tourist information waterford ireland

Things to Do in Waterford, Ireland - Waterford Attractions

Things to do in waterford, explore popular experiences, tours in and around waterford.

Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle

Luxury Tour Of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour

Full day Private Tour from Waterford

Osprey Viking Cruises

Skip the Line: Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum Admission Ticket

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Tour Inc Admission

Skip the Line: Bishop's Palace Museum Admission Ticket

Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

Tickets to Explore Ireland's Global Garden

Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide

Full-day tours.

Top Attractions in Waterford

Other Top Attractions around Waterford

Historical Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Cultural Tours

Private sightseeing tours, what travelers are saying.

• Waterford Greenway
• Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
• King of the Vikings
• Bishop's Palace
• The Viking Triangle
• Coumshingaun Lough
• Waterford Nature Park
• People's Park
• Kilmurrin Cove
• Waterford, Kilkenny and House of Waterford Crystal
• Luxury Tour Of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour
• Dublin To Kilkenny Castle Waterford Crystal Private Car - Day Tour
• Dublin To Waterford City NYT Listed Places - Private Day Tour
• Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny Full-Day Rail Tour from Dublin
• Reginald's Tower

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 City centre
• 4.2 Further out
• 10 Stay safe

Waterford is a city in County Waterford in the south of Ireland. Founded over 1100 years ago, it's famous for its fine glassware, though the glassworks has closed down and Waterford Crystal is nowadays made abroad. The city's main attraction is its Viking, medieval and Georgian heritage, reflecting its importance as a port. With a population of 53,504 in 2016, Waterford is the largest conurbation in the area and has the best range of visitor amenities.

Understand [ edit ]

The River Suir is tidal here, and navigable by sea-going craft. This attracted the Vikings, who settled in 853 and called it Veðrafjǫrðr - the rams' fjord. They were ousted by the native Irish in 902 but returned and held on from 914. This precedes Dublin's settlement in 988 so Waterford is Ireland's oldest city. Its landscape is dominated by walls and fortifications from the Anglo-Norman period, and architecture of the 18th century when it grew rapidly as a port. The Suir was bridged in 1793 but the city remained on the south bank: a strip along the north bank has the railway station and suburb of Ferrybank, then the boundary with County Kilkenny.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Dublin ( DUB  IATA ) is usually the best option, for its range of flights and good onward transport. You might also fly into Cork or Shannon and hire a car from there.

Waterford Airport, 7 km south, has had no scheduled flights since 2016. Since then, large amounts of money have been poured in to create a bigger airport than Cork, nicely in time for Covid to ruin the air travel business.

Ryanair's first flight was here on 8 July 1985, flying an Embraer Bandeirante 15-seater turboprop between Waterford and London Gatwick. In 1986 they added the Dublin-Luton route, competing with the flag-carrier airlines, assisted by EEC deregulation rules. In the new few years they moved to a budget carrier model, web-based booking and demand-priced fares, and began their march towards European domination. In 1992 they declined to pay Waterford Airport's charges, and axed the route.

By train [ edit ]

Direct trains run from Dublin Heuston, taking 2 hr 15 min to Waterford via Newbridge, Kildare , Athy , Carlow , Bagenalstown / Muine Bheag, Kilkenny and Thomastown . There are seven M-Sa and four on Sunday.

There are two trains M-Sa from Limerick Junction (for Dublin, Cork and Limerick city) via Tipperary , Cahir , Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. The railway from Rosslare was axed in 2010, use the bus.

Waterford railway station is 52.266 -7.117 1 Plunkett just north of the river bridge. Of the many illustrious Plunketts that it might be named for, it commemorates Joseph Plunkett (1887-1916), executed for his part in the Easter Rising.

By bus [ edit ]

Expressway Bus 4 / X4 runs every hour or two from Dublin Airport, taking 3 hours to Waterford via Dublin Busáras and Heuston, Carlow and Thomastown ; two of these continue to New Ross . A single adult fare is around €20.

JJ Kavanagh competes on this route, with Bus 736 every hour or two from Dublin Airport and several city stops but not Busáras, via Carlow and Kilkenny to Waterford, with some buses continuing to Tramore . They have at least one overnight run.

Expressway Bus 55 runs daily every two hours from Limerick via Tipperary , Cahir , Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir.

Bus Éireann 73 trundles across the midlands from Athlone to Tullamore , Portlaoise , Carlow , Kilkenny , Thomastown and Waterford. There are two M-Sa and one on Sunday.

Expressway Bus 40 runs hourly from Cork via Youghal and Dungarvan to Waterford, and continues to New Ross , Wexford and Rosslare Harbour, for ferries to Wales and the Continent.

Waterford 52.263 -7.115 2 bus station is on Merchants Quay by the riverside.

By car [ edit ]

By road from Dublin follow N7 / M7 onto M9, 160 km and reckon 2 hr 30 min.

From Wexford follow N25. You can take that route from Rosslare, but there's a shortcut along the minor roads and across the 52.24 -6.973 3 Passage East Ferry from Ballyhack. It sails 07:00-20:00 every 15 min or so; a car and its passengers is €8 single and €12 return.

The N25 bypassing the city to the west has a toll bridge: cars €1.90.

Get around [ edit ]

Walking is generally the best option. The area of interest is compact, and you should avoid bringing a car into the centre.

