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{{short description|City in Munster, Ireland}}
{{About|the city in Ireland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Waterford
| native_name        = {{nativename|ga|Port Láirge}}
| settlement_type    = City
| other_name         = 
| image_skyline      = Waterford collage2.jpg
| image_caption      = From top, left to right: Waterford Marina, Holy Trinity Cathedral, [[Reginald's Tower]], a piece of [[Waterford Crystal]], Waterford City by night
| image_shield       = Waterford coa.png
| nickname           = The Déise
| motto = {{force singular}} {{langx|la|Urbs Intacta Manet Waterfordia}}<br />"Waterford remains the untaken city"
| mapsize            = 220px
| pushpin_map        = Ireland#Europe
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Ireland##Location within Europe
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| coordinates        = {{coord|52|15|24|N|7|7|45|W|region:IE|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = Ireland
| subdivision_type1  = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Munster]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[NUTS statistical regions of Ireland|Region]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Southern Region, Ireland|Southern]] [[South-East Region, Ireland|(South-East)]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Counties of Ireland|County]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[County Waterford|Waterford]]
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = 914 [[Anno Domini|AD]]
| established_title2 = City Rights
| established_date2  = 1215 [[Anno Domini|AD]]
| leader_title       = [[Local government in the Republic of Ireland|Local Authority]]
| leader_name        = [[Waterford City and County Council]]
| leader_title1      = [[Mayor of Waterford|Mayor]]
| leader_name1       = Jason Murphy ([[Fianna Fáil|FF]])
| leader_title2      = [[Local electoral area|Local Electoral Areas]]
| leader_name2       = {{bulleted list|Tramore & Waterford City West|Waterford City East|Waterford City South}}
| leader_title3      = [[Dáil constituency]]
| leader_name3       = [[Waterford (Dáil constituency)|Waterford]]
| leader_title4      = [[European Parliament constituencies in the Republic of Ireland|European Parliament]]
| leader_name4       = [[South (European Parliament constituency)|South]]
| area_footnotes     = <ref name=cso2022>{{cite web |url=https://data.cso.ie/table/F1013 |title=Census 2022 Profile 1 - Population Distribution and Movement |publisher=[[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)|Central Statistics Office]] |year=2022 |access-date=30 June 2023 }}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 50.4
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_footnotes = <ref name=cso2022/>
| population_total   = 60,079
| population_rank    = [[List of urban areas in the Republic of Ireland|5th]]
| population_as_of   = [[2022 census of Ireland|2022]]
| population_density_km2 = 1,191.7
| population_urban   = 
| population_density_urban_km2 = 
| population_metro   = 
| population_density_metro_km2 = 
| population_note    = 
| population_demonym = Waterfordian, Déisean
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland|Telephone Area Code]]
| area_code          = 051(+353 51)
| postal_code_type   = [[Eircode]] Routing Key
| postal_code        = X91
| timezone           = [[Western European Time|WET]]
| utc_offset         = ±0
| timezone_DST       = [[Irish Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset_DST     = +1
| blank_name         = [[Vehicle registration plates of Ireland|Vehicle Index<br />Mark Code]]
| blank_info         = W
| website            = {{URL|https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/}}
}}
 <!-- Infobox ends -->

'''Waterford'''{{efn|From [[Old Norse]] {{lang|non|Veðrafjǫrðr}} {{IPA|non|ˈweðrɑˌfjɒrðr̩|}}, meaning "ram (wether) fjord".}} ({{Irish place name|Port Láirge}} {{IPA|ga|pˠɔɾˠt̪ˠ ˈl̪ˠaːɾʲ(ə)ɟə|}}) is a [[City status in Ireland|city]] in [[County Waterford]] in the [[South-East Region, Ireland|south-east]] of Ireland. It is located within the [[Provinces of Ireland|province]] of [[Munster]]. The city is situated at the head of [[Waterford Harbour]]. It is the oldest<ref name="w-chamber">{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordchamber.com/index.php/about-waterford/13-about-waterford-city|title=About Waterford City|work=waterfordchamber.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021064324/http://www.waterfordchamber.com/index.php/about-waterford/13-about-waterford-city|archive-date=21 October 2013|df=dmy-all|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref><ref name=waterfordcity>[http://www.waterfordcity.ie/city/history.htm Waterford City Council : About Our City] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206040943/http://www.waterfordcity.ie/city/history.htm |date=6 December 2010 }}. Waterfordcity.ie. Retrieved on 23 July 2013.</ref> and the [[List of urban areas in the Republic of Ireland|fifth most populous]] city in the Republic of Ireland. It is the [[List of settlements on the island of Ireland by population|ninth most populous settlement]] on the island of Ireland. As of the [[2022 census of Ireland|2022 census]], 60,079 people lived in the city and its suburbs.<ref name=cso2022/>

Historically the site of a Viking settlement, Waterford's medieval defensive walls and fortifications include the 13th or 14th century [[Reginald's Tower]]. The medieval city was attacked several times, and earned the motto ''Urbs Intacta Manet'' ('The Untaken City'), after repelling one such 15th century siege. Waterford is known for its former glassmaking industry, including at the [[Waterford Crystal]] factory, with decorative glass being manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009 when the factory closed following the receivership of [[Waterford Wedgwood|Waterford Wedgwood plc]]. The Waterford Crystal visitor centre was opened, in the city's Viking Quarter, in 2010 and resumed production under new ownership. As of the 21st century, Waterford is the [[county town]] of County Waterford and the local government authority is [[Waterford City and County Council]].

==History==
{{Main|History of Waterford}}
[[File:Waterford city at night - geograph.org.uk - 1034017.jpg|thumb|left|Waterford Quay at night]]

The name 'Waterford' comes {{etymology|non|Veðrafjǫrðr|[[Sheep|ram]] (wether) [[fjord]]}}.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} The Irish name is ''Port Láirge'', meaning "Lárag's port".<ref name=McEneaney>''Discover Waterford'', by Eamon McEneaney (2001). ({{ISBN|0-86278-656-8}})</ref>

[[Viking]] raiders first established a settlement near Waterford in 853. It and all the other [[longphort]]s were vacated {{circa|902}}, the Vikings having been driven out by the native Irish. The Vikings re-established themselves in Ireland at Waterford in 914, led at first by [[Ottir Iarla]] (Jarl Ottar) until 917, and after that by [[Ragnall ua Ímair]] and the [[Uí Ímair]] dynasty, and built what would be Ireland's first city. Among the most prominent [[rulers of Waterford]] was [[Ivar of Waterford]].

In 1167, [[Diarmait Mac Murchada]], the deposed [[Kings of Leinster|King of Leinster]], failed in an attempt to take Waterford. He returned in 1170 with [[Cambro-Norman]] mercenaries under [[Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke]] (known as Strongbow); together they besieged and took the city after a desperate defence. In furtherance of the [[Norman invasion of Ireland]], King [[Henry II of England]] landed at Waterford in 1171. Waterford and then [[Dublin]] were declared royal cities, with Dublin also declared the capital of Ireland.

[[Reginald's Tower]], built after the [[Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland]] on the site of an earlier fortification and retaining its Viking name, was one of the first in Ireland to use mortar in its construction.

