In honour of International Women’s Day, March 8th 2023, here at Visit Waterford HQ we feel it is only right to shine a light on some of the women who play a vital role in Waterford’s tourism industry.
Eunice Power – Eunice Power Catering & AndChips
Waterford native Eunice Power is nationally renowned for her passion for food and dedication to producing high quality seasonal and locally sourced dishes. Eunice worked in the UK and Switzerland prior to the foundation of Eunice Power Catering in 2001. Since then Eunice and her team have become one of the most esteemed and sought after wedding and event catering companies in Ireland. Eunice opened Gourmet Takeaway AndChips in Dungarvan in April 2019 and it has quickly become a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, garnering national attention earlier this year by being crowned takeaway of the year 2023 and also taking home the Champion Chip award. It is well worth a visit when out and about in Dungarvan. Eunice teaches at The Tannery Cookery School in Dungarvan, is a regular contributor to The Irish Times, makes regular appearances on RTE One’s Today Show and is a director of the West Waterford Food Festival. Eunice’s dedication to the food industry has most definitely contributed to raising Waterford’s foodie profile and has undoubtedly impacted greatly on our ever evolving tourism sector.
Rosemary Ryan – Waterford Museum of Treasures
Rosemary Ryan is the keeper at The Waterford Treasures museums. This comprises five museums within the Viking Triangle including The Medieval Museum, Bishops Palace, Reginalds Tower, The Silver Museum and the newly opened Museum of Time. Rosemary has been an integral part of the Waterford Treasures since the late 1990’s. She co-authored Waterford Treasures: A Guide to the Historic and Archaeological Treasures of Waterford City with museum director Eamon McEneaney in 2004, a publication that has added greatly to our knowledge and understanding of the history and archaeology of Ireland’s oldest city. Rosemary gives tours, curates exhibitions and oversees events within The Waterford Treasures that reflect the city’s rich history. The Waterford Treasures Museums are a must visit when out and about in Waterford city and Rosemary’s commitment and dedication to the museums has allowed locals and tourists alike to appreciate Waterford’s rich and long spanning history.
Maria Kyte – Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Maria has been the manager at Waterford Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden since the early 2000’s. Waterford’s Suir Valley Railway was established to promote and preserve Waterford’s rich railway history. The current track is on the bed of the 19th Century track that connected parts of west Waterford. A mark 11 railway carriage will take you a journey lasting approximately 40 minutes with panoramic views of the River Suir. Maria guided the team at WSVR to success in 2017 when the attraction took home the Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism Award at the Waterford Business Awards. With the expansion of the railway and Maria’s hardwork and dedication we are certain there will be more awards to come.
Karen Harris – Dunmore Adventure Centre
Karen is the owner and Marketing Director at Dunmore Adventure Centre. Dunmore Adventure Centre is located at The Harbour in Dunmore East. The centre offers a wide range of activities for families and kids of all ages. They offer individuals and groups a unique adventure experience that can’t be found anywhere else with activities including kayaking, sailing, archery and much more on offer. A visit to Dunmore Adventure Centre is a must. Karen’s love of adventure and dedication to the centre has allowed it to become one of the most popular adventure centres in Ireland’s Ancient East. It is a popular spot for school tours, family trips and birthday parties alike.
Karen Dollery – The Viking Hotel
Karen Dollery is the General Manager at The Viking Hotel located just outside Waterford city. Karen has a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry having worked in a range of customer facing roles across Leinster and Munster. She joined the Viking Hotel team in 2020. The Viking Hotel is the perfect place for business and leisure guests, it is located 4km from Waterford city centre and a stone’s throw from the SETU arena. The hotel has on site parking and a wide range of conference rooms. Karen is known as a welcoming and inviting people-person who undoubtedly makes all her guests feel at home when they visit The Viking Hotel.
