County Waterford is known as 'The Decies' or 'An Déise'. The Déise has a rich history from Megalithic Tombs and Ogham Stones to the Vikings and the Normans.

Some time between the 4th and 8th centuries a tribe of native Gaelic people called the Déisi were driven from the southern parts of the country, conquering and settling in the Waterford area. The ancient principality of the Déise is today roughly in the same vicinity as the current Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. Many people still refer to County Waterford as 'the Deise', especially on the field of sport.

Taking a drive along the Copper Coast or Comeragh Mountains, walking along beaches at Clonea, Tramore or Ardmore or admiring the impressive stock of well preserved thatched houses and architectural features such as Dromana Gate and Ballysaggartmore Towers reminds us it is important to care for and maintain our County’s Heritage.

Local Studies and Family History

The library service has a marvelous selection of local studies resources with fascinating old stories about the area.

• Journal of the Waterford and South-East of Ireland Archaeological Society
• Decies - Local History Journal

There are some 70 million people who live outside Ireland, if you are one of those, why not find out more about your forebears? Both the Library Service and the County Archivist have wonderful resources to assist your search for your ancestors.

Look in the Conservation and Heritage section for great information about Wildlife, Habitats, Buildings and People.