Throughout the medieval period, Waterford was Ireland's second city after Dublin. In the 15th century, Waterford repelled sieges by two pretenders to the English throne: [[Lambert Simnel]] and [[Perkin Warbeck]]. As a result, King [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]] gave the city its motto: ''Urbs Intacta Manet Waterfordia'' ("Waterford remains an untouched city").<ref name=waterfordcity />

After the Protestant Reformation, Waterford remained a [[Catholic]] city and participated in the [[Confederate Ireland|confederation of Kilkenny]] – an independent Catholic government from 1642 to 1649. This was ended abruptly by [[Oliver Cromwell]], who [[Cromwellian conquest of Ireland|brought the country back under English rule]]; his son-in-law [[Henry Ireton]] finally took Waterford in 1650 after a [[Siege of Waterford|two major sieges]].<ref name="NewHistory">''A New History of Cromwell's Irish Campaign'', by Philip McKeiver (2007). ({{ISBN|978-0-9554663-0-4}})</ref><ref>Discover Waterford, by Eamon McEneaney (2001). ({{ISBN|0-86278-656-8}})</ref> In 1690, during the [[Williamite War]], the [[Jacobitism|Jacobite]] [[Irish Army (Kingdom of Ireland)|Irish Army]] was [[Capture of Waterford|forced to surrender Waterford]] in the wake of the [[Battle of the Boyne]].

The 18th century was a period of huge prosperity for Waterford. Many of the city's architecturally notable buildings appeared during this time. A permanent military presence was established in the city with the completion of the [[Waterford Barracks|Cavalry Barracks]] at the end of the 18th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://waterfordvikingtriangle.com/assets/A3-Heritage-walk-map.pdf|title=Heritage Walk map|access-date=7 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208180034/http://waterfordvikingtriangle.com/assets/A3-Heritage-walk-map.pdf|archive-date=8 December 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In the early 19th century, Waterford City was deemed vulnerable and the British government erected three [[Martello tower]]s on the Hook Peninsula to reinforce the existing Fort at [[Duncannon]]. During the 19th century, industries such as glass making and ship building thrived in the city.

The city was represented in the [[Palace of Westminster|Parliament]] of the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]] from 1891 to 1918 by [[John Redmond]] [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]], leader (from January 1900) of the [[Irish Parliamentary Party]]. Redmond, then leader of the [[Charles Stuart Parnell|pro-Parnell]] faction of the party, defeated [[David Sheehy]] in 1891.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

In July 1922, Waterford was the scene of fighting between [[Irish Free State]] and [[Irish Republican]] troops during the [[Irish Civil War]].

==Politics==
===Local government===
Following the [[Local Government Reform Act 2014]], [[Waterford City and County Council]] is the local government authority for the city and county. The authority came into operation on 1 June 2014. Prior to this the city had its own local council, [[Waterford City Council]]. The new council is the result of a merger of Waterford City Council and [[Waterford County Council]]. The council has 32 representatives (councillors) who are elected from six [[local electoral area]]s. The city itself forms three of the electoral areas – which when combined form the Metropolitan District of Waterford City – and returns a total of 18 councillors to Waterford City and County Council.<ref>{{cite ISB|year=2018|type=si|number=635|name=City and County of Waterford Local Electoral Areas and Municipal Districts Order 2018|date=19 December 2018|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=23 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123155644/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2018/si/635/made/en/print|url-status=live}}</ref> The office of the [[List of rulers of Waterford|Mayor of Waterford]] was established in 1377. A mayor is elected by the councillors from the three electoral areas of the Metropolitan District of Waterford every year, and there is no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve. Mary O'Halloran, who was mayor from 2007 to 2008, was the first woman to hold the post.

===National politics===
For the [[Elections in the Republic of Ireland|elections]] to [[Dáil Éireann]], the city is part of the 4-seat constituency of [[Waterford (Dáil constituency)|Waterford]], which includes the city and county of Waterford.<ref>{{cite ISB|year=2017|number=39|schedule=y|name=[[Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2017]]|date=23 December 2017|access-date=8 August 2021}}</ref> For elections to the [[European Parliament]], the county is part of the [[South (European Parliament constituency)|South]] constituency.<ref>{{cite ISB|year=2019|number=7|section=7|stitle=Substitution of Third Schedule to Principal Act|name=European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Act 2019|date=12 March 2019|access-date=21 December 2021}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Map of Waterford.png|thumb|Map of Waterford]]

===Harbour and port===
The city is situated at the head of [[Waterford Harbour]] ({{lang|ga|Loch Dá Chaoch}} or {{lang|ga|Cuan Phort Láirge}}).<ref name=waterfordcity /> The [[River Suir]], which flows through Waterford City, has provided a basis for the city's long maritime history. The place downriver from Waterford where the [[River Nore|Nore]] and the [[River Barrow|Barrow]] join the [[River Suir]] is known in Irish as ''Cumar na dTrí Uisce'' ("The confluence of the three waters"). Waterford Port has been one of Ireland's major ports for over a millennium. In the 19th century, shipbuilding was a major industry. The owners of the Neptune Shipyard, the [[Malcomson family]], built and operated the largest fleet of iron steamers in the world between the mid-1850s and the late 1860s, including five trans-Atlantic passenger liners.<ref name=McEneaney />

===Climate===
The climate of Waterford is, like the rest of Ireland, classified as a [[maritime climate|maritime temperate climate]] (''Cfb'') according to the [[Köppen climate classification]] system. It is mild and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. The counties in the Waterford area are often referred to as the 'Sunny Southeast'. The warmest months of the year are June, July and August with average daytime high temperatures of around {{cvt|19–21|C|F}}. Rainfall is evenly distributed year-round; however, the period from October to January is considerably wetter and duller than the rest of the year.

{{Weather box|location = Waterford (Tycor), elevation: {{convert|49|m|abbr=on|disp=or}}, 1989–2019 normals, sunshine 1981-2010
| metric first = y
| single line  = y
| Jan high C = 9.1
| Feb high C = 9.5
| Mar high C = 11.2
| Apr high C = 13.3
| May high C = 16.3
| Jun high C = 18.8
| Jul high C = 20.9
| Aug high C = 20.3
| Sep high C = 18.1
| Oct high C = 14.7
| Nov high C = 11.4
| Dec high C = 9.5
| year high C = 
| Jan low C = 3.5
| Feb low C = 3.2
| Mar low C = 4.3
| Apr low C = 5.6
| May low C = 8.3
| Jun low C = 10.7
| Jul low C = 13.0
| Aug low C = 12.4
| Sep low C = 10.4
| Oct low C = 8.2
| Nov low C = 5.2
| Dec low C = 3.9
| year low C = 
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 103.2
| Feb precipitation mm = 72.9
| Mar precipitation mm = 74.8
| Apr precipitation mm = 71.8
| May precipitation mm = 63.8
| Jun precipitation mm = 71.6
| Jul precipitation mm = 62.4
| Aug precipitation mm = 78.5
| Sep precipitation mm = 79.2
| Oct precipitation mm = 116.3
| Nov precipitation mm = 108.9
| Dec precipitation mm = 108.6
| Jan precipitation days = 14
| Feb precipitation days = 11
| Mar precipitation days = 11
| Apr precipitation days = 10
| May precipitation days = 10
| Jun precipitation days = 9
| Jul precipitation days = 9
| Aug precipitation days = 10
| Sep precipitation days = 10
| Oct precipitation days = 14
| Nov precipitation days = 13
| Dec precipitation days = 16
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
|Jan sun = 60.3
|Feb sun = 75.7
|Mar sun = 114.1
|Apr sun = 173.9
|May sun = 214.9
|Jun sun = 189.9
|Jul sun = 199.5
|Aug sun = 191.1
|Sep sun = 146.1
|Oct sun = 105.5
|Nov sun = 73.3
|Dec sun = 55.2
| source 1 = [[Met Éireann]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.met.ie/climate/available-data/historical-data | title = Tycor 1989-2019 Averages, Sunshine for Rosslare 1981-2010 (closest historic station) | access-date = 8 April 2021 | archive-date = 24 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195529/https://www.met.ie/climate/available-data/historical-data | url-status = live }}</ref>
| source 2 = [[Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute|KNMI]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://eca.knmi.nl//indicesextremes/index.php | title = ECA&D, Tycor | access-date = 8 April 2021 | archive-date = 1 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190501020109/https://eca.knmi.nl/indicesextremes/index.php | url-status = dead }}</ref>
}}

