Blackwater Eco Tours is a non-profit company established by the Villierstown Education and Cultural Project, to promote awareness of the unspoilt natural beauty and unique historic heritage of the Blackwater River Valley in Waterford. The area has been designated a Special Area of Conservation within which certain habitats and species must be protected. Sensitive to the environment and its history, Blackwater Eco Tours offers boat trips on the river from May to September, incorporating in-depth local knowledge of all the river has to offer. On the river, you’ll see and learn about the ruins of Molana Abbey, a 6th century monastery, thought to have been raided by Vikings, and Rhincrew Abbey, a preceptory for the Knights Templar, as well as numerous estate houses and castles such as Strancally Castle, Ballynatray House, Camphire House and Dromana House. You’ll learn about the economic history that saw large ships traverse the river importing coal and exporting timber for props in the coal mines. You’ll also experience the diverse ecology of the river valley, including tidal mudflats and one of the most extensive tracts of wet woodland in the country, together with the chance to see Peregrine Falcons and Kingfishers. The Blackwater River Valley is a pristine and sublime setting for those looking to experience the natural environment and its human histories.
