shopfronts in the days ahead for the second year of a heritage trail.

“There are amazing treasures to unveil during Heritage Week in Dungarvan town,” said Margaret Flanagan of the organising committee. “It’s an opportunity to recognise the immense value in these collections before it is too late.”

Businesses in the town, she said, have a real “can-do attitude” and, after 12 participants last year, the number has also doubled.

“The shopfront window displays reveal Dungarvan’s rich heritage which is being brought directly to customers to ponder upon.

“It gives us an opportunity to personally engage with the memorabilia and collections. What is so important about these displays is their location in a setting in which the artefacts of their time worked and were valued.”

Ms Flanagan said the Dungarvan Shop Front Heritage Trail will attract both visitors and locals alike.

“Heritage collections have the potential to attract tourists and also to promote a pride of place in our town,” she said.

“IDA research suggests towns with a strong sense of pride of place attract and relocate new businesses to their area.

“You know the way they’re trying to bring some of these rural country towns to life, something like this inspires local people. It is for tourists of course but it’s for local people as well.

“Heritage week, in general, always attracts people to come into the town. This year there’s loads of events going on in Dungarvan and each one builds on the other,” she added.

This year, Ormond’s Café in the Square will make a thatched cottage cake, while Ballot’s Florist will decorate a bicycle in flowers. Other businesses will display photographic exhibitions.

Anyone interested in getting involved, or for more information, can contact Ms Flanagan on 087-9228311 or visit www.heritageweek.ie to find out what’s on generally.