Visit Waterford…You’re invited to rediscover!
Visit Waterford…You’re invited to rediscover! If adventure, fun and excitement are on your to-do list, then you’re invited to come and rediscover Waterford.
With 100km of sandy beaches, the Waterford Greenway, a 46-km off-road walking and cycling path stretching from Waterford City to Dungarvan, the 1,000 year old Viking history that emanates from Ireland’s oldest city or the nine spectacular golf courses Waterford is the ideal destination to come and play, taste and unwind.
Explore a city heaving with museums, architecture, the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal, excellent shopping, and beautiful parks. Beyond the city limits there are endless sandy beaches that stretch to the Copper Coast UNESCO European Geo Park. Inland is where you can explore the beautiful heritage town of Lismore and for the slightly more adventurous consider a hike in the rugged Comeragh mountains.
Play:
In the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East, the Wibit awaits! Ireland’s biggest Wipeout aquapark at Dunmore Adventure Centre is a floating obstacle course that is a magnet for thrill-seekers. If you fancy something a little more genteel, why not try your hand at kayaking beneath the red stone cliffs and the kittiwakes’ calls.
www.dunmoreadventure.com
If the idea of a bracing sea swim is a little too bracing for you, the Splashworld Complex provides a balmier aqua experience. This quality leisure centre is home to many state of the art slides and water features, including a wild and wonderful wave machine, indoor / outdoor water slide, bubble pool, baby pool, water cannon, roaring rapids, splash slide and geysers.
www.splashworld.ie
Experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a period carriage and take in the wonderful panoramic views of the River Suir, travelling along 10kms of the restored Waterford to Dungarvan railway route. The Waterford and Suir Valley Railway is a family friendly rail experience that runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir offering spectacular views of the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens. You will be right alongside the spectacular history and biodiversity of the area.
www.wsvrailway.ie
Get face-to-face with a virtual Viking at Reginald’s Tower, step inside Georgian Waterford at the Bishop’s Palace or immerse yourself in medieval times at Waterford’s Medieval Museum. Waterford Treasures is composed of three spectacular and insightful museums that bring the colourful and fascinating1,000-year-old history of Waterford to life.
www.waterfordtreasures.com
Get a glimpse inside the 12th century Lismore Castle with the Lismore Castle Virtual Reality Experience. Witness the breath-taking views as you fly over Lismore Castle and the dramatic Blackwater River and see the rooms that Fred Astaire danced around within the Castle. Homes to Robert Boyle, Father of Modern Chemistry will lead you on a tour of Lismore Castle and introduce you to the people who lived there in the past.
www.discoverlismore.com
The Theatre Royal is Ireland’s oldest continually operating theatre. Nestled in the heart of the Viking Triangle, the theatre is delighted to reopen its box office to the public on July 28th. Pat Kinevane’s play “Before” will launch the summer season on August 13th and there’s a great line-up of comedy and music in store throughout August and September.
www.theateroyal.ie
Unwind:
A calming seaweed bath, a relaxing amble through one of the world’s most famous gardens or a stroll through a fusion of Japanese Irish cultures are just some of the soothing things to do as you while away your days in Waterford.
Portlaw’s Curraghmore House is the historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford. Set in 2,500 acres of formal gardens and woodlands, lose yourself in the forest walks surrounded by magnificent spruce, cedar and oak trees, traverse King John’s bridge, the oldest bridge in Ireland or marvel at the delicacy of the enchanting Shell House, which in 1754, took Catherine Beresford, Countess of Tyrone 261 days to complete and today the shells still glow with colour and vibrancy.
www.curraghmorehouse.ie
Mount Congreve in Kilmeaden is home to one of the “greatest gardens in the world.” The gardens comprise of approximately seventy acres of intensively planted woodland, a four-acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of walkways. The Woodland Garden, the Bamboo Garden, the Walled Garden and the West Lawn are just some of the stunning trails that meander through the estate and are guaranteed to get you as close to nature as you can.
www.mountcongreve.com
Take a walk through the life of the remarkable Lafcadio Hearn, a teacher and revered writer. Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore are comprised of eleven unique garden areas that play homage to a man whose Irish, American, Greek and Japanese heritage is brought very clearly into focus through the striking landscapes and rock formations that reflect the cultures and mythologies of the places he lived.
