Feb 16th 2026
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Heritage, Culture, and Culinary Excellence: Waterford Unveils a Bold New Visitor Strategy as
Visit Waterford and Taste Waterford have today announced a landmark partnership that, for the very first time, will see the two leading organisations join forces to promote Waterford as a must-visit destination. This collaboration will celebrate the county’s extraordinary blend of history, culture, landscapes, and food and drink, firmly positioning Waterford on the map for national and international visitors.
It is in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, that heritage and culture are interwoven into daily life. Founded by the Vikings in 914 AD, its Viking Triangle tells stories spanning more than a millennium through world-class museums, medieval walls, and historic architecture. Beyond the city, the county’s natural assets include the sweeping Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, the Comeragh Mountains, the lush Suir Valley, and the Waterford Greenway.
Alongside this deep heritage and spectacular scenery, Waterford has steadily been developing an incredible food and drink scene. What was once a local secret has now burst into the national and international marketplace, with artisan producers, craft brewers, distillers, and chefs gaining recognition at the highest level. From the Waterford Blaa, Ireland’s only EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) bread, to award-winners such as Flahavan’s, the county’s food heritage is rooted in authenticity and innovation. Restaurants such as Mara and GROW HQ in Waterford city and Cliff House in Ardmore, The Railway Cottage and AndChips in Dungarvan cementing Waterford City and County and the foodie towns of Dungarvan and Tramore as a culinary destination of growing international renown.
Clare Barrett, Chair of Visit Waterford, said: “This partnership marks a new era for how we tell Waterford’s story. For too long, Waterford has been a place often underestimated in the domestic market. But with our unrivalled heritage, spectacular landscapes, and an exceptional food and drink offering, we are perfectly positioned to shine as both Ireland’s best place to live and one of its most rewarding destinations to visit. Working hand in hand with Taste Waterford, we can put the spotlight firmly on our county and create a unified voice that ensures Waterford gets the recognition it deserves.”
Richard Povey, Project Manager at Taste Waterford, added: “Waterford’s food and drink sector has been building momentum steadily but powerfully, and now is the time to showcase it to the world. Our producers and chefs and food festivals are winning national and international awards, our restaurants are achieving Michelin recognition, and our traditions — from the Waterford Blaa to farm-to-fork excellence — are a true expression of place. By partnering with Visit Waterford, we are bringing together culture, heritage, and gastronomy in one compelling story that invites visitors to come, taste, and experience the very best of Ireland.”
The new collaboration between Visit Waterford and Taste Waterford will deliver joint campaigns, coordinated storytelling, and a programme of immersive experiences to connect visitors directly with the county’s heritage and food culture and celebrate events like the Waterford Festival of Food and the Harvest Festival. Together, the two organisations will shine a well-deserved spotlight on Waterford’s world-class offering, anchoring the city and county to take their rightful place among Ireland’s leading visitor destinations, and ensuring that Waterford’s story is told in a way that is authentic, experiential, and unforgettable. For further details, see www.visitwaterford.com and TasteWaterford.ie
ENDS
Media contact: Ann Power, 086 3065588 – email ann@powerhousepr.ie