Oral History

The Waterways Ireland Oral History Programme is an initiative that brings the rich history of our inland waterways to life! By gathering and preserving personal stories, cherished memories, and unique experiences, we are creating a one-of-a-kind archive that celebrates the people and communities who have shaped and been shaped by these iconic waterways.
Our waterways are more than just paths of water—they are living connections to our past, a testament to human ingenuity, and a source of inspiration and adventure. This programme ensures that these voices, traditions, and stories are safeguarded for future generations to explore, learn from, and treasure.
Explore our collection of oral history recordings on the Digital Archive.

Get Involved!
Waterways Ireland is actively collecting oral histories and invites individual volunteers and groups to contribute relevant stories to the Waterways Ireland Archive.
If you have a story to share or know of oral histories that should be included in the archive, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at archive@waterwaysireland.org to find out more about how you can contribute.