In the city of Waterford, in County Waterford, in the southeast of Ireland

 "... When Irish hearts are happy,

All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away...."
-- When Irish Eyes are Smiling lyrics
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(in County Waterford in the southeast of Ireland) The diverse County Waterford harbors seaside settlements along its sandy coastline, from pretty fishing villages to surf meccas. You will also find historic churches, cathedrals and castles, a warren of walking trails in the beautiful Nire Valley, concealed among the Comeragh and Monavullagh Mountains, and lively Waterford city, with its maze of medieval lanes and well-preserved Georgian architecture.

+ Featured here is the city of Waterford, in County Waterford, which is located within the province of Munster. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbor. The oldest city in Ireland, it is the ninth most populous settlement on the island of Ireland. Today, Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, a legacy of the city's former glassmaking industry. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009 when the factory here was shut down after the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood. The Waterford Crystal visitor center 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.
+ On Waterford Quay is Reginald’s Tower, thought to be Europe’s oldest mortared stone tower, which dates from about the 12th century and is now a civic museum. Waterford’s Roman Catholic cathedral was completed in 1796, and its Church of Ireland cathedral was built from 1773–79 on the site of a church founded about 1050.

+ Waterford is an important export center for fruit and meat, notably for containerized goods. The main industries are food processing, brewing, papermaking, and glassmaking; Waterford Crystal is world-famous. There are also chemical, pharmaceutical, and light manufacturing plants. The city is the headquarters of extensive salmon and sea fisheries and is the most important port on the south coast of Ireland, after Cork. Waterford has a vibrant cultural life. Its Theatre Royal hosts the annual Waterford International Festival of Light Opera. The city is also the home of Waterford Institute of Technology.

+ From its vibrant city life to its rural charm and stunning coastline, Waterford city and county have something for everyone. It is the perfect blend of ancient and modern -- or as locals say: "experience 1,000 years of history in 1,000 steps." Enjoy the historic streets and local atmosphere, take a walking tour or browse many local boutiques and quirky shops. Waterford is renowned for its exciting festivals and events such as the West Waterford Festival of Food, Spraoi, Winterval, Harvest Festival, Taste Tramore, Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival and Waterford Film Festival and many more.

+ Wander along the waterfront in the evening and sample the catch of the day from local fishermen: