An Ghaeltacht

The Waterford Gaeltacht

Six miles west of Dungarvan and overlooking  Dungarvan Harbour and Muggort’s Bay lies the small coastal Gaeltacht of County Waterford, consisting of the parishes of An Rinn and An Sean Phobal.

The word 'Gaeltacht' signifies an area where the Irish language is still spoken as the main community language. Co. Waterford is one of seven counties in Ireland which contains a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area. Please click here for an overview of Ireland's Gaeltachtaí.

An Rinn (Ring)

An Rinn boasts cliff-top trails, unspoiled beaches, inland drumlins and glens. An effervescent culture, lively population centre and a host of activities make this a truly different part of County Waterford.

You will find more information about An Rinn on our Tourism website.

An Sean Phobal (Old Parish)

An Sean Phobal is a quiet rural area of some 35 square kilometres between An Rinn and the seaside village of Ardmore. The population in pre-famine times was much larger than it is now.

The 8 km coastline consists of a dramatic seascape of cliffs (approximately 70 metres high) together with a number of deeply incised stream gullies and small bays. The grassland along the cliffs attracts a wide variety of seabirds. Old Parish is a paradise for bird-watchers and people interested in nature.

You will find more information about An Sean Phobal on our Tourism website.

Comhlacht Forbartha na nDéise

In May 2005 a new company Comhlacht Forbartha na nDéise, was founded, which brought community development in An Rinn and An Sean Phobal under one umbrella. Seven members sit on the board of the organisation, three from An Rinn, three from An Sean Phobal and the Irish Officer of Waterford County Council.

More information on Comhlacht Forbartha na nDéise is available on the Gaeltacht na nDéise website.