Waterford

The county of Waterford in the southwestern province of Munster in Ireland consists of lowlands, mountain ranges, and vast areas of pastureland, measuring some 710 square miles in area. Its Atlantic coastline on its southern boundary is rugged with high cliffs and just a few bays. Historically the Fitzgerald clan ruled the western part of the county, called the Decies, and the eastern part was controlled by the Powers clan. Native Irish culture persisted for many centuries and Gaelic was still spoken in the western area into the 20th century. Most of the land is pasture, with dairying being the principal activity, along with haymaking and the raising of cereal crops such as oats. The town of Waterford is a trading center and is famous for its glassmaking. The 2003 estimated population was 102,700.