Dipps Trips

09/10/2026

The research never stops…

Some people switch off on holidays. We apparently go looking for more boats.

While taking a well-earned break, we managed to get ourselves aboard the Priscilla — a historic 60-foot gaff-rigged oyster sloop built in 1888. What better way to spend a bit of time off than getting out on the water aboard a piece of maritime history?

A brilliant experience, plenty of inspiration, and a few more ideas to bring home for the lads at Dipps Trips.

We might be on holidays, but sure the research never stops…

01/10/2026

And just like that, Reaper is back on dry land.

After a busy 2026 season on Waterford’s Estuary, Reaper has made her way back to New Ross Boatyard and it’s time for the winter work to begin.

There’s plenty to be done over the coming months — maintenance, repairs, a bit of TLC and getting her ready for another year on the water.

The season might be over, but the work behind the scenes is only getting started.

We’ll be bringing you along throughout the winter, so you can see what goes into keeping an old boat like Reaper going.

The next chapter starts here…

29/09/2026

The Reaper: Restoring Waterford’s Maritime Heritage

From a weathered hull in a Kilkenny field to welcoming passengers on the Waterford Estuary, the revival of The Reaper is a remarkable story of family, fishing heritage and determination.

Built in 1926, the traditional fishing vessel was worked by Jim “Dipps” Doherty, Jack Doherty’s grandfather. Following a painstaking restoration by the Doherty family, The Reaper returned home to Cheekpoint and now takes small groups on two-hour heritage tours with Dipps Trips.

During the two-hour tour, visitors can hear local stories and traditional fishing knowledge, watch for wildlife and enjoy views across the Rivers Suir and Barrow and the wider Waterford Estuary.

As a Local Development Company, Waterford LEADER Partnership supported the project through the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme, providing grant aid for a marine-grade engine and essential auxiliary equipment. This support helped bring The Reaper back into service, protecting local maritime heritage while creating a distinctive rural tourism experience.

Discover the story and book a trip: https://dipps-trips.com/

Explore more Waterford LEADER Partnership case studies: https://www.wlp.ie/category/case-studies/

26/09/2026

That’s a wrap on 2026.

As Jack says in the video, it’s been some season aboard Reaper.

A massive thank you to everyone who came aboard with us this year, and to everyone who followed along, shared our posts, left reviews and interacted with us online. Your support has meant a lot to all of us at Dipps Trips.

Now it’s time for the crew to take a well-earned break… but Reaper won’t be sitting idle for long.

The winter months will be spent back at New Ross Boatyard, with maintenance, repairs and plenty of work behind the scenes to get her ready for another year on the water.

For now, the crew are stepping ashore for a well-earned break before we do it all again next season.

But don’t go too far…

We’ll be bringing you plenty of videos and updates throughout the winter, giving you a look behind the scenes at the work that goes into keeping Reaper afloat, along with some stories, memories and a few things you might not have seen during the season.

So stay with us, keep following along and we’ll bring you with us through the winter.

Thanks again for being part of the 2026 journey.

19/09/2026

Congratulations to Andrew at Tides & Tales for passing his massive milestone. Can’t wait to celebrate you passing 10K next 🎉

Reached a significant milestone today with 7,000 people linked into our page. A substantial achievement for an occasional post about a small traditional fishing community in Ireland and the maritime culture of the wider area. Many thanks to all, either as viewers, likers, sharers and/or commenters. We work hard to try make it a pleasent community and to keep on top of any disrespectful comments. Many thanks for being part of the crew

11/09/2026

And just like that… our 2026 season is coming to an end.

As we prepare for our final sailing on 20th September, we want to take a moment to say a massive THANK YOU to every single person who stepped aboard Reaper this year.

From locals who came along for the first time, to visitors who travelled from all over the world, families, couples, groups of friends and everyone in between — thank you for choosing Dipps Trips.

It’s been an absolute pleasure sharing Waterford’s Estuary, its scenery, stories and heritage with you all.

But most importantly, thank you for helping us continue to tell Reaper’s story and keep this special piece of Waterford’s maritime heritage alive.

A special thank you also goes to the Cheekpoint Boat Owners Association for allowing us the use of the pontoon throughout the season. We really appreciate your support.

We’ve made some brilliant memories this year, met some fantastic people and, most of all, had some great days out on the water.

Thank you for coming aboard. Thank you for your support. And thank you for being part of the Dipps Trips journey.

Until next season…

28/08/2026

A very special trip aboard Reaper…

We’ve welcomed plenty of people aboard Reaper this summer, but this was definitely one to remember.

The lovely Amy & Liam chose to include Reaper in their wedding day and capture some beautiful photos out on Waterford’s Estuary.

It was an absolute pleasure to have you both aboard and to play a small part in such a special day.

From all of us at Dipps Trips, congratulations Amy & Liam — wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and plenty more adventures together.

And we have to say… Reaper scrubs up fairly well for a wedding!

19/08/2026

Sometimes it’s not just about where you’re going… it’s about the story along the way.

A trip aboard Reaper is a chance to slow down, take in Waterford’s Estuary from a different perspective and discover some of the stories that have shaped this special stretch of river.

But for us, Dipps Trips has always been about more than just the views.

It’s about keeping Reaper’s story alive, sharing a piece of our local heritage, and having a bit of craic along the way.

Come aboard, take in the views and become part of the story.

This is Dipps Trips.