Atlantic Telegraph Cables Trail
Slí na gCábla Teileagrafach Atlantach

County Kerry, Ireland

Waterville

Waterville Cable Station • 1884 – 1962

Google map of the Waterville area

Click on each Trail Map Ref below for a Google map of the plaque’s location, from where you can get driving or walking directions


 

Trail Map Ref: WV1

Monument to Waterville’s Cable History • 1884 – 1962

Standing on Waterville’s promenade this monument commemorates the Commercial Cable Company’s Waterville Station, which played a pivotal role in the growth of global telecommunications, bringing about real competition and reasonable prices by taking on the price-fixing monopoly.
This is an ideal starting point for a walking tour of Waterville’s cable sites, approximately 5km/1 hour 40 minutes at a leisurely pace (short version 1.6km/40 minutes).
Parking also at WV2, 3, 4 and 11.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV2

Transatlantic Cable Landing Site

Location of the (still buried) shore ends of Commercial Cable Company’s first transatlantic cables and subsequent cables to the United Kingdom and Continent, where fine views of Ballinskelligs Bay are to be seen. Occasionally cables may be exposed and seen on the beach.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV3

“The Giant Cable” Inny Strand • 1923

Waterville’s renowned sandy beach was the landing site for some of the Commercial Cable Company’s later cables, including the “Giant Cable” of 1923.  Waterville cable station employees were instrumental in the formation of a 9-hole golf links from which Waterville Golf Links championship course evolved.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV4

The Skellig Coast Heritage Gallery • 1968

The 146 illustrated information panels in this outdoor gallery include panels on the story of Iveragh’s Atlantic Telegraph Cables. The panels are mounted on 120 massive slabs of slate, which were quarried and transported from Valentia Island slate quarry.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV5

Waterville Cable Station Entrance

As the European terminus for the Commercial Cable Company transatlantic cables, Waterville cable station grew to be one of the largest cable stations in the world, sending and receiving vast numbers of messages globally. From here you can stroll around the Victorian-era planned development, which combined offices and support buildings with on-site bachelor accommodations, family homes, shop and sports amenities.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV6

Commercial Cable Company Water Tower

One of two water towers, this had a rooftop storage tank, and the company’s fire engine was housed on the ground floor.  The second tower, a wooden structure located near WV8, was demolished in the 1950s. This plinth relates the fascinating story of the German World War II detainees.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV7

New Office • 1899 - 1964

This limestone building, designed by renowned Irish architect J. F. Fuller F.S.A., housed the offices of the Commercial Cable Company from 1899, when they were transferred from Iveragh Lodge (WV8). Walk a short distance, veering past Iveragh Terrace, the first family homes of the cable station, noting the cable decoration around windows and doors and the former sports fields, on the way to WV8.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV8

Iveragh Lodge, Commercial Cable Company's First Offices

Iveragh Lodge, built in 1858 as a shooting lodge, was later purchased to serve as the original Commercial Cable Company’s Waterville offices and Superintendent’s residence.  On the completion of WV7 Iveragh Lodge remained as the Superintendent’s residence until 1964.  Life in Iveragh Lodge is recorded in the Superintendent’s Correspondence log – which features in “The Story of Waterville Cable Station” exhibition (WV11).


 

Trail Map Ref: WV9

Latitude & Longitude Stone

Lost for over three decades, this stone was originally erected in the 1890s and commemorates Waterville station’s collaboration with Greenwich Observatory and McGill University to determine the longitude of Montreal (1892).  For the story of this endeavour and its significance see “The Story of Waterville Cable Station” exhibition (WV11).


 

Trail Map Ref: WV10

Commercial Cable Company Original Entrance

This was the original entrance to Waterville’s cable station.  As the cable station expanded additional entrances were constructed, and this was modified to a pedestrian right of way.  The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers “Electrical Engineering Milestone” plaque (2000) is located at the lower entrance on the way to WV11.


 

Trail Map Ref: WV11

“The Story of Waterville Cable Station” Exhibition at Tech Amergin

Discover Waterville’s transatlantic cable station history from the 1880s through war times and political unrest to the 1960s:  includes original equipment, artefacts and a fascinating photo archive.
For opening times contact:  Tech Amergin +353 66 9478956 or email [email protected]