Essential Ireland > County Waterford
Home to some of the most varied and spectacular scenery in all of Ireland, County Waterford is a blend of rugged mountain peaks and sand-fringed bays.
Located on the south coast of Ireland, County Waterford is bordered by County Tipperary to the north, County Kilkenny to the north east and County Cork to the west. Its stunning geographical heritage represents County Waterford’s most seductive charm, offering visitors everything from awe-inspiring cliffs and mountains, to the most picturesque riverside village.
The north of the county is dominated by mountains, including the Comeragh range with its stunning collection of lakes. By contrast, County Waterford's coast is a series of looming cliffs and sandy bays, home to some of Ireland's foremost seaside resorts, of which Tramore is the most famous.
The Blackwater Valley, is one of the most scenic spots in all of Ireland, with its flanking hills and woods providing a beautiful spot to stop and admire the landscape. Lismore, a picturesque town through which the Blackwater flows, is a lovely place to take a break, while the fishing village of Dunmore East is also well worth a visit.
County Waterford's historical legacy also proves a major draw for visitors. From its megalithic tombs to the Ballysaggartmore Towers symbolising English dominion, County Waterford is a fascinating place to visit. Evidence of County Waterford's rich history can even be found in its local moniker.
The county is referred to locally as 'The Decies', or An Déise in Irish, after a native Gaelic tribe who settled here. The Deise has also given its name to a region of County Waterford, home to some of its most fascinating historical relics and one of the last remaining Irish-speaking populations in the country. Waterford is the largest town and was once the county capital, but is now administered separately from the rest of the county.
Perhaps most famous as the home of Waterford Crystal, the city is the oldest in the country and was throughout the medieval period considered to be the second city of Ireland. Reginald's Tower, Ireland's most historic city monument having stood guard over Waterford's Quay for more than a thousand years, is a particular highlight of a trip to Waterford. However, its magnificent medieval city walls, cobbled streets and alleys, vibrant waterfront and wealth of 18 th century Georgian architecture make it one of the most beautiful and visited cities in all of Ireland.
Located on the south coast of Ireland, County Waterford is bordered by County Tipperary to the north, County Kilkenny to the north east and County Cork to the west. Its stunning geographical heritage represents County Waterford’s most seductive charm, offering visitors everything from awe-inspiring cliffs and mountains, to the most picturesque riverside village.
The north of the county is dominated by mountains, including the Comeragh range with its stunning collection of lakes. By contrast, County Waterford's coast is a series of looming cliffs and sandy bays, home to some of Ireland's foremost seaside resorts, of which Tramore is the most famous.
The Blackwater Valley, is one of the most scenic spots in all of Ireland, with its flanking hills and woods providing a beautiful spot to stop and admire the landscape. Lismore, a picturesque town through which the Blackwater flows, is a lovely place to take a break, while the fishing village of Dunmore East is also well worth a visit.
County Waterford's historical legacy also proves a major draw for visitors. From its megalithic tombs to the Ballysaggartmore Towers symbolising English dominion, County Waterford is a fascinating place to visit. Evidence of County Waterford's rich history can even be found in its local moniker.
The county is referred to locally as 'The Decies', or An Déise in Irish, after a native Gaelic tribe who settled here. The Deise has also given its name to a region of County Waterford, home to some of its most fascinating historical relics and one of the last remaining Irish-speaking populations in the country. Waterford is the largest town and was once the county capital, but is now administered separately from the rest of the county.
Perhaps most famous as the home of Waterford Crystal, the city is the oldest in the country and was throughout the medieval period considered to be the second city of Ireland. Reginald's Tower, Ireland's most historic city monument having stood guard over Waterford's Quay for more than a thousand years, is a particular highlight of a trip to Waterford. However, its magnificent medieval city walls, cobbled streets and alleys, vibrant waterfront and wealth of 18 th century Georgian architecture make it one of the most beautiful and visited cities in all of Ireland.