Visit Waterford and Taste Waterford have announced a landmark partnership that, for the first time, will see the two leading organisations join forces to promote the county as a must-visit destination.

The collaboration will celebrate the county’s blend of history, culture, landscapes, and food and drink, firmly positioning Waterford on the map for national and international visitors.

Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, interweaves heritage and culture into daily life.

Founded by the Vikings in 914AD, its Viking Triangle tells stories spanning more than a millennium through museums, medieval walls, and historic architecture.

Beyond the city, the county’s natural assets include the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, the Comeragh Mountains, the Suir Valley, and the Waterford Greenway.

Alongside its deep heritage and spectacular scenery, Waterford has steadily been developing a food and drink scene, 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-winner producers 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, and The Railway Cottage and AndChips in Dungarvan cement Waterford as a culinary destination of growing international renown.

Clare Barrett, chair of Visit Waterford, said that the partnership marks a new era for how Waterford’s story is told.

She explained: "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, said that Waterford’s food and drink sector has been building momentum steadily but powerfully.

He continued: "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.

The new collaboration between Visit Waterford and Taste Waterford will deliver joint campaigns, 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.