===Demographics===

With a 2022 population of 60,079,<ref name=cso2022/> Waterford is the fifth most populous city in the state and the 32nd most populous area of local government.<ref>{{cite book| first=Eoghan| last=Corry| title=The GAA Book of Lists| publisher=Hodder Headline Ireland| year=2005| pages=186–191}}</ref>

The population of Waterford grew from 1,555 in 1653 to around 28,000 in the early 19th century, declining to just over 20,000 at the end of the 19th, then rising steadily to over 40,000 during the 20th century.<ref>For 1653 and 1659 figures from Civil Survey Census of those years, Paper of Mr Hardinge to Royal Irish Academy 14 March 1865.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.ie/census|title=Server Error 404 - CSO - Central Statistics Office|website=Cso.ie|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920090814/http://cso.ie/census|archive-date=20 September 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.histpop.org|title=Histpop.org|website=Histpop.org|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507023856/http://www.histpop.org/|archive-date=7 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census|title=Home|website=Nisranew.nisraa.gov.uk|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217095720/http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census|archive-date=17 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| last=Lee
| first=JJ
| editor-last=Goldstrom
| editor-first=J. M.
| editor2-last=Clarkson
| editor2-first=L. A.
| title=Irish Population, Economy, and Society: Essays in Honour of the Late K. H. Connell
| year=1981
| publisher=Clarendon Press
| location=Oxford, England
| chapter=On the accuracy of the Pre-famine Irish censuses
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| last1 = Mokyr
| first1 = Joel
| author-link = Joel Mokyr
| last2 = O Grada
| first2 = Cormac
| title = New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850
| journal = The Economic History Review
| volume = 37
| issue = 4
| pages = 473–488
|date=November 1984
| url = http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120035880/abstract
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20121204160709/http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120035880/abstract
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 2012-12-04
| doi = 10.1111/j.1468-0289.1984.tb00344.x
| hdl = 10197/1406
| hdl-access = free
}}</ref> By the time of the [[2016 census of Ireland|2016 census]], Waterford city and suburbs had a population of 53,504 and the broader metropolitan area a population of 59,854.<ref>{{cite report| url = https://www.southernassembly.ie/uploads/general-files/Waterford_Southern_Regional_Assembly_MASP_Report_Waterford_v2.pdf | publisher = Southern Regional Assembly | website = southernassembly.ie | title = Waterford Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan | date = 2020 | pages = 5, 6 | quote = [Waterford] City and suburbs have since expanded to a population of 53,504 [..] The Waterford Metropolitan Area recorded a population of 59,854 in the 2016 Census [..] }}</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:Swans at scotch Quay, Waterford.jpg|thumb|upright|Scotch Quay]]

===Arts===
Theatre companies in Waterford include the Red Kettle, Spraoi and Waterford Youth Arts companies. Red Kettle is a professional theatre company, founded by Waterford playwright [[Jim Nolan (theatre director)|Jim Nolan]],<ref>[http://aosdana.artscouncil.ie/Members/Literature/Nolan-%281%29.aspx?Cnuas=1 Jim Nolan – Current Member | Aosdana] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109095951/http://aosdana.artscouncil.ie/Members/Literature/Nolan-(1).aspx?Cnuas=1 |date=9 November 2011 }}. Aosdana.artscouncil.ie. Retrieved on 23 July 2013.</ref> that regularly performs in Garter Lane Theatre. Spraoi is a street theatre company based in Waterford.<ref name="Spraoi Official Homepage">{{cite web|url=http://www.spraoi.com|title=Home – Spraoi|work=Spraoi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113215735/http://www.spraoi.com/|archive-date=13 January 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>  It produces the [[Spraoi|Spraoi festival]] and has participated regularly in the Waterford and Dublin St. Patrick's day parades. In January 2005 the company staged "Awakening", a production which marked the opening of the Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture program. Waterford Youth Arts (WYA),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordyoutharts.com/|title=Waterford Youth Arts in Waterford, Ireland|work=waterfordyoutharts.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230093628/http://www.waterfordyoutharts.com/|archive-date=30 December 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref> formerly known as Waterford Youth Drama, was established in August 1985. The [[Theatre Royal Waterford]] dates back to 1785.

There are four public libraries in the city, all operated by [[Waterford City and County Council]]: Central Library, in Lady Lane; Ardkeen Library, in the Ardkeen shopping centre on the Dunmore Road; Carrickphierish Library in Gracedieu,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Express |first=Munster |date=2018-03-16 |title=Community Campus Opens at Carrickpherish |url=https://www.munster-express.ie/community-notes/community-campus-opens-at-carrickpherish/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=The Munster Express |language=en-US}}</ref> and Brown's Road Library, on Paddy Brown's Road. Waterford Council operates eight further library branches through the county.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

Central Library, or [[Waterford City Library]], opened in 1905. It was the first of many Irish libraries funded by businessman [[Andrew Carnegie]] and renovated in 2004 for its centenary. The library is built over Lady's Gate, part of the medieval city walls of the city.

Waterford Film For All (WFFA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordfilmforall.com/|title=WFFA – Waterford Film For All|website=Waterfordfilmforall.com|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525101057/http://www.waterfordfilmforall.com/|archive-date=25 May 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is a non-profit film society, operating primarily from the [[Waterford Institute of Technology]] (WIT) campus, whose aim is to offer an alternative to the cineplex experience in Waterford.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

The Waterford Collection of Art, formerly known as the Waterford Municipal Art Collection, is one of the oldest municipal collections of art in Ireland. Originally founded as the Waterford Art Museum in 1939, the collection now comprises over 500 works of art including works by: [[Paul Henry (painter)|Paul Henry]], [[Jack Butler Yeats|Jack B. Yeats]], [[Mainie Jellett]], [[Louis le Brocquy|Louis Le Brocquy]], [[Letitia Marion Hamilton|Letitia Hamilton]], [[Dermod O'Brien|Dermod O’Brien]], [[Evie Hone]], [[Mary Swanzy]], [[Charles Lamb (painter)|Charles Lamb]], [[Hilda Roberts]], [[Seán Keating]], and [[George William Russell|George Russell]] (aka. AE).{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

Greyfriars Church, a disused Methodist church, was purchased by Waterford Corporation in 1988 and refurbished into a museum and gallery.<ref name="RTÉ Archives 2018 b560">{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Michael |title=RTÉ Archives - Viking and Norman Finds - 1988 | publisher=[[RTÉ]] | date=23 April 2018 | url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0423/956572-waterford-heritage-centre/ | access-date=February 16, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Buildings of Ireland o436">{{cite web | title=Waterford Methodist Church, Greyfriars, Waterford City | website=buildingsofireland.ie | publisher = National Inventory of Architectural Heritage | url=https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/22504099/greyfriars-church-greyfriars-waterford-city-waterford-waterford | access-date=16 February 2024}}</ref>