By bus: Bus Éireann operate five city routes . These don't go into the bus station, but start from the Quays near the Clock Tower. See the bus network map , but in summary:

• W1 loops clockwise via Cork Road, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ballybeg, Cannon Street and back to the Quays, every 20-30 min.
• W2 loops anticlockwise via Cannon Street, Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Road and back to the Quays, every 20-30 min. .
• W3 runs south to St Johns Park every 20-30 min.
• W4 runs west via Peter Street to Browne's Road every 30 min.
• W5 shuttles cross-town between University Hospital in the east, the Quays, and Oakwood in the west, every 30 min.

Bus Éireann also run the hourly Bus 360 / 360A to Tramore, which does start from the bus station.

The fare within the city (as of Sept 2020) is €2.40 adult and €1.40 child by cash, or €1.68 adult, 98c child by Leap Card . To Tramore is €2.80 adult by cash, €1.96 by Leap Card. 24 hour, 7 day and monthly tickets are also available.

In addition Kavanagh Coaches run buses between the housing estates, college and shopping centres.

Taxi: fares are nationally regulated and taxis must use the meter. As of March 2021, fares M-Sa 08:00 to 20:00 are €3.80 flagfall then €1.14-1.50 per km, 20:00 to 08:00 and Sunday €4.20 flagfall then €1.45-1.80 per km. In slow traffic or if asked to wait they charge by the minute, 40-50 cents. The most reliable operator is Rapid Cabs , +353 51 858585 or book online.

The ferry to Little Island may only be used by guests of the hotel (see Sleep) or clients of resort facilities eg the golf course. See above for the public ferry from County Wexford.

See [ edit ]

City centre [ edit ]

• Waterford Treasures consists of two museums: Medieval Museum and Bishop's Palace. Both have a guided tour lasting 45 min, after which you can explore at liberty. (A third, Reginald's Tower, is closed in 2020 for restoration.) They're open daily M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. Admission to one is adult €10, conc €8, under-12 with paying adult free. For both museums it's adult €15, conc €14. There's also a combi-ticket with Mount Congreve Gardens.
• Bishop's Palace ( Treasures of Georgian Waterford ), The Mall ( next to Medieval Museum ), ☏ +355 761 102501 . Hours and prices as above . Grand Georgian residence with decor and items mostly from that era, including a 1789 piece of Waterford Crystal and a Napoleon Mourning Cross. The Hucklebuck shoes are from 1963 (from pop group Royal Showband) yet resemble the attire of a Regency buck. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Other towers: seven still stand: Semi-Lunar Tower, Beach Tower, Turgesius’s Tower, St Martin’s Gate, The Watch Tower, The Double Tower and The French Tower. Sections of the city walls remain, linking the towers, west crossing Patrick St and south in a loop across Parnell St and John's Lane.
• The French Church or Greyfriars Abbey is a ruin next to Reginald's Tower. It was built in 1241 and the bell tower added in the 15th century; the friary was dissolved in 1540.
• King of the Vikings is a virtual-reality museum next to the tower, open daily 11:00-17:00. Adult €10, child under 12 €5.
• Christ Church Cathedral is the C of I (Protestant) building in Cathedral Square next to the two museums. It was built in Georgian style 1773-79 replacing the 13th century Gothic cathedral, from which the Catholics had been ejected at the Reformation. When the old one was demolished, they found the remarkable medieval vestments now in the museum.
• Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity is the RC building on the Quays. It was completed in 1793 on the site of a chapel when the Penal Laws against Catholic assemblies were relaxed. It's in Romanesque style resembling a particularly august bank.

Further out [ edit ]

• Kilmeadan Castle is the stump of a tower house built late 17th C, glimpsed from the Greenway between Mount Congreve and the WSVR station (see below). It's not worth thrashing through the undergrowth for a closer view.
• 52.24 -7.264 5 Fairbrook House is an old wool mill turned into an art-space and gardens. It's open May-Sept W-Su, adult €7, no dogs. It's 1 km west of Kilmeadan along Greenway, or follow N25 from Carrick Road Roundabout.
• 52.29 -7.358 6 Curraghmorehouse is a palatial grand mansion, mostly 18th / 19th century, the home of the Marquess of Waterford. It can only be visited by pre-arranged group tour; its grounds sometimes hold events.
• County Kilkenny lies just north of the city, and some of its sights are easier to reach from Waterford than from there.
• Grannagh Castle is a crumbling medieval turret, off N24 about 500 m west of Meagher Bridge. It was wrecked in 1650 by Cromwell's forces.
• 52.295 -7.26 7 Mooncoin : great name, too bad it's just a nondescript modern village straggling along N24 ten miles northwest of the city. But then again, Móin Choinn means "the bogland of Coyne". You might look into the parish church. Or you might croon "Rose of Mooncoin", the mawkish ballad penned by Watt Murphy, sundered from his dear Molly (aka Elizabeth) by her flint-hearted father the vicar. The first problem was, Watt was 56 and Molly was 20. And second, he had rebel sympathies, with the Young Irelander rebellion of 1848 threatening a return to the bad old days. Molly's father had every reason to believe he was saving his entire family's lives by decamping to London. The ballad has been adopted as the anthem of Kilkenny GAA, who can have no complaints if their sporting hopes are crushed by teams half their age.
• 52.35 -7.333 8 Piltown has a "sham castle", a Napoleonic-era monument that's now a water tower. However it's not the birthplace of the sham "Piltdown Man" - that's near Uckfield in East Sussex, England. Stay on N24 to cross into County Tipperary and the genuine castle of Carrick-on-Suir .
• 52.367 -7.167 9 Mullinavat is 16 km north, with Poulanassy waterfall 1 km west of the village.

