
The Waterford Steamship Company had a significant impact on the city's river services. They provided regular passenger and cargo services on the River Suir.
Their fleet of vessels was an essential part of the city's transportation network.
The company's services were not limited to the River Suir; they also extended to coastal areas and ports in Ireland and the UK.
Their ships played a crucial role in the region's trade and commerce, facilitating the exchange of goods and people.
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River Services
The river service was a vital part of Waterford Steamship Company's operations, providing links between the city and surrounding towns.
The Waterford Commercial Steam Navigation Company, formed in 1836, initiated the river service in 1837 with two paddle steamers, the Shamrock and the Duncannon.
The Shamrock, built in Glasgow in 1836, left Ross at 8:45 am and arrived in Waterford at 10 am, except on Sundays.
Fares for the Shamrock were 2 Shillings for a cabin and 1 Shilling 3 pence for deck passengers.
The Duncannon, launched in Birkenhead in 1837, arrived in Waterford every morning at 9:15 am and left for Ballyhack and Duncannon daily at 4 pm, or 3 pm in winter.
Fares for the Duncannon were 1 Shilling for a cabin and 6 pence for deck passengers.
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River Services
The Waterford Steamship Company provided a river service between the city and nearby towns. The service originated in 1837 with two paddle steamers, the Shamrock and the Duncannon.
The Shamrock left Ross at 8:45 am and arrived in Waterford at 10 am, except on Sundays. It returned from Waterford at 3 pm.
Fares for the Shamrock were 2 shillings for a cabin and 1 shilling 3 pence for the deck. The Duncannon arrived in Waterford at 9:15 am every morning and left at 4 pm, or 3 pm in winter.
The Duncannon was used for the river service until 1861, when it was replaced by other ships, including the PS Tintern and the PS Vandeleur. The Vandeleur was built in 1866 in the Neptune iron works of Waterford.
The river service was an essential part of life in Waterford, providing transportation between the city and surrounding towns.
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River Steamer Eclipse
The River Steamer Eclipse is a game-changer for travel between Waterford and Ross. This beautiful little steamer has made the 18-mile journey in just two hours, which is a significant improvement over the current road conditions.
The Eclipse is a new vessel, brought over from Bristol to test its viability on our river. We're impressed with its performance so far. It has plenty of room for stowage, a snug cabin, and a sail that's quite delightful.
The scenery along the Nore and Barrow is truly picturesque and beautiful, and we think it's one of the main attractions that will draw people to the steam-boat.
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Notable Events
The Ida, a ship owned by the Waterford Steamship Company, had a remarkable history of bravery and selflessness. In January 1896, the Ida came to the rescue of the steamship Mermaid, which had struck the rocks at the Pink Rock of Glenmore and was taking on water.
The Ida successfully took on board all of the passengers and cargo from the Mermaid and transported them safely to New Ross. This was a remarkable feat, especially considering the treacherous waters and the difficulty of navigating the river.

The Ida's rescue efforts didn't stop there. In a separate incident, she found herself in a precarious situation when she was swept along by a strong spring tide and strong gale. Captain Brennan managed to run her into the bridge dock, but not before she crashed into the bridge, causing a great commotion on the quay.
The Ida suffered some damage, but fortunately, the hull sustained no damage. The Earnholm, another ship, came to her aid and assisted in pulling her from her perilous position.
Sources
- https://tidesandtales.ie/waterford-steamship-company-river/
- https://waterfordcouncil.ie/services/culture-heritage/archives/exhibitions/shipwrecks-off-the-waterford-coast-1914-1918/
- https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb~hfw.html
- https://glenmore-history.com/tag/neptune-iron-works/
- https://www.fotw.info/flags/gb~hfw.html
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