www.lafcadiohearngardens.com
When in Waterford put a little sparkle in your life with a visit to the world-renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Situated in the heart of the Viking Triangle, tours of Waterford Crystal factory allow you to get close enough to see the intricate skill that goes into fashioning one of the world’s most recognised brands. Nothing compares with the atmosphere of the blowing room, the heady mix of heat, noise and bustling activity makes this experience all the more breath-taking as you edge closer to the 1400c furnace.
www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
After a day of exploration and discovery a hot seaweed bath, locally foraged is the ultimate regenerative experience. Solas na Mara, nestled in an Rinn Harbour combines the health benefits of the pristine Irish Sea with modern therapeutic facilities to aid relaxation and regeneration. Guaranteed to invigorate, restore and calm all at the same time.
www.solasnamara.ie
Taste:
Waterford has built a reputation as one of the country’s most progressive food producing counties. Recognised as Ireland’s No. 1 Foodie destination in 2019, the collaborative effort of farmers, growers, restaurateurs, chefs and producers, has put the Waterford stamp firmly on the international food landscape.
A great place to start your gourmand journey through Waterford is with Food, the Waterford Way. It is an experience that will lead you to some of Waterford’s finest producers, who are happy to share their stories about their passion for food. From blaa-bakers to cheesemakers, beer-brewers to foragers and gin distillers to GIYers, you can hear from the people who live food!
www.foodthewaterfordway.com
The Urban Fox offers guided food and beverage experiences in Waterford City. Local guides will show you the best the city has to offer, from Viking heritage to fine cuisines and much more. See the city like never before as they offer a range of tours, from casual tapas style trail to full packages offering The Total Urban Experience which includes Axe Throwing and a choice of Whiskey Tasting or Waterford Tapas Trail.
www.theurbanfox.ie
On the banks of the Blackwater River, in the village of Ballyduff Upper, you’ll find Blackwater Distillery, where award-winning gins, vodka and traditional pot still Irish whisky are crafted.
www.blackwaterdistillery.ie
Stay:
For a family staycation, Waterford offers a wide range of great quality accommodation to suit your plans and your budget.
Whether it’s self-catering close to the action in Tramore beach, glamourous glamping in the Nire Valley, a cosy B&B in the heart of the Copper Coast or five-star fabulousness in Ardmore, there is no shortage of great places to make your base as you start your Ireland’s Ancient East adventure. See more at https://visitwaterford.com/where-to-stay/
The birthplace of Thomas Francis Meagher (Irish American Patriot, who first raised the Irish Tricolour in 1848) is now graced by the Granville Hotel, one of Ireland’s oldest hotels and a Waterford institution in its own right. Dooley’s Hotel is a delightful family owned, third-generation, women-led hotel that overlooks the River Suir in the heart of the city.
The newly refurbished Tower Hotel is just a stone’s throw from the Medieval Museum, the Bishop’s Palace, Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre, and the Theatre Royal, while The Marina Hotel is an ideal base for the family to start your Waterford journey.
The Fitzwilton Hotel is not only close to heart of all the city has to offer but is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the central bus and train stations.
If it’s comfort and convenience you’re after then Tracey’s Hotel is designed with those qualities in mind, and also close to the city’s central bus and train stations.
Just outside the city, The Viking Hotel, is perfectly located, close to the Waterford Greenway at Carriganore. It’s the perfect starting point to experience the history and beauty along the spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail.
Waterford Castle Hotel is set on an enchanted 310-acre private island, accessed by a short river crossing on the resort’s private car ferry. Just a short drive from the city is Faithlegg Hotel, set in a stunning woodland location with breath-taking views over the Suir estuary.
If you want to be close to the coast, you can’t get closer than the Cliff House Hotel, a luxury 5-star cliff-side hideaway with stunning views of Ardmore Bay.
You’ll also be spoiled for choice with a large array of self-catering accommodation B&B’s, guesthouses, caravan and glamping parks that pepper the Crystal county.
Take the next step towards your journey of rediscovery and check out all the amazing things to do for families, thrill-seekers, culture-vultures, history buffs, and nature lovers in Waterford.
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As lockdown lifts more and more events are being planned so don’t forget to check out our events page on Facebook for updates.
