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.

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/