The Waterford City region has the best of all worlds. Choose urban living in Waterford City itself, Tramore or Dungarvan, or spread your wings to the county, where the smaller towns and villages offer great value living options in close proximity to the mountains and the sea, with access to local communities, leisure pursuits and most of all, space.
See below for a guide to locations in Waterford County.
Dunmore East, set at the gateway to Waterford Harbour, is one of the South East’s most picturesque and sought-after coastal villages. Renowned for its scenic harbour, dramatic cliff walks and vibrant sailing culture, the village offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage.
The area is defined by its intimate coastal landscape, with a series of beaches and sheltered coves, rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views that create a unique and ever-changing seascape. A network of walking routes invites residents and visitors to experience the coastline up close, while outdoor pursuits such as sailing, tennis and golf are central to everyday life. The village’s established adventure centre further enhances its appeal as an active, family-friendly destination.
Dunmore East offers a carefully curated hospitality experience, with a small number of well-regarded hotels complemented by a selection of lively bars and renowned restaurants. Its food offering is a particular highlight, shaped by its coastal setting, with fresh local produce and seafood at the heart of many menus.
Combining a strong sense of place, outdoor living and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, Dunmore East continues to stand out as a distinctive coastal destination and an increasingly desirable place to live and visit.
Tramore, with its origins as a Victorian seaside resort, has evolved into one of the South East’s most vibrant coastal towns, offering a unique blend of seaside energy, strong community life and year-round appeal. Its expansive beach, rolling sand dunes and dramatic coastline define the town’s identity, creating a striking natural setting just minutes from Waterford City.
The town is synonymous with outdoor living and activity. Surfing is at the heart of Tramore’s culture, complemented by coastal walks, cliffside trails and a wide range of recreational amenities including tennis and golf. The beachfront and promenade provide a constant focal point, while panoramic ocean views and open landscapes give Tramore a distinctive sense of space and freedom.
Tramore also offers a lively mix of cafés, independent retailers and unique restaurants, alongside traditional amusements that continue to contribute to its enduring seaside character. Attractions such as the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens and the iconic Metal Man add depth and heritage to the visitor experience.
Combining its strong tourism appeal with its role as a thriving residential and commuter town, Tramore continues to grow as a dynamic coastal destination attractive to residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Dungarvan is a vibrant harbour town on the western edge of County Waterford. It forms the western terminus of the Waterford Greenway, a 46 km cycling and walking route linking Dungarvan to Waterford city.
With around 10,000 residents, Dungarvan blends heritage and modernity, featuring traditional shopfronts, public art, and contemporary retail hubs. The nearby Comeragh Mountains, scenic bays and festivals like the West Waterford Festival of Food attract visitors year-round.
Excellent schools, public transport, and employment opportunities make it a leading choice for families and entrepreneurs seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Set amid rolling countryside just northwest of Waterford City, Portlaw is a distinctive heritage town with a rich industrial past shaped by 19th-century Quaker enterprise. Today, the town is experiencing renewed interest as a welcoming residential community that balances its historic character with a growing sense of vibrancy and opportunity.
At the heart of the area lies Curraghmore Estate, one of Ireland’s most significant private estates and ancestral home of the Marquis of Waterford. Spanning over 2,500 acres, it offers a remarkable landscape of formal gardens, woodland trails and riverside walks, while also serving as a major visitor attraction. The estate has gained national prominence as the host of the All Together Now Festival, a large-scale music and cultural event that draws thousands of visitors annually and has become a defining feature of Portlaw’s cultural calendar and identity.
Portlaw’s location also provides easy access to the Comeragh Mountains, the Waterford Greenway and a range of scenic walking and cycling routes, making it an ideal base for outdoor recreation. Within the town itself, a growing mix of local services, community amenities, sports clubs and small businesses supports everyday living and fosters a strong sense of community.
Combining heritage, natural beauty and cultural vibrancy with its proximity to Waterford City, Portlaw offers an appealing lifestyle choice for those seeking a quieter setting without compromising on connectivity, amenity or experience.
Set along one of the South East’s most beautiful and unspoilt coastlines, Ardmore is a historic seaside village renowned for its sweeping beach, dramatic cliffs and rich early Christian heritage. Despite its intimate scale, the village offers a distinctive blend of tranquillity, character and high-quality visitor experiences.
Ardmore’s coastal setting is central to its appeal, with the renowned Ardmore Cliff Walk providing spectacular panoramic views and linking a series of historic landmarks, including St Declan’s Well and the ruins of the old coastguard station. The village’s beach and surrounding waters support a wide range of outdoor activities, from sea swimming and kayaking to paddleboarding and coastal exploration.