===Events===
[[File:Tall-ships-waterford.jpg|thumb|Tall Ships lined up on the quays in Waterford for the festival]]
* The [[Waterford Film Festival]] was established in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordfilmfestival.net|title=Home|website=Waterford Film Festival|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930115421/http://www.waterfordfilmfestival.net/|archive-date=30 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> celebrating its tenth year in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNeice|first1=Katie|title=Waterford Film Festival Announce 2016 Winners|url=http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4289882&tpl=archnews&force=1|accessdate=10 May 2017|work=Irish Film & Television Network|date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
* ''Waterford Music Fest'', launched in 2011, is an outdoor, one-day music event which takes place in the city during the summer. In 2011, Waterford Music Fest was headlined by [[50 Cent]], [[Flo Rida]] and G-Unit and was attended by over 10,000 people.<ref>[http://www.munster-express.ie/entertainment/music/10000-tickets-sold-for-waterford-music-fest-2011/ 10,000 tickets sold for Waterford Music Fest 2011] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026174459/http://www.munster-express.ie/entertainment/music/10000-tickets-sold-for-waterford-music-fest-2011/ |date=26 October 2011 }}. ''Munster Express Online'' (29 July 2011). Retrieved on 23 July 2013.</ref>
* ''Spraoi'' festival, (pronounced 'Spree')<ref name="Spraoi Official Homepage"/> organised by the Spraoi Theatre Company, is a street art festival which takes place in the city centre on the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Previous events have attracted audiences in excess of 80,000 people to the city.
* ''Waterford International Festival of Light Opera''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordfestival.com/|title=Waterford Festival|work=waterfordfestival.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110225027/http://www.waterfordfestival.com/|archive-date=10 January 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is an annual event that has been held in the Theatre Royal since 1959. Also known as the Waterford International Festival of Music, it takes place in November.<ref>[http://www.waterfordintlmusicfestival.com/ Waterford International Music Festival | May 1 – 13 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207104745/http://waterfordintlmusicfestival.com/ |date=7 February 2011 }}. Waterfordintlmusicfestival.com. Retrieved on 23 July 2013.</ref>
* Waterford hosted the [[Tall Ships Races|Tall Ships Festival]] in 2005 and 2011.<ref>[http://www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie/ Tall Ships Race 2011, Waterford Tall Ships Festival Ireland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213100713/http://www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie/ |date=13 February 2010 }}. Waterfordtallshipsrace.ie (3 July 2011). Retrieved on 23 July 2013.</ref> The 2005 festival attracted over 400,000 people to the city.<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacSweeney |first=Tom |last2=Ryan |first2=Eoin |date=2005-08-01 |title=Tall Ships Race 2005 |url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2015/0801/718290-tall-ships-waterford/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |work=RTE}}</ref>
* St. Patrick's Day parade takes place annually on 17 March.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-12 |title=Waterford set to host Ireland's largest virtual St Patrick's Day parade |url=https://www.waterfordlive.ie/news/fun---games/609606/waterford-set-to-host-irelands-largest-virtual-st-patricks-day-parade.html |access-date=2025-03-11 |work=Waterfordlive}}</ref>
* Arts festivals which take place in the city include the ''Imagine Arts Festival''<ref>[http://www.discoverwaterfordcity.ie/events.php?categoryid=imagine Imagine Arts Festival, Waterford Ireland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007203224/http://www.discoverwaterfordcity.ie/events.php?categoryid=imagine |date=7 October 2011 }}. Discoverwaterfordcity.ie. Retrieved on 23 July 2013.</ref> in October and ''The Fringe Arts Festival'' in September.
* ''Waterford Winterval'' an annual Christmas festival held in the city centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winterval.ie/|title=Waterford Winterval – Ireland's Christmas Festival|work=winterval.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113145718/http://www.winterval.ie/|archive-date=13 November 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* ''Waterford Walls'' is an event celebrating [[street art]] annually each August since 2014. Street artists both domestic and international are invited to the city to practise and display their craft.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tipton |first=Gemma |date=17 August 2015 |title=Waterford Walls: graffiti artists paint the city out of a corner |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/visual-art/waterford-walls-graffiti-artists-paint-the-city-out-of-a-corner-1.2317139 |work=[[Irish Times]] |location= |access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kane |first=Conor |date=24 August 2020 |title=Street art festival brightens up Waterford's walls  |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0824/1161006-waterford-walls/ |work=[[RTÉ News]] |location= |access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref>

===Public buildings===
* [[Waterford Museum of Treasures]], forming the hub of the [[Waterford Viking Triangle|Viking Triangle]], previously housed in the Granary on Merchant's Quay, is now accommodated in two museums on the Mall. The first is housed in the 19th-century Bishop's Palace, on the Mall, which holds items from 1700 to 1970. This was opened in June 2011. The second museum is located next to Bishop's Palace displaying the Medieval history of the city as well as the Chorister's Hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/|title=Waterford Museum of Treasures in Ireland's Oldest City – Waterford Treasures|work=waterfordtreasures.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519062152/http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/|archive-date=19 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Reginald's Tower, the oldest urban civic building in the country and the oldest monument to retain its Viking name, is situated on the Quays/The Mall, in Waterford. It has performed numerous functions over the years and today is a civic museum.
* A museum at Mount Sion (Barrack Street) is dedicated to the story of Brother [[Edmund Ignatius Rice]] and the history of the [[Congregation of Christian Brothers|Christian Brothers]] and [[Presentation Brothers]]. Along with the museum, there is a café and a new chapel. The new museum was designed by Janvs Design<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janvs.com/|title=Janvs – Award winning designers of museums, galleries and heritage centres|work=janvs.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211003356/http://janvs.com/|archive-date=11 December 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* '''Waterford Gallery of Art''', the home of the Waterford Art Collection, is located at 31-32 O’Connell Street. This former bank building was built in 1845 and now serves as a facility comprising galleries, outreach spaces, offices, and meeting and workshop rooms. The building was designed by the Waterford-born architect [[Thomas Jackson (architect)|Thomas Jackson]] (1807 - 1890). Architecturally, this classical style bank building retains many of its original features and has fine cut-stone detailing throughout, including at the main entrance, stairs and first-floor fireplace.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* '''The Theatre Royal'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theatreroyalwaterford.com|title=Theatre Royal – Entertainment in Waterford, Ireland|work=theatreroyalwaterford.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051208043839/http://www.theatreroyalwaterford.com/|archive-date=8 December 2005|df=dmy-all|access-date=2 May 2018}}</ref> on The Mall, was built in 1876, as part of a remodelled section of City Hall. It is a U-shaped, Victorian theatre, seating about 600 people.
* '''Garter Lane Arts Centre'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.garterlane.ie/|title=Entertainment in Waterford, theatre, movies, music, Garter Lane Arts Centre|work=garterlane.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220161130/http://www.garterlane.ie/|archive-date=20 February 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is housed in two conserved 18th-century buildings on O'Connell Street. Garter Lane Gallery, the 18th-century townhouse of Samuel Barker contains the gallery and the Bausch & Lomb Dance Studio, and Garter Lane Theatre is based in the Quaker Meeting House, built in 1792. The theatre was renovated and restored in 2006 and now contains a 164-seat auditorium.
* '''[[St. John's College, Waterford]]''' was a Catholic seminary founded in 1807 for the diocese, in the 1830s the college established a mission to Newfoundland in Canada. It closed as a seminary in 1999 and in 2007 much of its building and lands were sold to the [[Respond!]] Housing Association.<ref>[http://www.munster-express.ie/local-news/st-johns-college-sold-to-respond/ St John’s College sold to Respond By Jamie O’Keeffe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503102703/http://www.munster-express.ie/local-news/st-johns-college-sold-to-respond/ |date=3 May 2012 }} Munster Express, Published on Friday, 20 April 2007 at 12:00 pm</ref>