Do [ edit ]

• What's on? Listen to WLR FM on 95.1 MHz or Beat 102 103 [dead link] on, yes you guessed; or read Waterford News & Star , Munster Express or Waterford Today.
• Theatre Royal is on The Mall, box office +353 51 874 402.
• Central Arts [dead link] is at 123A Parade Quay and includes Red Kettle Theatre. Box office +353 86 545 3246. The Film Festival is held here in November: the next event is 20-22 Nov 2020.
• Garter Lane Arts Centre on O'Connel St has theatre, film and dance. Box office +353 51 855 038.
• Cinema: the Omniplex is on Patrick St, the Odeon is 500 m south on Poleberry Link Rd.
• People's Park is the pleasant green space just south of the smaller river.
• Gaelic games: the County GAA plays hurling and Gaelic football at Walsh Park, on Keane's Road 1 km southwest of city centre. Its capacity of 11,000 is expected to increase to 16,500 in 2021. There's a secondary home stadium in Dungarvan.
• Football: Waterford FC were promoted in 2023 so they now play soccer in the Premier Division, the Republic's top tier. They play at the Regional Sports Centre (capacity 5150) on Tramore Rd 1 km south of town centre. The playing season is March-Nov.
• 52.27 -7.12 1 Waterford Golf Club is north bank of the river on Newrath Road. Blue tees 5652 yards, par 70.
• Deise Greenway is a 46 km walking and cycling route along an old railway track. It heads west from Waterford along the south bank of the river, alongside the WSV Railway as far as Kilmeadan. It continues west cross-country then turns south to the coast at Dungarvan .
• All Together Now is a modern music festival held around the August holiday weekend. The next event is 30 July - 1 Aug 2021 at Curraghmore House 10 km west of the city.

Buy [ edit ]

The main retail mall is a block back from the Quay.

Eat [ edit ]

• A blaa is a floury bread bun unique to this region - see County Waterford#Eat . Walsh's Bakehouse and Hickey's Bakery still produce blaas in Waterford by the traditional method, as does Barron's Bakery in Cappoquin near Lismore.
• Café Lucia , 2 Arundel Lane X91 A302 , ☏ +353 51 825 553 . Tu-Th 09:00-16:30 F Sa 09:00-17:30 . A lovely little café in a lane besides the shopping centre. Soups, panini, wraps, burgers, all go down well. They have another branch at Ardkeen Shopping Centre down Dunmore Road. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Bodéga , 54 John Street XW2R , ☏ +353 51 844 177 . W-Su 16:30-21:30 . Spanish name but French cuisine, seafood a speciality. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Dry Dock Bar is within Dooley’s Hotel on Merchant's Quay, see Sleep. It wins good reviews as much for its food as its ambiance and has live music at weekends; open daily 09:00-00:00.
• Espresso , Parnell Street , ☏ +353 51 874 141 . W-Sa 17:00-21:00, Su 13:00-20:00 . Cheap and cheerful Italian pizza and pasta restaurant in city centre. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Kyoto , John Collyn House, High St X91 EF8F , ☏ +353 51 854 762 . M-Th 12:30-14:30, 16:00-22:30, F-Su 12:30-22:30 . Not that you'd admit to wanting a break from trad Irish fare, but here are all the staple Japanese offerings. Inexpensive. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• La Bohème , 2 George’s St ( one block south of bus station ), ☏ +353 51 875 645 . Tu-Sa 17:30-22:00 . Good French food in an atmospheric restaurant in the vaulted cellars of a Georgian townhouse. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.26 -7.112 1 Momo , 47 Patrick St X91 DX49 , ☏ +44 51 581 509 . Tu-Sa 12:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00, Su 13:00-20:00 . Eclectic modern cuisine with plenty of choice for veggies, vegans and GF. Gets great reviews. ( updated Sep 2020 )

Drink [ edit ]

