Overview
Standing at the centre of Dungarvan’s Market Place, the Old Market House is a testament to thoughtful heritage conservation. What was once a bustling hub for dairy traders and municipal business now operates as a dynamic cultural venue, housing a public library, a county museum, and a dedicated arts centre. The building’s 17th-century red-brick façade and tall sash windows have been carefully preserved, while the interior has been adapted to host contemporary exhibitions, live performances, and community gatherings. Its central position makes it an ideal base for exploring Dungarvan, offering a quiet refuge on rainy days or a starting point for cultural discovery.
A Building with Layers of History
The site’s civic importance dates back to at least 1641, when a deed recorded a courthouse on the grounds. Over time, the structure evolved into a traditional market house, with the ground floor dedicated to butter trading and the upper level serving as council chambers. This dual commercial and administrative role was typical of Irish market towns, where local governance and trade intersected daily.
By the 19th century, the Old Market House had become the focal point for municipal affairs, later repurposed as a grain store, town hall, theatre, and dance hall. A major restoration project in 1984 carefully rebuilt the façade and reconfigured the interior, eventually housing Dungarvan Library and Museum. In 1999, the venue was officially rebranded as the Old Market House Arts Centre. The upper floors were dedicated to the Waterford County Museum, ensuring that the town’s archaeological, maritime, and social heritage remained accessible to the public.
What to See & Do
The Old Market House operates as three distinct venues under one roof, each offering a different angle on Waterford’s culture and history.
Visual Arts & Gallery Space
The ground-floor galleries host rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary Irish painters, photographers, and craft makers. The intimate scale of the rooms encourages close viewing, and many exhibitions are accompanied by artist talks or guided walkthroughs. Check the current programme before visiting to align your trip with specific shows.
Performance Hall
Above the galleries lies a compact but highly functional performance space. With tiered seating and modern sound and lighting, it regularly hosts traditional Irish music sessions, contemporary theatre, dance workshops, and seasonal festivals. The acoustics are particularly well-suited to solo acoustic performances and local choir concerts.
Waterford County Museum
The museum’s permanent collections are divided into several thematic areas:
- Prehistory & Archaeology – Displays include artefacts from the nearby Kilgroany caves, Ogham stones, and a replica hand-axe, offering insight into Ireland’s earliest settlers.
- Maritime Heritage – Given Dungarvan’s historic fishing industry, this section features lifeboat models, detailed harbour maps, and accounts of the 1895 Moresby disaster.
- Social & Estate History – Exhibits explore the “Big House” culture of local estates, alongside memorabilia from Ireland’s first cycling club and the historic Challenge Cup.
- Interactive Children’s Area – Designed for younger visitors, this space features touchable replicas of prehistoric tools and maritime objects, making history accessible for all ages.
Library & Community Spaces
The public library offers a quiet reading room, free Wi-Fi, and a comprehensive local-history section. The “My Open Library” self-service system extends borrowing access beyond standard opening hours. The venue also hosts regular craft classes, poetry readings, and educational outreach programmes, reinforcing its role as a community hub.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Library (Public Access)
- Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 10:00 – 13:00 (community groups), 13:00 – 20:00 (public)
- Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Monday & Sunday: Closed
Waterford County Museum
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Monday: Closed
Admission & Contact
Entry to the museum, library, and gallery spaces is free for all visitors, including school groups. For specific enquiries about exhibitions, performance schedules, or group bookings, contact the venue directly at +353 58 489 44 or visit their website.
Accessibility & Parking
The building is wheelchair accessible, with a lift providing access to the upper museum and performance floors. Street parking and public car parks are available around the Market Place and Lower Main Street. During peak summer months and local festivals, spaces can fill quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
The Old Market House sits within walking distance of several key attractions in Dungarvan:
- Dungarvan Castle – A 13th-century Norman keep offering guided tours and views over the harbour and Ballysaggart headlands.
- Market Place & Town Centre – Lined with independent shops, cafés, and historic buildings, the pedestrianised streets are best explored on foot.
- Ballysaggart – A short walk along the coast leads to the dramatic Ballysaggartmore Towers, a striking natural rock formation carved by centuries of Atlantic weathering.
Plan to allow at least two hours to properly explore the museum collections and browse the library, or combine your visit with a performance evening if one is scheduled. The venue’s central location means you can easily step out into the Market Place for a coffee or a stroll along the harbour before heading back inside.