Waterford [key], county (1991 pop. 91,624), 710 sq mi (1,839 sq km), S Republic of Ireland. The county seat is the port town of Waterford. Although the terrain is largely hilly, there are lowlands in the east. Principal rivers are the Blackwater, the Bride, and the Suir, which forms most of the northern boundary. The coastline, on the south, is indented by Dungarvan Harbour and Waterford Harbour and by Youghal Bay and Tramore Bay. The county has much farming and grazing land; dairy and beef cattle and sheep are important. Fishing, food processing, tanning, toys, and glassmaking are other industries. Waterford was rebellious under English domination, notably in the latter part of the 16th cent., when it suffered severely during the revolt of the Desmonds.
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