Grannagh, Kilmacow and Dunkitt Pill – A Fading River Placename

For centuries, rivers were vital routes for travel, trade and daily life, shaping the development of towns and cities across Europe. The strategic importance of the Three Sisters rivers, the Nore, Suir and Barrow, was recognised as early as 914 AD when the Vikings founded Waterford near their meeting point with the sea.
In this fascinating talk, Andrew Doherty explores the rich maritime heritage of the River Blackwater in south Kilkenny, a waterway once bustling with freight traffic that linked local communities to Waterford and the wider Three Sisters river network. Drawing on historical maps, local knowledge, archaeological evidence and fading community memories, he reconstructs a forgotten world of river commerce, revealing the cargoes transported, the boats that navigated these waters and the people whose lives depended on them.
The talk also investigates the Pill placename, found along many waterways in south-east Ireland. Andrew examines its history, significance and possible Norman origins, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of the region’s heritage.
Andrew Doherty grew up on the river at Cheekpoint, Co. Waterford, and worked as a commercial fisherman for 15 years. He is a respected writer, researcher and broadcaster who regularly shares the stories of Waterford Harbour and the Three Sisters rivers through talks, articles, radio and television.
This event is an initiative of Kilkenny County Council, Waterford City and County Council and Wexford County Council funded under the Irish Walled Towns Network Interpretation grant.

Find out more about Kilkenny Heritage at https://kilkennyheritage.ie/