County Waterford
Sometimes called ‘The Crystal County’ because of the notoriety of the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory, Waterford County is a place of varied scenery with diverse attractions, set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and lakes of the Comeragh Range. Waterford City is distinguished as the oldest city in Ireland, with origins that date back to Viking times and monuments that have stood in its streets for more than a thousand years.
Located in the temperate southeast corner of the country, Waterford County also offers the fun and relaxation of seaside resorts and an abundance of beautiful mountain and river scenery and activities.
Visitor Attractions in Waterford
Waterford City Square Shopping CenterHoly Trinity Cathedral, Waterford City
Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford City
The Waterford Crystal Factory
Waterford Treasures Exhibition
Waterford City
Reginalds Tower, Waterford City
Passage East
Curraghmore House and Gardens
Lismore Heritage Centre, The Courthouse, Lismore
Dungarvan
Mount Melleray Abbey
Lismore Castle
Highlights
A visit to Waterford Crystal Factory, in operation since 1783, is a must for anyone traveling through the region. Tours of the famous facility demonstrate the manufacturing process, offer the facilities of an excellent visitor’s centre and display examples of the finished product, many available for sale. Avid shoppers at Waterford City Square Shopping Center can also find Waterford crystal, along with many other local treasures.
Another interesting attraction in Waterford City is the Waterford Treasures Exhibition, a multi-tiered facility that uses displays of artifacts and other media tools to authentically reproduce the history of the region from the beginnings of recorded history during the Viking Era to the present day.
True antiquity of Waterford can also be found on the quay at Waterford City, where the thousand year old Reginald’s Tower stands guard.
For those interested in the rich religious history of County Waterford, a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey should not be missed. Services are held and retreats offered at this operational monastic community founded by the Cistercian monks in the early 1800s.
Christ Church Cathedral is a well-preserved Protestant house of worship from the 18th century. It is an authentic example of the style and beauty of ecclesiastical architecture during the period. Also notable is Holy Trinity Cathedral, its Roman Catholic counterpart and the oldest Catholic cathedral in all of Ireland.
The town of Lismore is rich in heritage attractions that include exhibitions, crafts and information on regional history, including that of massive Lismore Castle, a beautifully maintained monument where unique (and rather expensive) lodging is available.
Curraghmore House and Gardens is exceptional both inside and out, and offers interesting and entertaining guided tours on a regular basis.
The smaller towns of Waterford County, including Dungarvan and Passage East, offer visitors the opportunity to explore the country and culture as well as to interact with residents in a less tourist-oriented atmosphere.
History
Human inhabitants have occupied the County Waterford area since around 7000 BC. Evidence of Stone Age settlements has been discovered locally, and artifacts from the societies of miners, gatherers and hunters that arrived in later centuries are on display in local museums.
Waterford City is thought to be even older than some Scandinavian cities, and was a functioning port at the mouth of the River Suir during the Viking Era. It prospered well into the Middle Ages after coming under Norman control.
Cromwell’s armies invaded the region in the 17th century, but the area rebounded from the attacks and many of the stylish medieval structures remain standing to this day, due to large and successful private and public restoration efforts.
The economic history of Waterford County centers around the development of the glass and crystal industry that was begun during the 18th century, and it has grown to and maintained worldwide notoriety.