Located in Ireland's sunny southeast, County Waterford is a popular spot for tourists and boasts some great attractions.
Here are some fun facts about County Waterford!
"Leg shaped river"
Co Waterford is located in the province of Munster in the southeast region of Ireland. The ancient Celtic name for Waterford was “Cuan na Graí” or “The Harbor of the Sun.” The Irish name for Waterford is Port Láirge which means “leg shaped river.”
Ireland's oldest city
Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. The walled city was founded by Vikings in 914 A.D.
Ireland's royal cities
During the Norman Invasion of Ireland, King Henry II of England came to Waterford, in 1171, and declared it one of two royal cities in Ireland, the other being Dublin.
Creator of the Irish Tricolour
Waterford man Thomas Francis Meagher created the Irish Tricolour.
Waterford man Thomas Francis Meagher created the Irish Tricolour
Ireland's oldest Roman Catholic cathedral
Built in 1793, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford City is the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in Ireland. The cathedral was designed by John Roberts, who also built Waterford’s Christ Church Cathedral for the Church of Ireland. Waterford is the only city in Europe to have a Roman Catholic and Protestant Cathedral both built by the same man.
Ireland's oldest urban medieval monument
Waterford’s Reginald’s Tower, built in 1003 as part of the city wall, is the oldest and most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland.
Reginald's Tower. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Europe's fastest-flowing river
The River Suir, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Waterford, is Ireland’s third longest river, at 185 km, or 115 miles, and is Europe’s fastest-flowing river.
The River Suir is Ireland's third longest river
Historic crystal
The origins of crystal production in Waterford date back to the 18th century. The glass has become known as the finest in the world. Today, most of the Waterford Crystal produced is made outside of Ireland, in countries such as Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
House of Waterford Crystal, Master Craftsman Kenneth McEvoy Co Waterford. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The first GAA competition
The first GAA competition was held in Tramore, Co. Waterford in 1885.
Home to St. Patrick's Day
A Franciscan priest, Luke Wadding, born in Waterford in 1558, was responsible for making St Patrick’s Day a feast day and turning it into a worldwide day of celebration.
*Last updated in May 2023.
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