Waterford City and County Council, in collaboration with Waterford Walls, has commissioned a large-scale mural along Dock Road in Ferrybank, bringing the area’s rich and layered history vividly to life.

International artist Mariana Duarte Santos is transforming a 150-metre wall stretching from Plunkett Station with a series of evocative images that reflect Waterford’s heritage, with a particular focus on the historic communities of Ferrybank and Sallypark.

Drawing on archival materials provided by Waterford City and County Council’s Archive Department, the mural is inspired by historic maps, census records, newspaper articles and photographs. From these sources, 29 distinct scenes will be reimagined, charting the north side of the city’s development as a thriving industrial port and a vibrant, close-knit community.

Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, Mariana Duarte Santos began painting large scale outdoor murals in 2019 and has since completed over 50 public works across Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg and Ireland. Her practice is rooted in themes of memory, collective identity and the power of local storytelling, making her an ideal artist for this historically grounded project.

Paul Johnston, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, said, “With the ongoing regeneration of the North Quays, preserving and celebrating the history and essence of Ferrybank is vitally important. This mural is significant not only in scale but is a stunning visual narrative that bridges past, present and future.

“Most importantly, it pays tribute to the people who shaped Ferrybank, from railway workers and stevedores to families and generations of residents whose lives and livelihoods defined the character of the area.”

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.