• Geoff's Cafe Bar , 9 John St X91 WP98 . Daily 11:30-00:00 . Big lively pub, good choice of beer and food. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Henry Downes , 10 Thomas St . Grand old pub, a Waterford institution. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Jordan's , 123 Parade Quay X91 CP89 . Trad Irish pub, popular with visitors and locals alike. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Kazbar , John St X91 F974 . Daily 12:30-23:00 . Buzzing bar, good food, TV sport, live music most nights. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• The Munster , 11 The Mall X91 EF2D . M-W 12:00-15:00, Th-Su 12:00-22:30 . Charming bar, good food and company. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Katty Barry's ( previously Queen's ), 2 Mall Lane . M-F 16:00-23:30, Sa Su 12:30-00:00 . Cosy trad Irish bar, often has live music. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• The Tavern , 5 Lower Yellow Road X91 W6FH . Cosy friendly pub, good food. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Other popular pubs are The Gingerman, Phil Grimes, The Tap Room, The Three Shippes, and Tom Maher.
• Metalman Brewing Co [dead link] on Tycor Business Park produce an off-beat collection of beers. No tours.
• Waterford Distillery on Grattan Quay makes whiskey. The shop is open M-F 08:00-16:30 but in 2020 they don't offer tours.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 52.262 -7.112 1 Portree Guesthouse , 10 Mary St X91 KF10 , ☏ +353 51 874 574 . Simple B&B in a Georgian block on a quiet street near bridge. No dogs. B&B double €80 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.263 -7.12 2 Fitzwilton Hotel , Bridge St X91 RC9A ( Big puce block just south of bridge ), ☏ +353 51 846 900 , [email protected] . Modern midrange hotel, very central. The car park is cramped, only 7 spaces which fill early. B&B double €100 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Treacey's Hotel , 1 Merchants Quay St X91 AV9W ( south end of bridge ), ☏ +353 51 877 222 . Decent midrange hotel on Quays. B&B double €80 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Dooley's Hotel , 30 Merchant's Quay X91 P86C ( opposite bus station ), ☏ +353 51 873 531 . Midrange modern hotel with 112 rooms and conference suite. With Ship Restaurant and Dry Dock Bar, see Eat. B&B double €110 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Granville Hotel , 62 Meagher's Quay X91 XH5R ( 100 m east of bus station ), ☏ +353 51 305 555 . Good modern hotel on riverside, some street noise, but great reviews for comfort and service. Cheap parking. B&B double €110 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.26 -7.105 3 Tower Hotel , The Mall X91 VXE0 , ☏ +353 51 862 300 . Bright modern hotel on riverside, has parking, good reviews for comfort, service and food. B&B double €110 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.248 -7.121 4 Travelodge Waterford Hotel , Cork Road X91 YV04 ( On retail park 1 km south of centre ), ☏ +353 51 358 885 , fax : +353 51 358890 , [email protected] . Basic chain hotel, clean and value for money. Free parking. B&B double €80 . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 52.242 -7.165 6 Viking Hotel Waterford , Cork Road X91 Y657 ( jcn with ring road, 3 km southwest of centre ), ☏ +353 51 336 933 , [email protected] . Decent budget-to-mid-range place at edge of town, convenient for motorists. B&B double €80 . ( updated Sep 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Standard advice about road safety and avoiding drunks. The city centre is safe day and night, and the revellers are noisy rather than threatening.

Connect [ edit ]

The city has a good mobile and 4G signal from all Irish carriers. As of Sept 2020, 5G has not reached this area.

Go next [ edit ]

• Along the coast nearby are the resorts of Dunmore East and Tramore ; further west is the "Copper Coast" towards Dungarvan .
• The Comeragh Mountains form the border with Tipperary to the northeast, similarly the Knockmealdown Mountains northwest. They're scenic and easy to access.
• Cahir , across the mountains in County Tipperary, has a river-island castle and the playful Swiss Cottage.
• Inistioge is a picture-postcard village north in County Kilkenny.

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15 Best Things To Do In Waterford, Ireland (For 2024)

Categories Things To Do , Waterford

Ireland’s oldest city is located in the heart of Waterford county where history took place over a couple of decades ago.

Along with that comes a lot of interesting places to discover and a lot of enchanting stories to tell that surely a lot of tourists would like to know.

Not only it is rich in history, but Waterford is also home to the best-curated gardens in Ireland and it’s also one of the most beautiful towns in the country.

Without further ado, here are 15 things to do in Waterford, Ireland.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Kickstart your trip in the Viking Triangle

2. step back to the days in the king of the vikings, 3. to watch the making of fine crystals in the house of waterford crystal, 4. visit ireland’s one and only medieval museum, 5. watch a musical in theatre royal, 6. visit reginald’s tower, ireland’s oldest civic building., 7. feel at home in mount congreve, 8. tour the curraghmore house and garden, 9. enjoy a home away from home in waterford castle resort and golf course, 10. step into the memories of the past in bishop’s palace, 11. visit the christ church cathedral, 12. pay respect to the cathedral of the most holy trinity, 13. get an authentic japanese experience in lafcadio hearn japanese gardens, 14. go biking along the waterford greenway, 15. be with nature in comeragh mountains and coumshingaun lough.

Fun Fact: Waterford was founded by the Vikings in the 10th century.

Presently, the Vikings Triangle’s current location is where you can find Waterford’s best and top sights and attractions.

This is the best place to kickstart your trip since you can easily spot Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace, and the Medieval Museum nearby.

It is also a popular venue for the Viking festival where the locals celebrate its history through arts and crafts, archery, demonstrations, and lots of Viking foods.

Contact Information

Address: The Viking Trust Company Ltd., Brick Lane, The Viking Triangle Waterford , Ireland

Phone: +353 87 183 5035

Email: [email protected]

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This 30-minute virtual reality experience should make it to your list of things to do in Waterford after it opened for tourism purposes in 2017.

Step back to the days when the Vikings used to settle down in Waterford. The storyline of the guided tour involves the ruins of the 13th-century Franciscan Friary where you can see authentic Viking houses.

Aside from the virtual reality experience, the guides also add to the experience by dressing up according to the timetable of the story.

Also hailed as the “first Viking virtual reality adventure in the world”, the King of the Vikings experience is located in the Viking Triangle.

Opening Hours

Open daily from 10:30 am-5:00 pm

Address: 10 Bailey’s New St, Waterford , X91 A0PF, Ireland

Phone: +353 76 110 2676

Email: [email protected]

The House of Waterford Crystal gives you the chance to see how these fine crystals from Waterford are handcrafted.