===Religion===
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Christian churches in Waterford include the [[Catholic]] [[Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford|Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity]], the former Franciscan friary of [[French Church, Waterford|French Church]], St Saviour's (Dominican) Church and Priory on Bridge Street,<ref>[https://dominicans.ie/about/communities/st-saviours-waterford/ St Saviours Church, Waterford], Waterford Dominican Community, www.dominicans.ie</ref> and [[St Patrick's Catholic Church, Waterford|St Patrick's Catholic Church]] on Jenkin's Lane, which is one of the earliest surviving post-Reformation churches in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/22501489/saint-patricks-catholic-church-great-georges-street-jenkins-lane-waterford-city-waterford-waterford |title=Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, Great George's Street, Jenkin's Lane, WATERFORD CITY, Waterford, WATERFORD |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=www.buildingsofireland.ie |publisher=Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |access-date=4 September 2022}}</ref> [[Church of Ireland]] places of worship include [[Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford|Christ Church Cathedral]]<ref>[https://www.christchurchwaterford.com/ Christ Church Waterford] (Church of Ireland).</ref> and Saint Olave's Church on Peter Street (a Medieval church). [[Methodist]] churches include St Patrick’s Methodist Church<ref>[https://www.methodistchurchwaterford.com/ St Patrick's Methodist Church], Methodist Church Waterford</ref> and Waterford Methodist Church.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Other Christian denominations include Waterford Baptist Church,<ref>[http://www.waterfordbaptist.ie/ Waterford Baptist Church]</ref> Anchor Baptist Church,<ref>[https://www.anchorbaptistchurch.ie/ Anchor Baptist Church, Waterford]</ref> the Waterford Quaker Meeting House (Newtown Road),<ref>[https://waterfordquakers.org/ Waterford Quakers]</ref> and the Russian Orthodox Parish of St Patrick.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

==Media==

[[RTÉ]]s southeastern studio is in the city.

[[WLR FM|Waterford Local Radio (WLR FM)]] is available on 94.8FM on the Coast, 95.1FM in the County and on 97.5FM in Waterford City. WLR FM is Waterford's local radio station. [[Beat 102 103]] is a regional youth radio station broadcasting across the South East of Ireland, it is based in Ardkeen, along with sister station WLR FM.

The ''[[Waterford News & Star]]'' is based on Gladstone Street in Waterford City. It covers Waterford city and county. It is now published in tabloid format.

''[[The Munster Express]]'' has its office on the Quay in Waterford City and covers stories from across the city and county. It switched to tabloid format in 2011.

Local [[Free newspaper|free sheets]] include the ''Waterford Mail'' (which comes out on Thursdays and has an office on O'Connell Street) and ''Waterford Today'' (an advertising-supported free newspaper which is published on Wednesdays and has an office on Mayors Walk).{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

==Places of interest==
[[File:Tower in Waterford.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Reginald's Tower]]]]

The city of Waterford consists of several cultural quarters, the oldest of which is known as [[Waterford Viking Triangle|Viking Triangle]]. This is the part of the city surrounded by the original tenth-century fortifications and is triangular in shape, with its apex at Reginald's Tower. Though once the site of a thriving Viking settlement, the city centre subsequently shifted to the west, and it is now a quieter area with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and civic spaces.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

In the 15th century, the city was enlarged with the building of an outer wall on the west side. Today Waterford retains more of its city walls than any other city in Ireland with the exception of [[Derry]], whose walls were built much later. Tours of Waterford's city walls are conducted daily.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

The Quay, once termed by historian [[Mark Girouard]] as 'the noblest quay in Europe', is a mile long from Grattan Quay to Adelphi Quay, though Adelphi Quay is now a residential area. Near Reginald's Tower is the [[William Vincent Wallace]] Plaza, a monument and amenity built around the [[Millennium celebrations|time of the millennium]] that commemorates the Waterford-born composer.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

John Roberts Square is a pedestrianised area that is one of the focal points of Waterford's modern-day commercial centre.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} It was named after the Waterford architect, [[John Roberts (architect)|John Roberts]], and was formed from the junction of Barronstrand Street, Broad Street and George's Street. It is often referred to locally as Red Square, due to the red paving that was used when the area was first pedestrianised. A short distance to the east of John Roberts Square is Arundel Square, which the City Square shopping centre opens onto.

Ballybricken, in the west, just outside the city walls, is thought to have been Waterford's Irishtown,{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} a type of settlement that often formed outside Irish cities to house the Vikings and Irish that had been expelled during the [[Norman invasion of Ireland]]. Modern street names in the area reflect the fact that the area was where inhabitants of the medieval city practised archery.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Halpin|first=Andrew|date=2021|title=The Long and the short of it: the untold story of Waterford's medieval archery butts.|journal=Archaeology Ireland|volume=35|pages=30–35}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bradley|first=H.F.|date=1992|title=The topographical development of Scandinavian and Anglo-Norman Waterford|journal=Waterford History and Society|pages=105–29}}</ref> Ballybricken is an inner-city neighbourhood centred around Ballybricken hill, which was a large, open market-square. Today it has been converted into a green, civic space, but the Bull Post, where livestock was once bought and sold, still stands as a remnant of the hill's past.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

[[File:Waterfordcathedral.jpg|thumb|Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on Barronstrand Street]]

The Mall is a Georgian thoroughfare, built by the Wide Streets Commission to extend the city southwards. It contains some of the city's finest Georgian architecture.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} The [[People's Park (Waterford)|People's Park]], Waterford's largest park, is located nearby.

Once a historic market area, the city's Apple Market district is known for its nightlife culture and includes a number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} Investment in the mid-2010s saw a portion of the area pedestrianised and the installation of a large outdoor roofing section.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/Ireland/waterfords-apple-market-transformed-into-contemporary-urban-quarter |title=Waterford's Apple Market transformed into contemporary urban quarter |access-date=24 August 2021 |archive-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824142818/https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/Ireland/waterfords-apple-market-transformed-into-contemporary-urban-quarter |url-status=live }}</ref>

Ferrybank, in [[County Waterford]], is Waterford's only suburb north of the river. It contains a village centre of its own.

In April 2003, a site combining a fifth-century [[Iron Age]] and ninth-century [[Viking]] settlement was discovered at [[Woodstown]] near the city, which appears to have been a Viking town that predates all such settlements in Ireland.<ref>[http://www.vikingwaterford.com/ 9th Century Settlement found at Woodstown] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218104315/http://vikingwaterford.com/ |date=18 December 2014 }} – vikingwaterford.com</ref>

Waterford is known for [[Waterford Crystal]], a legacy of the city's former glass-making industry. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009 when the factory there was shut down after the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood plc.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2009-01-30-waterford-sit-in_N.htm|title=Waterford Crystal closed amid crippling debts|website=Usatoday.com|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623165903/http://www.usatoday.com/money/world/2009-01-30-waterford-sit-in_N.htm|archive-date=23 June 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A new Waterford Crystal visitor centre in the Viking Quarter, under new owners, opened in June 2010, after the intervention of Waterford City Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and resumed production.<ref>{{cite news|title=Waterford Crystal visitor centre opens|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0611/1224272270351.html|newspaper=Irish Times|date=6 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023040955/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0611/1224272270351.html|archive-date=23 October 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Waterford's oldest public house (pub) is located outside the old 'Viking Triangle'. T & H Doolan's, of 31/32 George's Street, has acted as a licensed premises since the 18th century but the premises is believed to be closer to five hundred years in age.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} The pub's structure includes one of the original city walls, almost 1,000 years old, which can be viewed in the lounge area of the building.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
{{Clear}}

==Economy==
Waterford is the main city of Ireland's [[South-East Region, Ireland|South-East Region]]. Historically Waterford was an important trading port which brought much prosperity to the city throughout the city's eventful history. Throughout its history, Waterford Crystal provided employment to thousands in the city and surrounding areas.

