Waterford is Ireland’s Oldest City and the estuary played a pivotal role in it. It was the estuary that acted as a gateway for the early Viking settlers. Norman and Cromwellian conquests also feature strongly in local history as do events from both World Wars. The Port of Waterford was a significant international port for many years and there is a wealth of history to be discovered. The river and estuary are also vibrant bio-diversity habitats with a range of flora, fauna and aquatic life.