Dungarvan

Seaport town in County Waterford, Republic of Ireland; population (2002) 7,220. It is situated on the bay of Dungarron and has fisheries, as well as trade in dairy and agricultural produce; the main industries are food products, engineering, tanning, and dental health-care products. The ruins of King John's Castle (built 1185) and a 13th-century Augustinian priory can be seen here.

The town is named after St Garvan, who founded a monastery here in the 7th century. It was an important military centre during the Anglo-Norman period and was attacked several times, finally surrendering to Cromwell in 1649. Dungarvan Castle has a large circular keep and the remains of a British barracks within its walls.

Local legend has it that the town was spared by Oliver Cromwell because a woman drank his health at the gateway.