Waterford Port is Ireland's closest deep-water port to mainland Europe, handling approximately 12% of Ireland's external trade by value.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.waterfordcity.ie/documents/reports/WCDB%20Strategy%202002-2012.pdf |title=Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development of Waterford City 2002-2012 |access-date=2012-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205744/http://www.waterfordcity.ie/documents/reports/WCDB%20Strategy%202002-2012.pdf |archive-date=12 August 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Waterford's most famous export, [[Waterford Crystal]], was manufactured in the city from 1783 to 1851, 1947 to 2009 and again from 2010 to the present day. Places, where Waterford Crystal can be seen, include New York City, where Waterford Crystal made the 2,668 crystals for the New Year's Eve Ball that is dropped each year in [[Times Square]]; [[Westminster Abbey]]; [[Windsor Castle]]; and the [[Kennedy Center]] ([[Washington, DC]]).<ref>Beeson, Trevor (2002). Priests And Prelates: The Daily Telegraph Clerical Obituaries. London: Continuum Books. pp. 4–5; {{ISBN|0-8264-6337-1}}</ref><ref>Morris, Shirley (April 2007). Interior Decoration – A Complete Course. Global Media. pg. 105; {{ISBN|81-89940-65-1}}</ref>

Agriculture played an important part in Waterford's economic history. [[Kilmeadan]], about 5&nbsp;km from the city, was home to a very successful [[co-operative]]. The farmers of the area benefited from the sale of their produce (mostly [[butter]] and [[milk]]) to the co-op. In 1964, all of the co-ops in Waterford amalgamated to become Waterford Co-op. This led to the construction of a [[cheese]] factory on a greenfield site opposite the general store, and Kilmeadan cheese was to become one of the most recognised and successful [[Cheddar cheese|Cheddar]] brands in the world, winning gold and bronze medals in the World Cheese Awards in London in 2005.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

The Irish economic recession from 2008 onwards has had a major negative impact on Waterford's economy. A number of multinational companies have closed, including Waterford Crystal (which subsequently reopened) and Talk Talk, which has led to a high level of unemployment. Until 2013 the [[hedge fund]] office of the [[Citibank]] resided here.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/citi-bank-waterford-job-losses-910614-May2013|title=50 jobs lost as Citi Bank announce Waterford office closure|first=Christina|last=Finn|website=Thejournal.ie|access-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002022108/http://www.thejournal.ie/citi-bank-waterford-job-losses-910614-May2013/|archive-date=2 October 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Waterford Co-op and Avonmore Co-op have merged to form Glanbia plc.<ref>{{Cite book|title=21st Century Business Revised Edition|last=Murphy|first=William|publisher=CJ Fallon|year=2014|isbn=978-0-7144-1923-7|location=Dublin |page=437}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{Main|Transport in Waterford}}

The [[M9 motorway (Ireland)|M9 motorway]], which was completed on 9 September 2010, connects the city to [[Dublin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishmotorwayinfo.com/inex/roads/m9/m9.html|title=M9 Motorway|author=Irish Motorway Info|work=irishmotorwayinfo.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721075015/http://www.irishmotorwayinfo.com/inex/roads/m9/m9.html|archive-date=21 July 2015|df=dmy-all|access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref> The [[N24 road (Ireland)|N24 road]] connects the city to [[Limerick]] city. The [[N25 road (Ireland)|N25 road]] connects the city to [[Cork (city)|Cork city]]. The route traverses the [[River Suir]] via the [[River Suir Bridge]]. This [[cable-stayed bridge]] is the longest single bridge span in Ireland at 230m. The route continues eastwards to [[Rosslare Harbour]].

[[Waterford Plunkett railway station]] is the only remaining railway station in the county of Waterford. It is operated by [[Iarnród Éireann]] and provides 8 daily return services to [[Dublin Heuston railway station|Dublin]] and a Monday–Saturday Intercity service to {{rws|Limerick Junction}} via {{rws|Clonmel}} with onward connections to {{rws|Limerick}}, {{rws|Ennis}}, {{rws|Athenry}}, {{rws|Galway}}, [[Cork Kent railway station|Cork]], {{rws|Killarney}}, and {{rws|Tralee}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishrail.ie/media/04-DublinWaterford2807131.pdf |title=04 - Dublin Waterford |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819022441/http://www.irishrail.ie/media/04-DublinWaterford2807131.pdf |archive-date=19 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishrail.ie/media/12-WaterfordLimerick2807131.pdf |title=12 - Waterford Limerick |access-date=2013-08-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818053651/http://www.irishrail.ie/media/12-WaterfordLimerick2807131.pdf |archive-date=18 August 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The line between Waterford and [[Rosslare Harbour]] ceased passenger services in 2010 and was replaced by [[Bus Éireann]] route 370. The station is directly connected to Waterford Port (Belview). A freight yard is located at the Dublin/Limerick end of the station, served by freight traffic such as cargo freight and timber which travel to and from [[Dublin Port]] and {{rws|Ballina}}. In November 2016 it was revealed the Waterford could lose its connection to Limerick Junction by 2018 with the closure of the Limerick Junction Waterford line by CIE/IE to save money as the line is low demand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/151116_2016_Rail_Review_Report_Complete_Online.pdf|title=Rail Review 2016 REPORT|website=Nationaltransport.ie|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=17 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917033414/https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/151116_2016_Rail_Review_Report_Complete_Online.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 May 2018 the contract held by DFDS for a freight service from Ballina to Belview Port expired and was not renewed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2018/0528/966660-waterford-port/|title=Waterford port freight train contract ceases|last=Tiernan|first=Damien|date=28 May 2018|work=[[RTÉ News and Current Affairs]]|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529053417/https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2018/0528/966660-waterford-port/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021 a new Ballina to Waterford (Belview) by Iarnród Éireann and XPO Logistics, (this is in addition to the wood pulp service from Ballina and Westport).<ref>[https://waterford-news.ie/2021/09/29/new-belview-ballina-rail-freight-service-rolls-out/ NEW BELVIEW-BALLINA RAIL FREIGHT SERVICE ROLLS OUT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309222953/https://waterford-news.ie/2021/09/29/new-belview-ballina-rail-freight-service-rolls-out/ |date=9 March 2022 }} Waterford News, September 29, 2021.</ref>

[[Bus Éireann]], [[JJ Kavanagh and Sons]], Dublin Coach, and Wexford Bus provide bus services around the city centre and to other towns and cities in Ireland.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AWAsuiRa5msC&pg=PT286|page=286|title=Fodor's Dublin and Southeastern Ireland|author=Fodor|publisher=Fodor's Travel|date=29 Mar 2011|isbn=9780307928283|access-date=2 June 2020|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924220823/https://books.google.com/books?id=AWAsuiRa5msC&pg=PT286|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JkJtDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT281|page=281|title=Fodor's Essential Ireland 2019|author=Fodor|publisher=Fodor's Travel Guides|date=2019|isbn=9781640970571|access-date=2 June 2020|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924220824/https://books.google.com/books?id=JkJtDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT281|url-status=live}}</ref> A daily coach service to England via South Wales and terminating at [[Victoria Coach Station]], London is operated by [[Eurolines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=250#Tralee_-_Cork_-_Waterford_-_London|title=Kerry Airport|work=buseireann.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617071319/http://buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=250#Tralee_-_Cork_-_Waterford_-_London|archive-date=17 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> All regional bus services depart from [[Waterford Bus Station]] on the quay, and city centre services run throughout the city. Planning for [[bus lanes]] in the city centre are at an early stage and bus lanes will be on Parnell Street, Manor Street, The Mall, and the South Quays.  A bus lane will be in each direction.  On street parking will be removed from Parnell Street to facilitate the lanes. This is part of the city centre green plan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.waterford-today.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4245&Itemid=10359&ed=413 |title=Waterford Today |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170351/http://www.waterford-today.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4245&Itemid=10359&ed=413 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The [[Waterford Greenway]] is Ireland's longest greenway, and connects the city with [[Mount Congreve]], [[Kilmeaden]], [[Kilmacthomas]], and [[Dungarvan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ireland's longest greenway opens in Waterford|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2017/0325/862541-greenway-waterford-dungarvan/|publisher=[[RTÉ News and Current Affairs|RTÉ News]]|date=March 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326172220/http://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2017/0325/862541-greenway-waterford-dungarvan/|archive-date=26 March 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[Waterford Airport]] is located 9&nbsp;km outside the city centre. Waterford was the "starting point" of one of the largest airlines by scheduled international passengers, [[Ryanair]], which operated its first flight on a 14-seat [[Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante|Embraer Bandeirante]] [[turboprop]] aircraft, between Waterford and [[Gatwick Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://airlineworld.wordpress.com/2007/10/04/tony-ryan-founder-of-ryanair-passes-away/ |title=Tony Ryan Obituary |website=Airlineworld.wordpress.com |date=4 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110812175229/http://airlineworld.wordpress.com/2007/10/04/tony-ryan-founder-of-ryanair-passes-away/ |archive-date=12 August 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> {{As of|2025}}, there are no scheduled commercial flights to the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelleher |first=Eoin |date=8 July 2025 |title=Waterford Airport in 'limbo' as Government demands revised business case for €12 million |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/waterford/news/waterford-airport-in-limbo-as-government-demands-revised-business-case-for-12-million/a1607646934.html |access-date=1 August 2025 |website=www.independent.ie |language=en}}</ref>

