Waterford has been ranked as one of Ireland’s most outdoorsy counties in new research.

The county placed fourth in an index compiled by BUNAC, which looked at Mountaineering Ireland membership, Scouting Ireland groups and GAA clubs relative to population.

Waterford recorded an overall score of 90.7 out of 100.

According to the research, the county has 14 scout groups, 486 Mountaineering Ireland members and 50 GAA clubs.

Tipperary topped the ranking with a score of 92, followed by Wicklow on 91.9 and Galway on 90.8.

BUNAC said the index was designed to identify counties which produce young people with the outdoor, leadership and coaching skills often sought by summer camps in the United States.

Ireland sent 1,724 camp counsellors to the US in 2025.

The research also highlighted Waterford’s access to the Comeragh Mountains and Copper Coast as part of the county’s strong outdoor culture.