Both a factory and visitor center at the same time, the current House of Waterford Crystal is the rebirth of the original fine crystal factory which operated from 1783 until 2009.

The new leg only came to life in 2010 after the city initiated its comeback to the crystal-making industry.

The visit includes a tour where you’ll be able to see how the Waterford Crystal is cut and polished using a century-old method. You can also buy some souvenirs at the end of the trip.

Daily from 9 am- 6 pm

Admission Fee

Adult- €13.05

Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)- €38.00

Student- €11.50

Child (Under 18)- €6.50

Child (under 10)- Free

Senior-€12.50

Address: 28  House of Waterford The Mall Waterford , Ireland

Phone:+353 51 317000

Email: [email protected]

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Walk back to the Medieval times as you visit the Medieval Museum in Waterford. Be sure not to miss it as it is the only museum in Ireland which is entirely dedicated to showcasing the medieval times in the country.

Here you can find two chambers– each with its own set of stories. The first one is the Chorister’s Hall from 1270 where the dean of Waterford Cathedral used to reside.

It also has an underground way leading to the Mayor’s Wine Vault from the 15th century. The other chamber is the Cloth of Gold vestments where you can find century-old vestments.

Some of these vestments are even silk woven from Florence and embroidered in Bruges. It is an enchanting experience seeing these pieces from the past.

September to May

Mon-Fri 9:15am – 5 pm

Saturday- 10 am-5pm

9.30am to 6 pm

11 am to 5 pm

June-December

Mon-Fri -9 am -6 pm

Sat- 9:30 am-6pm

Sun- 11 am-6pm

adult- €7

Senior/ Student €6

Under 14 free with paying adult

Group (10+)

Adult/Senior/Student €4

School groups €2 per student, leaders free

Address:   Cathedral Square, Waterford, Ireland

Phone: + 353 (0)761 102501

Email: [email protected]

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If you’re lucky, you might be able to score performance in Theatre Royal. This classic Victorian U-shaped theater from 1876 hosts various acts like operas, Irish folk acts, dance recitals, musicals, rock bands , jazz bands, and comedy acts. The theater can house 432 guests on three tiers.

Now, it has an elegant chandelier as one of the auditorium’s highlights which were sponsored by the Waterford Crystal in 1951.

The theater is being properly taken care of by the Waterford community. It underwent maintenance from 2007 to 2009 to provide a better experience.

On a regular day, you can also grab some snacks in the Cafe Royal and watch the Bishop’s Palace Garden in sight.

Mon- Fri-  10am-4pm (8pm on performance day)

Sat- 12pm-4pm (8pm on performance day)

Sunday and bank holidays- closed

Address: The Mall, Waterford, Co. Waterford, Ireland. 

Phone: +353 (0)51 874 402 

Email: [email protected]

You will be amazed to know the history behind this oldest civic building in Ireland.

Now acting as a museum, Reginald’s Tower used to function a lot of things for the Irish people. The origin of the tower can be traced back to the middle of the 11th century where it was originally a part of a Viking fort.

Over the years, it functioned as a royal keep, and a military warehouse too.

In present, it holds artifacts recovered from the time of the Vikings such as swords and coins.

January – Early March

Wed-Sun- 9.30 am – 5pm

Late March – Mid December: Daily – 9.30 am-5:30 pm

Closed for Christmas from 24th December – 6th January inclusive.

Last admissions 30 mins before closing

The average length of visit – 1 hour

Adult: €5.00

Sen/Group: €4.00

Child/Student: €3.00

Family: €13.00

Address: The Quay, Waterford , Ireland

Phone: +353 (0)761 102501

Email: [email protected]

This photogenic Georgian house is more than meets the eye. The main highlight of this house is the walled garden situated on Mount Congreve’s 30-hectare grounds.

This garden, a botanical garden, has gained international recognition after it was brought to life by Ambrose Congreve in the 20th century.

The garden consists of 250 types of climbers, 600 camellias, 300-acre cultivars, and over 2000 rhododendron bushes which in total has over 3000 different types of trees and shrubs.

You can also find an enchanting lily pond in the heart of this walled garden. Mount Congreve is located in Kilmeaden just outside Waterford . It is truly worth a visit.

Thu-Sun & Bank Holidays from 11 am-5.30pm

June, July & August

7 days per week 11 am-5.30 pm

September-December

Thu to Sun & Bank Holidays from 11 am-5.30pm

Last entry to the gardens daily is 4.30pm

Adults: €7.00

Concession: €6.00

Family (2 adults & 2 children): €20.00

Under 12’s free

Address:  Mount Congreve, Mountcongreve, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford , X91 PX05, Ireland

Phone: +353 (0)51 384 115

Email:  [email protected]

The Curraghmore House and Garden is located in Portlaw, County Waterford and is the largest private dwelling in Ireland. This highly-rated tourist attraction is sitting on 2500 acres of private woodland with garden and grazing pastures. Originally, the house was built for the La Poer family and they even still occupy this stunning house since 1177. However, it has been opened for public viewing too. If you have time to spare, there is a house and garden tour that you can experience with your family or even solo.

