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Heritage Sites in Dungarvan
Augustinian Abbey (1290 AD)
Dungarvan was attractive to the McGraths and O'Briens, who were eager to find a strong refuge and they set up an Augustinian Abbey in 1290 AD. The Abbey buildings were ruined after the Cromwellian attack on Dungarvan. The present Catholic Church, St. Augustine's Church was built on the foundations of the Abbey and incorporates fragments from it including the coat of arms on the west wall.
Dungarvan Museum
Waterford County Museum, located at the plaza in Dungarvan shopping centre, is dedicated to preserving the history of Dungarvan and West Waterford. It features key area events, genealogy, maritime history and more.
King John's Castle (12th century)
King John's Castle is a 12th century Anglo-Norman Castle. During the Irish Civil War, the barracks were taken by the IRA forces who set fire to it before leaving in August 1922. With the foundation of the Garda Siochana in 1922 the building was restored and used as the local Garda Station until 1987. It fell into disrepair, but today it has been restored and is managed by Dúchas, who provide guided tours, an audio-visual show and exhibitions during the summer months.
St. Mary's Parish Church (19th century)
St. Mary's Parish Church was built in 1828 by George Richard Pain. The stark gable wall standing to the back of the Church is thought to have formed part of the pre-Reformation church of St. Mary the Virgin. The Churchyard contains some interesting gravestones. On the west side of the cemetery is a mass grave and a memorial to those who died in the Moresby shipwreck in 1895.
The Market House (17th century)
This building started life as a butter market in the late 1690s. The area in front of the building became known as the market place. In 1984 the building was restored and for many years housed the town library and museum. The Old Market House Arts Centre now has year round local, national and touring exhibitions which change monthly.
