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Waterford, from old Norse “ram fjord” or “windy fjord” and Irish "Port Lairge" meaning “Larag’s port” is the largest city in South East Ireland.
Founded in 914 AD by the Vikings, it is Ireland’s oldest and fifth largest city.
The city’s motto “Urbs Intacta Manet Waterfordia” (Waterford remains the untaken city) was granted by King Henry VII of England in 1497 after Waterford refused to recognise the claims of the pretenders Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck to the English throne.
Reginald's Tower in Waterford city is the oldest urban civic building in Ireland, and the oldest monument to retain its Viking name. To this day, it remains Waterford's most recognisable landmark. It is believed to be the first building in Ireland to use mortar.
The population of the city is circa 50,000 of which some 45,000 live within the city limits.
The River Suir flows through Waterford city, and provides a basis for the city's long maritime history.
Today, Waterford is known for both its Viking history and Waterford Crystal, a legacy of the city's glass making industry. Glass, and in particular beautiful handcut crystal, has been produced in the City from 1783 and continues to this day.
Waterford is the sister city of St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador.
