Ireland’s empty towns: Historic buildings lie vacant in some of Waterford’s most scenic towns

County Waterford has some of Ireland’s most beautiful old buildings, with an unparalleled heritage. But its streetscapes are blotted by vacancy. Eoghan Dalton reports

(left to right) Paddy Mulhearne, Laura Kirwan and Susan Veale of the Social Enterprise Group standing next to the derelict Woolen Mills building just off Kilmacthomas Main street. While the success of the Greenway has changed the fortunes of Kilmacthomas, locals hope more can be done for the area's Main Street. Photo: Dan Linehan

There's a story behind every vacant historic building in County Waterford’s towns and villages.

There are reminders of long-ago holidays or family outings, whether in the Grand Hotel in Tramore or Bride Valley Stores in Tallow, while other areas are throwbacks to our largely defunct railway network.