Wed to Sun 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

Guided Tours of House, Garden and Shellhouse) will be available until September 2019

Gardens  – €6.00

Shell House & Garden  – €10.00

House Tours  – €12.00

House, Shell House & Gardens  – €18.00

Address: Curraghmore estate, Curraghmore, Portlaw, Co. Waterford , X91 CH28, Ireland

Phone: +353 86 821 1917

Email:  [email protected]

Waterford Castle Resort and Golf Course are perfect for guests of all types. Whether you’re on a vacation with your family or just by yourself, the resort has great amenities to make you feel at home.

Located in the heart of Waterford , this 310-acre island offers the King’s Channel Club House for relaxation or the modern Island lodges for family-friendly accommodation. Guests can also enjoy bird watching or deer spotting from time to time.

The Waterford Castle was also part of the Irish history before it was transformed into a hotel in the late 1980s. The classic castle vibes and some of the historical features of the place still remain though.

If you’re up for some royalty treats, Munster Room Restaurant, its in-house restaurant, is also serving sumptuous meals that you should try.

Address: Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort The Island, Waterford, Ireland X91 Y722

Phone:+ 353 (0) 51 878 203

Email:  [email protected]

Waterford is indeed filled with lots of historical significance and the Bishop’s Palace is just one of the places you need to visit if you want to know more of Ireland’s history.

Designed by Richard Castles, an Anglo-German architect, the Bishop’s Palace became one of the first Georgian monuments in Ireland and in Waterford

Now, the palace is developed into a museum for safekeeping historical pieces from the 1700s like the oldest piece of Waterford crystal and the last surviving mourning cross to commemorate the death of Bonaparte.

You can also find information about the War of Independence and the First World War in this museum- both a significant chapter of Waterford ’s past.

Address: Museum of Treasures, The Mall, Waterford, Ireland

Phone: +353 (0)761 102646

Christ Church Cathedral is the third church in Waterford built for the Church of Ireland congregation.

This cathedral has a Neoclassical architecture where you’ll find a stuccowork on the nave ceiling. There are also Corinthian columns and the last pillar remaining from its Gothic predecessor.

Summer -Easter to October

Mon to Fri: 10: am to 5 pm

Sat: 10am – 4pm

Winter November to Easter

Mon to Sat: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Bank Holidays: Closed

Address: 1 Cathedral Square, Waterford, Ireland

Phone: +353 51 858958

Email: [email protected]

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity takes pride by being the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. The origin of this cathedral can be dated back to the 1790s.

The designer behind this historical church is a local architect known as John Roberts.

He incorporated a Neoclassical style in the overall design of the cathedral where you can see Ionic pilasters, a balustrade with statues, and a decorative wall surface by the entrance depicting Christ flanked by angels.

You can also find 10 chandeliers inside which were all donated by Waterford Crystal.

Years later, the cathedral also faced a few renovations such as the alteration of the altar so that the presiding priest would be able to face the congregation during mass.

Weekday Masses

Mon – Fri -10:30am, 5:30pm

Saturday-10:30 am

Sunday -Cathedral mass

8 am, 12 noon and 5:30 pm

Address: Barronstrand St, Waterford, Ireland

Phone: 051 875166

Email: [email protected]

Named after Lafcadio Hearn, a 19th-century author , and traveler, this Japanese Garden offers an authentic Japanese experience while in Waterford.

The garden is specifically located 10 kilometers south of Tamore and is a captivating garden inspired by Hearn’s writings and journey to Japan.

It features a Japanese Garden with bridges, bamboos, ponds, and streams. It also has a Victorian Garden, Greek, and as well as American Garden.

Hearn became popular for his works about Japan and its folklore around the same time when Japan had just started welcoming foreigners to their country.

This popularity caught the attention of Princess Takamado of Japan and visited this garden in 2017.

In present, you can book guided tours in advance if you want to appreciate the garden and its deep symbolism.

Daily -10 am-5pm

Adult Entry: €5.00

Child U12 (only with Adult standard entry): €2.00

Guided Tour (45mins) – €7.50 p.p .  – (Guided Tours for minimum of 4 adults)

School Children Guided Tour/School Tours – €3.00 per child (all age groups)

Free to Residents of Tramore on Thursdays (must produce Residents Card)

Address: The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, Pond Road, Tramore, County Waterford.

Phone: + 353 87 0960013

Email: [email protected]

Hailed as one of the most scenic views in Ireland, biking along the Waterford Greenway should be in your list of things to do in Waterford.

It is perfect for tourists who just want a chill activity while appreciating Waterford’s beautiful scenery. The route is 46-kilometers long and has been improved to become a cyclist-friendly and walker-friendly route.

You can start your ride by the banks of the River Suir where you’ll come across three historic viaducts. The countryside view is definitely the highlight of this trip.

If you don’t have a set of wheels, you can also rent e-bikes in the area. You can also find a lot of snack bars and ice cream shops as you go along the route.

The Comeragh Mountains and Coumshingaun Lough are the perfect places to go if you want to add an extra adventure to your trip to Waterford.

The Comeragh Mountains in the western part of Waterford has 12 peaks of 800 meters. It has a smooth terrain which is perfect for the non-professional hikers.

You can find a lot of natural wonders in the trail such as the Coumshingaun Lough. It is a 365-meter deep armchair-shaped hollow with a small lake located on its foot.

