Quality of Life

Waterford, offering excellent quality of life

It is broadly acknowledged that quality of life is an important ingredient of economic development.  A range of amenities and social services are available in County Waterford.  The County’s vibrant towns boast a range of top-class restaurants, an excellent retail offer and expanding cultural activities.  Residents and visitors to County Waterford can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including hill walking, water sports, equestrian activities, golf, nature trails, angling along with a wealth of culture and heritage attractions. 

• Water Sports:  County Waterford boasts a magnificent coastline from Woodstown in the east to Ardmore in the west of the County.  Long sandy beaches at Tramore, Bunmahon, Clonea and Ardmore are key attractions in the County and host a range of activities such as surfing and kite surfing.  Sailing is popular in Dunmore East and Dungarvan and the Copper Coast offers one of the most scenic coastal drives in Ireland with dramatic cliff faces. 
  
  
• Mountains: The Comeragh and Knockmealdowns mountain ranges dramatically envelope the north of County Waterford.  These offer excellent hill walking, mountaineering and nature trail opportunities.  
  
  
• Inland Waterways: The Suir, Colligan and Blackwater Rivers allow excellent angling and watersports activities.
  
  
• Gardens & Demesnes: World renowned houses and gardens at Lismore, Mount Congreve and Curraghmore are key attractions and add to a comprehensive network of other country houses and demesnes throughout the County.
  
  
• Heritage: County Waterford boasts a rich of architectural and cultural heritage, including the Round Tower and St Declan’s Well in Ardmore, the Heritage Town of Lismore that hosts Lismore Castle and Cathedral, King John’s Castle, Dungarvan, the maritime heritage of Dunmore East, the sand dunes of Tramore, the planned industrial town of Portlaw, and a high density of thatched cottages. 

Waterford County Council is continuously striving to improve quality of life of its residents along with visitors to the County.  The Council has initiated a number of key initiatives that build on the strengths of the County and improve the well-being of its residents:

• The Comeragh Mountain Park:  A comprehensive sign posting, mapping and amenity improvement of the Comeragh Mountains to enhance the experience of hill walkers and nature enthusiasts.
  
  
• The Sean Kelly Tour:  The Sean Kelly Cycling Tour of Waterford is now in its third year.  Three routes allow for varying degrees of ability from the 160km Kelly Comeragh Challenge, the 100km Kelly Legacy and the 50km Kelly Cruise.  In its third year, the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford is one of the biggest cycling tours in Ireland attracting over 2,700 participants.
  
  
• The John Treacy Classic Run: Including 10 mile road race and 5 fun-run.  Attracting participation of over 870 in its first year, May 2009. 
  
  
• Waterford Festival of Food: In its second year, the Waterford Festival of Food attracted over 10,000 people to enjoy the artisan food and excellent restaurants of County Waterford. 

Residents of County Waterford enjoy access to a range of childcare, top-class primary and secondary education and health care.   A comprehensive range health care services are available in Cork and Waterford Gateways, which serve the needs of the residents of County Waterford. 

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