- Gilbert O’Sullivan (Raymond Edward O’Sullivan) from Waterford City, County Waterford: Born December 1, 1946. Singer-songwriter known for his soft-rock and pop hits in the 1970s, such as “Alone Again (Naturally),” “Clair,” and “Get Down.” His music, influenced by Bob Dylan and The Beatles, is noted for its optimistic melodies and introspective lyrics.
- Eric Sweeney from Waterford City, County Waterford (born in Dublin, long-term resident and Head of Music at Waterford Institute of Technology): Born 1948, died 2020. Composer of Irish minimalist music, known for accessible tonal works. Despite a distinguished career, his compositions were underrecognized internationally, though he had a significant impact on Waterford’s music education scene.
- Brendan Bowyer (1938 –2020) best known for fronting the Royal Showband and The Big Eight, and who had five number-one hits in Ireland. The Beatles opened for the Royal Showband at a concert at the Pavilion Theatre in Liverpool 1962, six months before the release of The Beatles’ first single Love Me Do.
- Pat Lagoon (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, aka CMAT) from Waterford City, County Waterford (born in Dublin, associated with Waterford): Born February 23, 1996. Pop singer-songwriter, formerly of indie duo Bad Sea, known for solo singles like “Another Day (KFC)” and “Rodney.” Her humorous, self-deprecating style has gained attention in Ireland’s pop scene.
- Caroline Reid-O’Brien from Waterford City, County Waterford: Born circa 1970s. Classically trained soprano, performing at weddings and events for over 20 years. A respected figure in Waterford’s local music scene, known for her versatility in classical and liturgical music.
- Cian CuXack from Waterford City, County Waterford: Born circa 1990s. Emerging indie artist who writes, records, and produces his own music. Active in Waterford’s music scene, he’s gaining local recognition for his original compositions.
- Micko Roche from Waterford City, County Waterford: Born circa 1970s. Unique singer-songwriter and producer, supported by international figures like Jose Padilla and Pete Gooding. His debut album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound in Ireland’s music scene.
- Val Doonican from Waterford City, County Waterford: Born February 3, 1927, died July 1, 2015. Crooner and television personality, known for gentle ballads like “Walk Tall” and “Elusive Butterfly.” A major figure in 1960s-70s English and Irish easy-listening music, he hosted The Val Doonican Show on BBC.
- William Vincent Wallace from Waterford City, County Waterford: Born March 11, 1812, died October 12, 1865. Composer and violinist, best known for his opera Maritana (1845), performed at Drury Lane and internationally. He also founded Australia’s first music school after emigrating in 1836.
- Seán Cannon from Dungarvan, County Waterford (born in Galway, long-term resident): Born November 22, 1940. Folk singer, guitarist, and member of The Dubliners since 1982. Known for his warm voice in songs like “The Fields of Athenry,” he’s a stalwart of Irish traditional music.
- Cillian Vallely from Waterford City, County Waterford (born in Armagh, associated with Waterford through residency): Born circa 1970s. Traditional musician, uilleann piper, and flautist, member of the band Lúnasa. His technical skill and recordings, like Meridian (2009), have elevated Irish trad music globally.
.Musicians
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Waterford:
Ireland’s county Waterford is steeped in Viking and medieval history, with Waterford City’s Reginald’s Tower and Viking Triangle showcasing ancient artefacts. The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark, offers dramatic coastal walks, while the Lismore Castle gardens provide serene beauty. Other attractions include the beaches of Tramore and historic Dunmore East. Waterford is Ireland’s 21st largest county by size (1,838 square km) and 20th largest by population (127,363). Population peaked at 196,187 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 71,439 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Waterford is Ireland’s ninth most visited tourist county with around 225,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching –– Camping –Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