Normally, the lake is inky black but when hit by the sunlight the lake turns into a metallic shade of blue. It is known to be the most romantic sight in the Comeragh Mountains. Prepare to conquer a bowl of cliffs to reach the bottom of the hollow.

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Home » Travel Guides » Ireland » 15 Best Things to Do in Waterford (Ireland)

15 Best Things to Do in Waterford (Ireland)

Ireland ‘s oldest city is at the head of the natural Waterford Harbour in the sunny southeast of the country.

Waterford was founded by the Vikings at the start of the 10th century, and the city is still in touch with its Norse roots at the Viking Triangle, a cultural zone tallying with old city walls.

Waterford also abounds with 18th-century Georgian buildings like the Bishop’s Palace, now a museum with all kinds of bits and pieces from the last three centuries.

This is one of three attractions run by the Museum of Treasures, counting the Viking exhibition inside the famous Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum, housing centuries-old chambers and invaluable religious artefacts.

The name “Waterford” may ring a bell for another reason because of the fine flint glass, Waterford Crystal, crafted in the city since 1783.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Waterford :

1. Viking Triangle

Most of Waterford’s top sights and attractions lie inside this area once controlled by the city’s Viking walls.

Waterford was founded by the Vikings at the beginning of the 10th century, and the name of the city isn’t what is seems: It derives from Veðrafjǫrðr, which translates to “Windy Fjord” and is Ireland’s only place name with Norse etymology.

In just one square mile you’ll find Reginald’s Tower, The Bishop’s Palace and the Medieval Museum, as well as the House of Waterford Crystal and the Theatre Royal.

On parade quay by Reginald’s tower is a full-sized and seaworthy replica of a Viking longboat, 12 metres in length.

On Easter weekend 2018 the district was the location for Waterford’s first annual Viking festival, a big blowout with arts and crafts, archery, Viking food, weapon-handling demonstrations and a real forge making arrowheads.

2. Reginald’s Tower

Waterford’s abiding symbol is also the oldest civic building in Ireland.

Reginald’s Tower has Anglo-Norman origins and gained its current design in the conquest of Ireland in the mid-13th century.

Before then the tower was part of a Viking fort, founded at the beginning of the 11th century.

Although intended as a defensive building, the tower has had all sorts of roles, having been a royal keep, military warehouse, mint and now a museum.

Take a closer look at the stonework and you’ll spot a cannonball from Cromwell’s successful siege in 1650. The Waterford Viking Museum has artefacts recovered from the 2003 Woodstown dig, like swords, ships nails, silver ingots and Byzantine coins.

3. Bishop’s Palace

The Anglo-German architect Richard Castles designed Waterford’s refined bishop’s palace, which was completed in 1741 and was the first of a slew of Georgian monuments.

Castles was also responsible for Leinster House in Dublin, now the seat of the Irish Parliament.

The Bishop’s Palace faced onto Waterford’s city walls, which were lowered here and turned in garden terraces.

The palace’s museum has curiosities from the 1700s to the present day, like the oldest piece of Waterford crystal, the Penrose decanter from 1789. Also here is the last surviving “mourning cross”, one of 12 made to commemorate Napoleon Bonaparte’s death in 1821. The top floor goes into detail on chapters from Waterford’s past, like the War of Independence, the First World War and the old livestock markets in the Ballybricken parish.

4. Medieval Museum

Ireland’s only museum devoted solely to medieval times preserves two Medieval chambers.

One is the Choristers’ Hall from 1270, a residence for the dean of Waterford Cathedral, while underground you can make your way through the Mayor’s Wine Vault from the 15th century.

One of the most spellbinding exhibits is the Cloth of Gold vestments, the only complete set of Medieval vestments in Northern Europe.

Dating to 1460, they are made from silk woven in Florence and then embroidered in Bruges in 1460. The vestments were buried in 1650 to prevent them being destroyed by Puritan iconoclasts during the Cromwellian conquest, and were then rediscovered 123 years later.

The museum also has Henry VIII’s Cap of Maintenance, the one surviving piece of clothing from the king’s wardrobe, presented to the city along with a ceremonial sword in 1536.

5. House of Waterford Crystal

The name “Waterford” is a byword for fine crystal, and on the Mall you can drop by the new factory and visitor centre, which opened in 2010. The original Waterford Crystal was in business from 1783 to 2009, before the parent company Waterford Wedgwood went into receivership.

The Waterford arm of the company was reborn in 2010 after the city intervened, and production started once more.

The best part of a visit is the factory tour when you’ll feel the heat from the furnaces and see how Waterford crystal is blown, cut and polished using centuries of knowhow.

At the end you can treat yourself to something from the store, which has the world’s largest single collection of Waterford Crystal.

6. Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

The oldest cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, this monument dates to the 1790s and was designed by the local architect John Roberts.

The cathedral is in an imposing Neoclassical style, with Ionic pilasters, a balustrade topped with statues and a tympanum relief depicting Christ flanked by angels.

The interior has ten chandeliers donated by Waterford Crystal, and a pipe organ fitted in 1848 by the English firm William Hill & Son.

In 1977 the interior was renovated following the Second Vatican Council, and the altar was changed so that mass could be given facing the congregation.

7. Mount Congreve

John Roberts also designed this stately home in Kilmeaden just outside Waterford.

It was owned by the Congreves who came from Staffordshire in England and settled here at the end of the 17th century.

