Waterford is a city in the south of Ireland, traditionally the former capital of the county of the same name, but now having the status of an independent administrative unit at the county level. With a population of 45.8 thousand people (2006), it is the fifth-largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The area of the territory is 41.6 km². In 914, Waterford became the first city in Ireland founded by the Vikings. In the past, Waterford, located on the River Suir, was Europe’s most important port.
Today it is an attractive tourist center with historical sights, castles, old houses, parks, gardens and numerous museums that strongly captivate the city’s guests. The infrastructure here is well developed, transport is excellently organized, and there is a wide choice of comfortable hotels to suit every taste.
In Ireland, besides its rich history and architectural structures, Waterford is known for producing glass and ceramic items, as well as for various festivals held here throughout the year. Every city street or alley is a reminder of the Middle Ages of those bygone millennia, when horsemen moved along the stone pavements, clanking with their armor, and the waters of the Suir carried wooden vessels whose sails were adorned with medieval symbols. The spirit of the past invisibly hovers over Waterford, giving it a mysterious romantic aura that harmoniously blends with modern technologies, which have long become an integral part of today’s civilization.
ClimateThe climate in Waterford is the same as in the rest of Ireland-mild and changeable. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August, with temperatures of about 19 to 21 degrees. Waterford is also one of the most “sunny” cities in Ireland. The rainiest months are from October to January.
