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Waterford

A Place to

Live

46km

of off-road cycling and walking trails
Along the unique and beautiful Waterford Greenway

The Copper Coast

UNESCO Geopark
A 17km outdoor museum which is home to an unique natural landscape

2 Mountain Ranges

with abundant walking & hiking trails
With spectacular scenic drives along the way

147Km

of Wild Atlantic Coastline
With 49 pristine beaches and water sports of all kinds for adventurers and family friendly fun

Waterford, the liveable city

At the heart of the city centre is an environment in which to live, work and play, like the city used to be for hundreds of years. This ambition is not about recreating the past, but about reimagining Waterford as a vibrant 15-minute city, where homes, workplaces, shops and services are all within easy reach.

Waterford is at the centre of a green transformation connecting the city to its wider region through a network of greenways, including the renowned Waterford Greenway. The city centre is the terminus of these greenways, a ‘Walkable’ city at the heart of a sustainable network. The public realm is the ‘living room’ of the City, shared by all and open to a dynamic range of uses, including ease of mobility, events and creative displays.

In 2025, Waterford ranked first overall in Ireland’s Liveability Index, recognised for its scenic setting, strong sense of community, affordable housing and access to amenities.

Waterford City

Retail

Waterford city centre has experienced a notable resurgence in recent years, driven by a growing and diverse mix of independent retailers, national brands, and speciality stores that together contribute to an increasingly vibrant and dynamic retail environment. This renewed energy has helped position the city centre as a compelling destination not only for local shoppers but also for visitors from across the region and beyond.

Historic streets such as those in the Viking Triangle and the surrounding districts provide a truly distinctive and atmospheric setting for shopping and leisure. Streets lined with period buildings, medieval remnants, and carefully preserved streetscapes create an appealing backdrop that enhances the overall experience of visiting the city centre.

Food & Hospitality

Waterford’s food and hospitality scene is thriving, offering a vibrant and ever-evolving mix of cafés, award-winning restaurants, stylish bars and artisan food producers that bring energy and character to the city centre. From casual dining to high-quality culinary experiences, the city showcases the very best of local produce and creative talent.

Outdoor dining, bustling food festivals and a dynamic calendar of cultural events animate streets and public spaces throughout the year, creating a welcoming, lively atmosphere that attracts visitors, supports local enterprise and enhances Waterford’s reputation as a destination for exceptional food and hospitality

Ongoing Invest & Regeneration

Waterford city centre is undergoing a dynamic period of investment and regeneration, reinforcing its position as a vibrant and future-focused urban destination. A growing pipeline of approved developments and active construction projects across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors highlights strong investor confidence and sustained economic momentum.

These transformative projects are reshaping the city’s core, enhancing its appeal as a place to live, work and visit, while supporting long-term, sustainable growth for Waterford and the wider South East region

Found out More

Waterford’s Attractions

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

Visit Waterford