You've probably heard of the significant links between Waterford and Newfoundland, where the level of immigration from the Deise is so high that people speak in Waterford accents in parts of the Canadian province!
But did you also know there places called Waterford all over the world? While America leads the way, you'll also find the place name in Africa, Australia, and even the Bahamas!
The reason why we find Waterford and many other Irish placenames around the globe is because of how much Irish people emigrated through the ages, seeking new opportunities and establishing communities. You'll also find instances of Dublin, Shannon, Kilkenny, Killarney and Limerick in areas outside of Ireland.
Most common places to find Waterford
Unsurprisingly, given the mass migration of Irish people there, the most likely place to find Waterford is in the United States. But you'd be surprised where else it pops up! In total, there are 29 recorded places called Waterford in the world, spanning eight countries. There are a total of 20 in the United States. There is a glut from the middle of the USA to the East Coast; from Minnesota to South Carolina, to Rhode Island. You'll also find a few Waterfords on the West Coast of America; in Washington and California.
However, the reach of the famous Déise placename doesn't stop there - there are two Waterfords in South Africa and one in Zimbabwe, the states of Victoria and Queensland in Australia both boast them, and if you're every lucky enough to holiday in Barbados or the Bahamas, you can visit Waterfords there too.
Where to find Waterford in the world -
This is most likely not a complete list, so if you know any more of them, feel free to get in touch with us here in WLR!
America: Wisconsin, Washington, Virginia, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Mississippi, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Connecticut, California, Alabama
South Africa: Free State, Eastern Cape
Zimbabwe: Matabeleland North
Australia: Victoria, Queensland
Canada: Ontario
Bahamas: Rock Sound
Barbados: St Michael
And last but certainly not least... Waterford Ireland.. the greatest of them all and Ireland's Best Place to Live 2021!