==Education==

The city is served by 21 primary schools,<ref>[http://www.educationireland.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=85 Primary Schools in Waterford City] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119031829/http://www.educationireland.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=85 |date=19 November 2007 }} – Education Ireland</ref> nine secondary schools,<ref>[http://www.educationireland.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=149 Secondary Schools in Waterford City] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119002914/http://www.educationireland.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=149 |date=19 November 2007 }} – Education Ireland</ref> a further education college and a university.

===Secondary schools===
There are several secondary schools in the area. Mount Sion Secondary and Primary School, located at Barrack Street, were founded by Edmund Ignatius Rice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mountsion.ie/|title=Mount Sion School Waterford Ireland |work=mountsion.ie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708230455/http://www.mountsion.ie/|archive-date=8 July 2012|df=dmy-all|access-date=1 October 2011}}</ref> [[Newtown School, Waterford|Newtown School]] is a Quaker co-educational boarding school. [[Waterpark College]] was established in 1892 on the banks of the River Suir as Waterford's first classical school. It still provides a secondary education and has recently become a co-educational school.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}  [[De La Salle College Waterford|De La Salle College]], a secondary school with 1,200 students and over 90 staff, is the biggest all-boys school in the county. Founded by the De La Salle brothers in 1892, it is a Catholic school for boys.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delasallewaterford.com|title=De La Salle College Waterford|work=delasallewaterford.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222020557/http://www.delasallewaterford.com/|archive-date=22 December 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Today its large staff is made up of a mixture of Brothers and lay teachers. St. Angela's Secondary School is a Catholic all-girls school with approximately 970 students enrolled as of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Directory Page - St Angela's Secondary School |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/directory/page/kzlht1-msq9tk-/ |website=gov.ie | publisher = Department of Education | accessdate = 5 November 2023 | date = 4 November 2023 }}</ref>

[[File:Waterford Institute of Technology and its car park - geograph.org.uk - 1477319.jpg|thumb|South East Technological University, Waterford campus]]

===Further education===
[[Waterford College of Further Education]] previously called the Central Technical Institute (CTI), is a Post Leaving Certificate institute located on Parnell Street, Waterford city. It was founded in 1906 and thus celebrated its centenary in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wcfe.ie/|title=Welcome to Waterford College of Further Education|work=wcfe.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313012324/http://www.wcfe.ie/|archive-date=13 March 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===University===
[[South East Technological University]] - the Waterford campus of the university is located in the city. This was established in 2022 from a merger of [[Waterford Institute of Technology]] and [[Institute of Technology, Carlow]].<ref>{{cite tweet |user=SimonHarrisTD |number=1455566365822267395 |date=2 November 2021 |author-link=Simon Harris |author=Simon Harris TD |title=After years of debate and discussion, hard work by so many, today we announce a Technological University for the South East. This is a major moment for access to higher education in the region & transformational for future generations}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40735389.html |title=Merger of Waterford and Carlow ITs into Technological University for South-East confirmed|first=Steven|last=Heaney|date=2 November 2021 |website=[[IrishExaminer.com]]}}</ref>

==Sport==
[[File:Waterford Boat Club (8401799848).jpg|thumb|right|Waterford Boat Club, c.1915]]

Waterford Boat Club is the oldest active sports club in Waterford, established in 1878.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waterfordboatclub.net/history.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150117165324/http://www.waterfordboatclub.net/history.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-01-17|title=Waterfordboatclub.net}}</ref> Located on Scotch Quay, the club competes in the Irish Rowing Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rowingireland.ie/irish-rowing-championships/|title=Irish Rowing Championships|work=rowingireland.ie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218111303/http://www.rowingireland.ie/irish-rowing-championships/|archive-date=18 December 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2009, several Waterford rowers were selected to row for Ireland.

There are three athletics clubs: West Waterford AC, Waterford Athletic Club and Ferrybank Athletic Club. The Waterford Viking Marathon is held in June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com/|title=Waterford Viking Marathon 2015, Saturday June 27th|work=waterfordvikingmarathon.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102161419/http://waterfordvikingmarathon.com/|archive-date=2 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> St. Anne's Waterford Lawn Tennis Club, established in 1954, is the result of the amalgamation of Waterford Lawn Tennis Club and St. Anne's Lawn Tennis Club. It has nine courts to cater for social and competitive players in all age groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stannestennis.com/|title=St Anne's Tennis Club :: Home|website=www.stannestennis.com|access-date=2 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326091939/http://stannestennis.com/|archive-date=26 March 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Waterford is home to several [[List of association football clubs in the Republic of Ireland|association football clubs]], including [[Waterford F.C.|Waterford FC]], [[Benfica W.S.C.]] and [[Johnville F.C. (Waterford)|Johnville F.C.]] Waterford F.C. is a member of the [[League of Ireland]]. Notable Waterford footballers include [[Davy Walsh]], [[Paddy Coad]], [[Jim Beglin]], [[Alfie Hale]], [[Eddie Nolan]], [[John O'Shea]] and [[Daryl Murphy]]. [[John Delaney (football administrator)|John Delaney]], former chief executive of the [[Football Association of Ireland]], is originally from Waterford.

There are two rugby union clubs in Waterford City: Waterford City R.F.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/WaterfordCityRugbyClub|title=Waterford City Rugby Club|work=facebook.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506010748/https://www.facebook.com/WaterfordCityRugbyClub|archive-date=6 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and Waterpark R.F.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waterparkrfc.com/|title=Waterpark Rugby Football Club|work=waterparkrfc.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218124050/http://waterparkrfc.com/|archive-date=18 December 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Other team sports include [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] with clubs such as [[Mount Sion GAA]], [[Erin's Own GAA (Waterford)|Erin's Own GAA]], [[De La Salle GAA]], [[Roanmore GAA]], [[Ferrybank GAA]] and [[Ballygunner GAA]]; [[cricket]] is represented by Waterford District Cricket Club, who are based in Carriganore <ref>{{cite web|url = https://cricketarchive.com/CricketIreland/Grounds/ | website = cricketarchive.com | title = Ireland Grounds | accessdate = 28 August 2023}}{{failed verification|reason=Source gives that there is a cricket ground at the WIT Cricket Club Ground at Carriganore. Where is the 'Waterford District Cricket Club'  mentioned? |date=August 2023}}</ref> and compete in the [[Munster Cricket Union]]; there are two inline hockey clubs, Waterford Shadows HC and Waterford Vikings, both of which compete in the Irish Inline Hockey League; and American football is played by Waterford Wolves, based at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre, and is the only American football club in Waterford.