A standout feature of Ardmore is the Cliff House Hotel, an award-winning luxury destination perched on the cliffs above Ardmore Bay, which has firmly positioned the village as a premium destination for visitors and dining. This is complemented by a strong local offering of restaurants, cafés, galleries and independent shops, all contributing to a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Ongoing investment in outdoor recreation, including the development of a new beachfront water activity centre, will further enhance Ardmore’s appeal as a hub for coastal leisure, providing modern facilities to support a growing range of water-based activities.
Combining exceptional natural beauty with a rich sense of heritage and a strong hospitality offering, Ardmore continues to attract visitors and residents alike, offering a unique coastal lifestyle within easy reach of Waterford City, Dungarvan and East Cork.
The heritage town of Lismore, set along the banks of the River Blackwater in west County Waterford, is widely regarded as one of the region’s most distinctive and picturesque destinations. Dominated by the magnificent Lismore Castle, the town is rich in history, with an elegant streetscape, strong cultural identity and a thriving arts scene that continues to attract visitors year round.
Lismore also offers a high-quality food and hospitality experience, highlighted by award-winning dining at establishments such as Farmgate Lismore, where a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce reflects the richness of the surrounding Blackwater Valley. A growing mix of cafés, galleries and independent shops further enhances the town’s vibrant yet intimate character.
The wider Blackwater Valley is equally renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation and strong sense of place, with river walks, angling, cycling routes and scenic drives all contributing to its appeal as both a visitor destination and a place to live.
In recent years, the area has also embraced new ways of working through the West Waterford Smart Workplace Locations initiative. Remote working hubs in Lismore, Cappoquin, Villierstown and Tallow provide high-quality, connected office space, enabling people to work locally while remaining linked to national and international businesses.
Supported by Waterford City and County Council and regional development partners, these initiatives form part of the Blackwater Valley Economic Development Zone, strengthening enterprise, supporting employment and positioning west Waterford as a progressive and attractive location for both living and working.
The Ring Gaeltacht is a distinctive coastal Irish-speaking region set along the shores of Dungarvan Harbour in west County Waterford. Comprising the communities of An Rinn and An Sean Phobal, the area is celebrated for its strong cultural identity and rich traditions of Irish language, music, song and dance, creating a living heritage that is both authentic and vibrant.
Just minutes from Dungarvan, the Gaeltacht offers a unique coastal lifestyle that combines tranquillity with connectivity, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a strong sense of place while remaining close to key services and amenities. The area is supported by regional transport links, including TFI Local Link services connecting it to the wider Waterford region.
The Gaeltacht is also a hub of creativity, craftsmanship and wellbeing. Cultural assets such as the Joan Clancy Art Gallery showcase local and national artistic talent, while Solas na Mara offers traditional seaweed baths and wellness experiences inspired by the coastal environment. Criostal na Rinne, a renowned hand-cut crystal workshop located in An Rinn, continues Waterford’s proud glassmaking heritage, producing beautifully crafted pieces that reflect both traditional skills and contemporary design.
From coastal villages and welcoming, safe neighbourhoods to vibrant town centres, Waterford offers an exceptional quality of life in a truly distinctive setting. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds, easy access to beaches, scenic walks and outdoor living, alongside a growing café culture, strong local amenities and the energy of Waterford City.
Connectivity is a key advantage, with convenient access to employment, education and services, all within a compact and accessible region. Whether it’s a morning walk by the sea, a cycle along the Greenway or an evening in one of the region’s many cafés and restaurants, lifestyle is at the heart of everyday living.
Importantly, this quality of life comes with real value. Data from the Central Statistics Office highlights that housing in the South East remains significantly more affordable than in larger urban centres, offering an attractive alternative for those seeking space, balance and opportunity without the costs associated with Dublin and other major cities.
Combining affordability, lifestyle and connectivity, Waterford continues to stand out as a place where people can live well, work locally and enjoy more
Approximately 20 minutes by car, with bus services connecting the village to Waterford.
Approximately 25 minutes by car, with road and regional bus connections serving the area.
Approximately 45 minutes by car, with regular regional bus services linking the two towns.
Many of Waterford’s surrounding towns and coastal communities are located within easy commuting distance of the city, supported by strong road connectivity and regional public transport services coordinated through Transport for Ireland.
From its vibrant city life to its rural charm, majestic mountains and breathtaking coastline, Waterford has something for everyone. Find out more over at Visit Waterford
