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The name Waterford is derived from an old Norse word Vedrarfjiordr that can be traced back to the late 9th century.
Vedrarfjiordr is believed to be derived from either Fjord of the Rams, probably a reference to the export of sheep from the area, or more prosaically, from windy fjord. This latter meaning probably refers to Waterford as being a safe haven for Viking ships sheltering from a windy Irish Sea.
The Vikings, realising the strategic and trading importance of the three rivers which empty into Waterford Harbour, built a longphort or dock at the confluence of the St. John's River and the River Suir.
Waterford City was founded in 914 AD and developed into a significant urban area during the 10th century. Waterford
is arguably the oldest area of continuos urban settlement in Ireland. Reginald's Tower marks the site of the first defensive structure built by the Viking settlers. The Tower is mentioned in the Irish Annals as early as 1088 thus making it the oldest civic building structure on this island. In the 1080s, a Viking fleet at Waterford had become a major force in the tangled web of Irish and Welsh political intrigue when Diarmuid O'Brien, King of Munster, negotiated that the fleet go to Wales to assist Gruffydd ap Cynan to recover the Kingdom of Gwynedd in Wales.
A hundred years later it was the turn of a dispossessed Irish king to seek help from beyond the sea in order to regain his lost kingdom. Thus it was, that in 1169 a group of Anglo-Norman mercenaries landed in Wexford at the invitation of Dermot McMurrough and by 1170 they were at the walls of Waterford. After a bloody battle the city fell to Strongbow and his armour clad Anglo-Norman supporters. Strongbow was made heir to the McMurrough lands in Leinster and as previously agreed married Dermot's daughter Aoife.
Today it has a population of around 50,000 people, which nestles on Ireland's sunny south-eastern coast. County Waterford offers a dazzling coastline which features the famous Geopark known as the Copper Coast. There are beautiful river valleys, glorious mountains and attractive fishing villages are within easy reach of the city. From a visitor's perspective, Waterford is a superb holiday destination and living there offers many opportunities. The diversity of landscape in Waterford is quite remarkable.
West of Dungarvan is the wild and beautiful peninsula where the Gaeltacht an Rinn, an area where Irish is the first language spoken and children can attend summer school to improve their Irish. Further west is the historic seaside town of Ardmore, originally a 5th century monastic settlement which was founded by St. Declan in 316 AD To the southeast of Waterford City is the East Waterford Gaultier Coast, a peninsula of Anglo-Norman character, containing the seaside resort of Dunmore East, along side of which lies Cheekpoint from which a short car ferry journey can lead you into the county of Wexford.
The beautiful Comeragh Mountains form the spine of the county, while the county is bordered to the northwest by the Knockmealdown Mountains. Waterford City is the oldest city in Ireland.
Waterford was first granted a charter by King John in the year 1215 and in the centuries that followed, prospered as Ireland's chief port for European trade. The power and wealth of the local merchants was broken by the Cromwellian invasion in the 17th century and the merchants left to form emigrant communities all over Europe. The city was extended along the Quay in 1704 and an important link with Newfoundland was established. This link brought prosperity
to Waterford and a Waterford colony to Newfoundland, which still remains today. The reason why Waterford is known the world over however, is undoubtedly due to its famous Crystal industry.
The renowned handcrafted cut class of Waterford Crystal has almost become a global institution, with pieces adorning mantelpieces and coffee tables in every continent today. The Visitors Centre, which is the most popular visitor attraction, explains the evolution of glassmaking over the years and traces the history of Waterford Crystal since George and William Penrose first opened their glassmaking factory in the city in 1783. The centre features the world's largest display of Waterford Crystal and visitors can watch the skilled cutters and blowers in action. display of Waterford Crystal and visitors can watch the skilled cutters and blowers in action.
One of Waterford's principal attractions is Waterford Treasures at the Granary, which traces the history of Waterford from its Viking foundations to the 19th century. The exhibition uses modern interpretative techniques to bring the colourful history of the city to life.
Other attractions include the Lismore Heritage Centre, which imaginatively recreates the history of the town of Lismore; the Dungarvan Museum, which presents the history of Dungarvan Town through a series of displays; the Edmund Rice Centre, which commemorates the founder of the Christian Brothers; Cappoquin House and Gardens, an 18th century Georgian mansion with fine informal gardens overlooking the River Blackwater; and Ardmore Church and Round Tower, which boasts a beautifully proportioned tower built in the 12th century, rising to a height of almost 100 feet.
The county of Waterford offers many picturesque towns and villages, including Dunmore East and Passage East, both of which are well worth a visit. Dunmore East is a small fishing village with beautifully thatched houses in southeastern Waterford, which was built in the Breton style, while Passage East is an ancient port, now a tranquil fishing village, with close links to some pivotal times in Irish history
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