The People’s Park is Waterford City’s largest public park and one of the best places close to the city centre for walking, family time, outdoor exercise or simply taking a break from sightseeing.
Covering around 16 acres, the park combines mature green space with children’s playgrounds, a skatepark, sports and exercise facilities, a historic bandstand and a café. Its location means visitors can enjoy some open space without having to travel outside Waterford City.
What is People’s Park?
People’s Park has been part of Waterford life since the 19th century.
The park opened in August 1857, when approximately 15 acres were planted with trees and laid out with walks and landscaped areas. Historical features included a bandstand, cycle track, ornamental fountain and two Russian cannons.
Today it remains an important recreational space for walkers, joggers, families and anyone looking for somewhere outdoors close to Waterford City Centre.
What Can You Do at People’s Park?
There is considerably more here than simply somewhere to walk.
The park has two children’s playgrounds catering for different age groups, as well as a skatepark. Waterford City & County Council also lists a playing pitch and adult gym among its facilities.
The paths and open spaces make it suitable for walking, jogging and informal recreation.
Additional activity facilities include a basketball court, pétanque court and table tennis table.
Borrow Sports Equipment for Free
One of the park’s most useful facilities for visitors is BoxUp, a free sports-equipment sharing service introduced through Waterford Sports Partnership’s Active Cities project.
Using the BoxUp app, visitors can borrow equipment including basketballs, table-tennis bats and balls, boules, a skateboard, frisbees and a balance bike. Equipment can currently be borrowed for up to three hours, so you can enjoy the park’s activities without having to bring your own sports equipment.
Registration requires identification, but no credit-card details are required.
The Bandstand
The Victorian bandstand is one of the most recognisable features of People’s Park.
It has stood prominently in the park since 1869 and remains part of its historic character. Waterford Sports Partnership notes that the bandstand is also used for musical performances during the summer months.
For visitors interested in Waterford beyond its major museums and attractions, the bandstand is an attractive reminder of the city’s Victorian public spaces.
Fountain & Historic Features
People’s Park combines modern recreational facilities with several historic features.
The park’s fountain received a major contemporary refurbishment, completed in 2024, while the historic pedestrian bridge linking the park towards the courthouse was also refurbished.
The park is also home to two Russian cannons associated with the Battle of Sebastopol in 1854.
Park Lodge Café
If you want coffee or refreshments during your visit, Park Lodge Café occupies the restored former park lodge.
Waterford Sports Partnership specifically highlights it as a place for light refreshments after walking or exercising in the park.
Is People’s Park Family Friendly?
The combination of two playgrounds, open green space, skatepark and activity facilities makes it particularly useful for families who want to give children a break from museums, shops and sightseeing.
It’s also an activity that doesn’t require visitors to buy an admission ticket.
Where is People’s Park?
People’s Park is located close to Waterford City Centre around Park Road and William Street.
It is within walking distance of the city centre and can easily be combined with other attractions, shopping, lunch or a visit to the Viking Triangle.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
If you’re visiting Waterford with children, keep People’s Park in mind between other attractions.
Rather than trying to fill an entire day here, it works particularly well as a free one- or two-hour break where children can use the playgrounds and adults can grab a coffee or take a walk.
And if you’re planning to use the sports facilities, check out BoxUp before you go. Being able to borrow basketballs, table-tennis equipment, boules and other equipment means visitors don’t necessarily have to bring their own.
What Can I Do Nearby?
People’s Park is close enough to the city centre to combine with many other WIYP attractions.
Walk towards The Mall and the Viking Triangle for Reginald’s Tower, House of Waterford, Theatre Royal, Bishop’s Palace, Medieval Museum, Irish Museum of Time and Christ Church Cathedral.
For somewhere nearby to eat or drink, The Three Shippes & The Brig Bar on William Street is particularly convenient. Continue towards The Mall for O’Sullivan’s Vintage Social, The Reg and Katty Barry’s.
Adults planning drinks after their park visit can explore Phil Grimes Pub on Johnstown.
Families planning a city break can explore Waterford Marina Hotel on Canada Street.
Visitors interested in skateboarding can also explore Luca Records & Decks, a record and skate shop on Michael Street.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Families, walking, jogging, playgrounds and outdoor activities
Location: Waterford City
Area: People’s Park / Park Road / William Street
Type: Public park
Admission: Free
Family friendly: Yes
Playgrounds: Two, catering for different age groups
Skatepark: Yes
Adult exercise area: Yes
Basketball: Yes
Pétanque: Yes
Table tennis: Yes
Café: Park Lodge Café
Rainy-day suitability: Limited
Outdoor activity: Yes
Features
- Café
- Family Friendly
- Free Admission
- Outdoor Activity
- Playground
- Skatepark
