Waterford City
Vikings founded Ireland's oldest city here in 914, and the Viking Triangle still holds its towers and museums. Waterford stands on the River Suir.
County Waterford
Ireland's oldest city holds the Viking Triangle, and the county opens out behind it: the Copper Coast, the Comeraghs and the Greenway to Dungarvan.
County Waterford facts
- Province: Munster
- County town: Waterford
- Setting: East coast
- Touring region: Ireland's Ancient East
- Best for: cities, history, coast, family, food
- Places in the planner: 5
County Waterford pairs Ireland's oldest city with a varied coast and mountains. Waterford City, founded by Vikings in the 9th century, preserves its Viking Triangle of towers, museums and narrow streets, and gave its name to the crystal made here.
West along the coast, the Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark runs between Tramore and Dungarvan, a shoreline of coves and cliffs shaped by old copper mining. Inland, the Comeragh Mountains offer corrie lakes and waterfalls, while the Waterford Greenway links the city to Dungarvan along an old railway line, one of Ireland's most popular walking and cycling routes. The east of the county is gentler, with Dunmore East and Tramore for seaside days and the city itself for history. Waterford also connects easily to Wexford and Kilkenny, making the southeast a natural short touring region in its own right.
Top sights in Waterford
Waterford's Viking Triangle
The historic core of Ireland's oldest city, with Reginald's Tower and museums.
Waterford Greenway
A walking and cycling trail along a former railway from Waterford City to Dungarvan.
The Copper Coast
A UNESCO Geopark coastline of cliffs, coves and mining heritage.
Comeragh Mountains
A mountain range with corrie lakes, waterfalls and quiet walking.
Dunmore East
A fishing and sailing village with coves and cliff walks east of the city.
Towns & cities in Waterford
Dunmore East
A working fishing village that doubles as a seaside resort, all harbour and headland. Dunmore East sits on the County Waterford coast.
Ardmore
Saint Declan's monastic site stands over the village: cathedral ruins, a round tower and the sea below. Ardmore is a seaside village in County Waterford.
Lismore
The castle looks down on the town and the Blackwater runs beneath it. Lismore is a heritage town in County Waterford on the river.
Dungarvan
Harbour town at the western end of the Greenway, known for food.
Tramore
Seaside resort town with a long strand west of the city.
Best time to visit
Spring to autumn suits the Greenway, Copper Coast and Comeraghs best. Waterford City is a year-round break, with festivals through the year.
Getting there
Waterford City is about two hours south of Dublin by motorway and rail. The nearest airports are Dublin and Cork, and Rosslare ferry port lies to the east in Wexford.
Places for your trip
- Waterford City: Vikings founded Ireland's oldest city here in 914, and the Viking Triangle still holds its towers and museums. Waterford stands on the River Suir.
- Waterford Crystal and Waterford Greenway: Waterford is known for its crystal glassworks, and the Waterford Greenway is a rail trail running from the city to Dungarvan.
- Dunmore East: A working fishing village that doubles as a seaside resort, all harbour and headland. Dunmore East sits on the County Waterford coast.
- Ardmore: Saint Declan's monastic site stands over the village: cathedral ruins, a round tower and the sea below. Ardmore is a seaside village in County Waterford.
- Lismore: The castle looks down on the town and the Blackwater runs beneath it. Lismore is a heritage town in County Waterford on the river.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar
Nearby counties
County Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel stands over the Golden Vale, and the Suir runs through castle towns below it. Ireland's largest inland county also reaches Lough Derg in the north.
County Wexford
The south-east claims the sunniest weather and the longest sandy beaches: Hook Head's lighthouse, Curracloe's strand and an opera town on the Slaney.
County Kilkenny
A medieval city with its castle, cathedral and lanes intact, and hurling in its blood. Beyond it the Nore and Barrow valleys settle into villages and abbey ruins.
Part of Ireland's Ancient East.