Buildings & People

People have lived in County Waterford for at least 7,000 years  and evidence of megalithic monuments can be found  along the coast  and along the banks of the River Suir. Souterrains and ringforts  indicate later settlement patterns and evidence of  an early water mill from the fifth century has been found at Dooneen near Kilmeaden. 

The county has many notable early ecclesiastical sites such as the iconic Romanesque cathedral at Ardmore while the cathedral at Lismore dedicated to Saint Mochuda also inspires awe of its craftsmanship. The county has  an important  stock of thatched houses while remnants of demesne landscapes and their associated large houses also provide a significant contribution to the county’s architectural  heritage.

Many notable people originate from County Waterford. Robert Boyle, scientist and inventor  of Boyle’s Law was born in Lismore Castle while Ernest T.S. Walton – Nobel Prize winning physicist was born in Dungarvan. In the natural sciences Richard Ussher was noted for his publication The Birds of Ireland.