==Notable people==
{{main|List of people from Waterford}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=35em|
'''Arts'''
* [[Marie Bonaparte-Wyse]] (1831–1902), poet<ref>{{Cite Americana|wstitle=Rattazzi, Marie Studolmine de Solms|year=1920}}</ref>
* [[Brendan Bowyer]] (1938–2020) showband singer<ref>{{cite web | url = https://waterford-news.ie/2022/08/09/going-home-brendan-bowyer-is-laid-to-rest-in-his-beloved-waterford/ | website = waterford-news.ie | title = Going Home: Brendan Bowyer Is Laid To Rest In His Beloved Waterford | date = 9 August 2022 | access-date = 18 August 2023 | archive-date = 8 November 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231108175934/https://waterford-news.ie/2022/08/09/going-home-brendan-bowyer-is-laid-to-rest-in-his-beloved-waterford/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>
* [[Charles Clagget]] (c.1740–c.1820), composer and inventor<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.dib.ie/biography/clagget-claget-charles-a1670 | title = Clagget (Claget), Charles | website = dib.ie | doi = 10.3318/dib.001670.v1 | date = October 2009 }}</ref>
* [[Frances Emilia Crofton]] (1822–1910), an artist born in Waterford{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Val Doonican]] (1927–2015), singer and TV presenter<ref name=EPM>{{citation|title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music|author=Colin Larkin|chapter=Doonican, Val|year=2011|isbn=9780857125958|page=756}}</ref>
* [[Seán Dunne (poet)|Seán Dunne]] (1956–1995), poet<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.dib.ie/biography/dunne-sean-christopher-a2862| website = dib.ie | title = Dunne, Seán Christopher | date = 2009 | doi = 10.3318/dib.002862.v1 }}</ref>
* [[Richard Harry Graves]] (1897–1971), Irish-born Australian writer{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Megan Nolan]] (born 1990), Irish journalist and author<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.wlrfm.com/podcasts/on-the-fringe/megan-nolan-novelist-wlr-320790 | website = wlrfm.com | title = Hugely successful Waterford novelist Megan Nolan returns to Waterford | date = August 2023 }}</ref>
* [[Gilbert O'Sullivan]] (born 1946), singer-songwriter<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p110770/biography|pure_url=yes}} |title=Biography by Jason Ankeny |publisher=Allmusic.com |access-date=5 March 2009}}</ref>
* [[Mario Rosenstock]] (born 1971), comedian and musician{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Louis Stewart (guitarist)]] (1944–2016), jazz guitarist<ref name="LarkinJazz">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Jazz]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1992|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-580-8|page=376}}</ref>
* [[Luke Wadding]] (1588–1657), [[Franciscan]] friar, author and historian<ref name="macgee">{{Cite book |last=Macgee |first=T.D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-2UdAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA90 |title=Gallery of Irish Writers: The Irish Writers of the Seventeenth Century |year=1857 |publisher=J. Duffy |pages=90–102}}</ref>
* [[William Vincent Wallace]] (1812–1865), composer<ref name=DAB>{{cite web |title=Wallace, William Vincent|work=[[Dictionary of Australian Biography]] |url=https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks15/1500721h/0-dict-biogWa.html#wallace1 |editor=Percival Serle |editor-link=Percival Serle |publisher= Angus and Robertson |year=1949}}</ref>

'''Politics'''
* [[William Hobson]] (1792–1842), Irish-born New Zealand politician and writer<ref name="daubio">{{Dictionary of Australian Biography|First=William|Last=Hobson|shortlink=0-dict-biogHi-Hu.html#hobson1|access-date=8 April 2019}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Meagher (MP)|Thomas Meagher]] (1796–1874), politician and businessman<ref>{{DictCanbio|ID=3556|name=Meagher, Thomas}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Francis Meagher]] (1823–1867), politician and soldier<ref>{{cite book|title=Brigadier-General Thomas Francis Meagher—His Political and Military Career|url=https://archive.org/details/brigadiergeneral00lyon|last=Lyons|first=W.F.|year=1870|publisher=D. & J. Sadlier & Company|page=[https://archive.org/details/brigadiergeneral00lyon/page/10 10]}}</ref>
* [[Richard Mulcahy]] (1886–1971), soldier and politician<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dib.ie/biography/mulcahy-richard-a6029|title=Mulcahy, Richard|work=[[Dictionary of Irish Biography]] | date = 2009 | doi = 10.3318/dib.006029.v2 }}</ref>
* [[Thomas Wyse]] (1791–1862), politician and diplomat<ref>{{cite IrishBio|wstitle=Wyse, Sir Thomas}}</ref>

'''Sport'''
* [[Jim Beglin]] (born 1963), association footballer<ref>{{cite web | url = https://waterford-news.ie/2020/07/03/jim-beglin-one-of-waterfords-favourite-football-sons/ | website = waterford-news.ie | date = 2020 | title = Jim Beglin – one of Waterford's favourite football sons | access-date = 18 August 2023 | archive-date = 18 August 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230818164229/https://waterford-news.ie/2020/07/03/jim-beglin-one-of-waterfords-favourite-football-sons/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>
* [[Craig Breen]] (1990–2023), rally driver{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Paul Flynn (Waterford hurler)|Paul Flynn]] (born 1974), hurler{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[John Keane (hurler)|John Keane]] (1917–1975), hurler{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Sean Kelly (cyclist)|Sean Kelly]] (born 1956), cyclist{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[John O'Shea]] (born 1981), association footballer<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.waterfordlive.ie/news/soccer/1168762/waterford-s-john-o-shea-departs-club-role-to-focus-on-republic-of-ireland.html | website = waterfordlive.ie | date = 12 May 2023 | title = Waterford's John O'Shea departs club role to focus on Republic of Ireland }}</ref>

'''Military'''
* [[John Condon (British Army soldier)|John Condon]] (c 1896–1915), soldier{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Edmund Fowler]] (1861–1926), soldier, recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]]{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* [[Patrick Mahoney]] (1827–1857), soldier, recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]]{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

'''Other'''
* [[Marguerite Moore]] (1849–1933), orator and activist<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.waterfordlive.ie/news/all-time-greats/359355/waterford-all-time-greats-profile-14-marguerite-moore.html| website = waterfordlive.ie | title = Waterford All Time Greats: Profile #14 Marguerite Moore | accessdate = 18 August 2023 }}</ref>
* [[Harry Power]] (1819–1891), Australian [[bushranger]]{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
}}

==See also==
{{portal|Ireland}}
* [[Blaa]] – A doughy, white bread roll particular to Waterford City.
* [[John's River]] – A river that runs through Waterford City.
* [[Little Island, Waterford|Little Island]] – An island within Waterford City.
* [[The Three Sisters (Ireland)|The Three Sisters]]: The [[River Barrow]], [[River Nore]] and [[River Suir]]
* [[List of twin towns and sister cities in the Republic of Ireland#W]]aterford

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/ Waterford City Council]
{{wikivoyage|Waterford}}

{{Waterford}}
{{Waterford transport}}
{{Cities in Ireland}}
{{Largest urban areas in the Republic of Ireland by population}}
{{Waterford-baronies}}
{{County Waterford}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Waterford (City)}}
[[Category:914 establishments]]
[[Category:Waterford (city)| ]]
[[Category:Baronies of County Waterford]]
[[Category:Cities in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Munster]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Viking Age populated places]]
[[Category:10th-century establishments in Ireland]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 10th century]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Former boroughs in the Republic of Ireland]]