50 years of Wicklow pier’s iconic maritime murals celebrated in new publication

Book documenting local artist Pat Davis’ artwork supported through SSE's Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 sponsorship fund

A new publication celebrating five decades of the artwork on Wicklow's East Pier will be published next month with support from SSE's Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund.

East Pier Maritime Murals documents the work of local artist Pat Davis, whose maritime murals have become a familiar feature of Wicklow Harbour since he first began painting on the pier in 1976. The book brings together 32 of the murals Pat has created over the years, alongside the stories and local history connected to them.

Pat's artwork is well known across Wicklow Town and the surrounding communities of Rathnew, Ashford and Glenealy, where he lived and worked as a postman over the years. His murals depict scenes from Wicklow's rich and varied maritime heritage and have become a lasting feature of the evolving harbour landscape.

The book, printed by Wicklow Press & Design, records and shares the stories behind the murals through their East Pier Maritime Murals Facebook page and blog.

The publication of East Pier Maritime Murals – Volume 1 will be launched on Thursday November 5th and can be ordered from Bridge Street Books.

Pat Davis, resident artist of maritime murals on the old East Pier in Wicklow Town Harbour, said:

“I started painting here in Wicklow in 1976 after restoring a mural that had originally been painted on the pier by a Greek sailor a few years earlier. People had grown very fond of seeing artwork on the wall and I was delighted to be given permission by the harbourmaster at the time to repaint it, because it meant a lot to the community. Fifty years later, that original painting is still there and has become part of a much bigger collection of murals I've added telling stories from Wicklow's maritime past.”

“The SSE funding has been hugely important because it enabled us to put this book together. Without that support, we would not have been able to achieve what we have so far. We are very grateful that SSE chose to support our project.”

Mark Hogan, collaborator and editor, East Pier Maritime Murals, said:

“Pat's murals have become an important part of Wicklow's cultural and maritime heritage, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike over many decades. This publication helps to preserve these stories and artworks for future generations while celebrating the rich history of the local community."

Eda Martin, External Relations Manager at SSE, said:

“Pat's murals have enlivened Wicklow's harbour, capturing stories, memories and moments from the town's rich and evolving maritime heritage. We're delighted to support this special publication through our Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund, helping to share Pat's artwork with the wider community and ensure these stories can be enjoyed by future generations.”

“The new book is among a number of community initiatives funded through the sponsorship fund, which has been supporting local projects and groups since 2020. To date, nearly 200 projects have been provided with over €600,000 via SSE’s Community and Fisheries sponsorship funds, providing benefits to local communities during the offshore wind farm's development.”