County Waterford

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Waterford City is the undisputedly the oldest city in Ireland and has a Viking history dating back over 1200 years (iron age and stone age going much further back). Reginald’s Tower is the oldest civic building in Ireland and dates back to the 9th Century. Waterford still has much of its original walls, both Viking and Norman and they can be viewed if you stroll around the city by foot.

Today, Waterford is the fifth largest city in the Republic and is the cultural, economic, educational, technological and industrial capital of the South East region. Its port, traditionally its source of wealth, continues to expand along with the growth of the Irish economy.

History and Heritage

Throughout the medieval period, Waterford was Ireland’s second city after Dublin. The 18th century witnessed great prosperity for Waterford. Most of the city’s best architecture appeared during this time. In the 19th century, industries such as glass-making and shipbuilding thrived in the city.

A superb array of Viking artefacts and early Royal charters are displayed at Waterford Treasures, a museum that highlights the history of both city and county.

Sites to see

Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. Waterford Museum of Treasures. Lismore Heritage Centre. Tipperary South Riding County Museum in Clonmel.

Sports and Leisure

Waterford is blessed with varied landscapes in which every sport can be enjoyed. Angling waters are unpolluted and the beaches are consistently holders of the EU Blue Flag for water quality.

The golf courses have unspoiled views and walkers and equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy easy access to wonderful scenery.

Free access to beaches, moorland, valleys, mountain and riverside tracks makes Waterford attractive to trail riders and trekkers.

Waterford is also a popular destination for sailors, canoeists and other users of the waters around the county.

Eat, Drink and Stay

Pubs such as Paddy Macs Pub (Ardmore), Melody’s Nire View Bar and The Oriel Bar (Ballymacarberry), The Central Bar and The Tavern Bar (Cappoquin), Jack Meade’s Pub (Dungarvan), Anchor Bar and The Strand Inn (Dunmore East), Buggy’s Glencairn Inn (Lismore) and Henry Downes (Waterford) are among the best in the county.

Among the good eateries in Waterford are Hanora’s Cottage in Ballymacarbry, The Cottage Bistro and Suir Inn in Cheekpoint, Barca Wine Bar (Lismore), Bodega, Gatchells, Fitzpatricks, The Wine Vault and Restaurant Chez K’s (all Waterford) and the award-winning Tannery Restaurant in Dungarvan.

The county is also well served in the accommodation stakes by good quality B&Bs.

Festivals

January: Horse Racing Festival, Tramore

February: Jazz Festival in Dungarvan

April: Sean Dinne Writers’ Festival

May: Feile na nDeise Traditional Music Festival, Dungarvan

June: Lismore Festival of Travel Writing Maritime Festival, Waterford City

July: TráFest Street Concerts in Tramore

August: Spraoi Street Festival, Waterford City Oyster Festival, Ann Rinn, Dungarvan

September: Waterford International Festival of Light Opera Waterford Fringe Festival

October: Waterford Arts Festival

December: International Flower Fair, Ballyrafter

Things you have to see or do

Lismore Castle and Gardens – stands in the most imposing position overlooking the River Blackwater

Ardmore village – one of the prettiest in Ireland

Waterford Treasures – at the Granary

Waterford Crystal Glass Centre – world famous centre for crystal

Useful links

Fáilte Ireland - South East www.southeastireland.com

County Waterford www.countywaterford.ie

Waterford City www.waterfordcity.ie

Waterford Visitor Centre www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Waterford Treasures www.waterfordtreasures.com