County of Waterford’s craft breweries and distilleries operate along the south-east coast and inland areas with production rooted in local water sources and barley traditions.
Metalman Brewing Company began in 2011 in Waterford city and moved premises in 2012. Founded by beer enthusiasts Gráinne Walsh and Tim Barber, the brewery produces flavoursome authentically Irish beers with a core pale ale brewed using Maris Otter pale barley malt from England alongside caramalt, crystal, and lager malts to achieve balanced profiles, with output primarily in keg form and some cask-conditioned varieties to maintain natural character.
Dungarvan Brewing Company commenced in 2010 in Dungarvan. This family-run microbrewery hand-crafts its range onsite with emphasis on quality ingredients and local delivery to provide fresh craft beer experiences through ales and other styles suited to the south-east region.
On the distillery side, Blackwater Distillery established operations in 2014 in Ballyduff Upper on the banks of the Blackwater River near Cappoquin in west Waterford. This micro-distillery produces award-winning gin, vodka, and whiskey with inspiration from centuries of trade along the river and the area’s clean air and water to create spirits through small-batch methods.
Waterford Distillery started production in 2015 in Waterford city after conversion of a former Guinness brewery site purchased in 2014 by Mark Reynier. The facility focuses on single malt Irish whiskey through grain-to-glass processes that highlight terroir influences from individual farms across the south-east, using barley from over 40 farms including organic and biodynamic varieties to bottle small-batch single farm origin expressions that express the origin-specific character of the grain, soil, and microclimate in the final spirit.
While production has ceased, the stock is intact and it is anticipated that operations will resume.
These operations continue to form part of Waterford’s drinks production through their application of craft techniques and regional connections.
Craft Brewing & Distilling county by county
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
Dining
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
Restaurant awards
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 – Overall – County winners – Georgina Campbell – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
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.
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