Waterford's Shipyards

The nineteenth century shipping boom resulted in the growth in local ownership of ships. In 1853 at least 115 were registered and owned in Waterford Port. It was a maritime culture that was both international and vibrant.

Quakers families established the three shipyards in Waterford, Penrose, Whites and NeptuneThe shipyards provided a lot of skilled jobs, at its peak over 1,000 were employed. Waterford was becoming a centre for highly specialised industry with organised and skilled labour.