Completed in the 1760s, the Georgian house is photogenic from the outside, but the reason to come is for the internationally-renowned botanical gardens in the 30-hectare grounds.

These were planted in the 20th century by Ambrose Congreve who won awards for his creation.

There are more than 3,000 different types of trees and shrubs.

Among them are 250 kinds of climbers, 300 acer cultivars, 600 camellias and over 2,000 rhododendron bushes.

One of many high points is the walled garden, more than 1.5 hectares in size and containing an enchanting lily pond.

8. King of the Vikings

Marketed as the “first Viking virtual reality adventure in the world”, King of the Vikings opened on Bailey’s New Street in the Viking Triangle in 2017. The location is the ruins of the 13th-century Franciscan Friary, where a thatched Viking house has been built using only the materials and methods of the period.

The experience lasts 30 minutes, during which you’ll meet guides in period costume and don a VR headset and step back to the days when Waterford was settled by Vikings.

The experience has a storyline, provided you’re not too distracted by the stunning visuals.

9. Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

Ten kilometres south in Tramore is a captivating garden named for the 19th-century author and traveller Lafcadio Hearn.

In 1890, after years on the move, he ended up in Japan, becoming a naturalised Japanese citizen, marrying and having four children.

He gained an international following for his writing about Japan and its folklore at a time when the country had only just opened up to foreigners.

Visited by Princess Takamado of Japan in 2017, the attraction is inspired by Hearn’s writings and journey, and features a Victorian Garden, Greek and American Gardens and an authentic ensemble of Japanese Gardens with bridges, bamboo, streams and ponds.

To appreciate the deep symbolism of the gardens you can book a guided tour in advance.

In summer, follow-up with a visit to the Blue Flag Tramore Strand, five kilometres of golden sand and shingle.

10. Christ Church Cathedral

The cathedral for Waterford’s Church of Ireland congregation is the third church to be raised on this site.

The first was founded in the 1000s and would be the place where Aoife MacMurrough, the famous Gaelic princess, and the English nobleman Richard de Clatre, would marry in the 12th century.

The last rebuild was by John Roberts in the 1770s, during which the Cloth of Gold vestments were discovered.

These are now on display at the Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum.

The regal Christ Church Cathedral has Neoclassical architecture, with decorative stuccowork on the nave ceiling, Corinthian columns on little plinths and a single pillar remaining from its Gothic predecessor.

11. Theatre Royal

On the Mall, the Theatre Royal is a classic Victorian U-shaped theatre built in 1876 when a wing of the Town Hall was remodelled.

The auditorium sits 432 on three tiers and was closed for a two-year refit from 2007 to 2009. There’s a highly decorative proscenium, while the exquisite ceiling chandelier was donated by Waterford Crystal in 1951. You can see three more crystal chandeliers in the elegant Georgian vestibule.

On a typical day you could grab a bite or cup of tea at the Cafe Royal, overlooking the Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

The Theatre Royal books all kinds of acts, from touring rock, blues and jazz bands to Irish folk acts, dance, musicals and comedy.

12. Waterford Greenway

The Waterford to Mallow railway line was laid in 1872 and was lauded as the most scenic in Ireland as soon as it opened.

The final train made the trip along the remaining Waterford to Dungarvan in 1987 after a factory producing magnesite crystal closed down.

Three fallow decades later the 46-kilometre route has been resurfaced with asphalt for cyclists and walkers.

You’ll begin by the banks of the River Suir and cross three historic viaducts with panoramas of the countryside.

There are lush gorges taken over by vegetation, ruined stations (Durrow) and the Ballyvoyle tunnel on the way down to Dungarvan on the coast.

If you need a set of wheels you’ll find hire shops that also rent out e-bikes, and lots of places to stop on the way for a drink or ice cream.

13. Dunmore East

If you catch a sunny day in summer, Dunmore East at the west entrance to Waterford Harbour is an easy 20-minute drive.

This charming old fishing village has a picturesque working harbour and some enticing fish and seafood restaurants.

The coastline is rocky and indented and in both directions you can strike out on green cliff-top walks.

Facing away from the open ocean, the village has six protected coves if you’re in the mood for a brisk swim or something like kayaking, caving or stand-up paddleboarding with the Dunmore Adventure company, based in the harbour.

14. Comeragh Mountains

West of Waterford the Comeragh Mountains are 12 peaks cresting at just shy of 800 metres.

The terrain is smooth, and composed of moors and bogs, so none of the summits are difficult to scale.

The Comeragh Mountains are all part of a plateau, on the fringes of which are eye-popping glacial formations known as corries.

These are cauldrons of vertiginous rock, often with lakes (or loughs) below.

The most spectacular is Coumshingaun Lough, which we’ll talk about underneath, but Coum Iarthair and Crotty’s Lough both deserve a visit.

Coum Tay can be done on an 11-kilometre trail, along which you’ll pass the unforgettable Mahon Falls.

15. Coumshingaun Lough

The single most romantic sight in the Comeragh Mountains is this corrie, which you can walk around on a eight-kilometre trail.

Coumshingaun Lough is an armchair-shaped hollow up to 365 metres deep with a small lake at the bottom, all caused by glaciation.

The trail takes you up on the bowl of cliffs for astonishing views through swirling low clouds down to the water and over the countryside to the east.

The lake turns a metallic shade of blue in the sunlight, but the rest of the time will be a brooding inky black.

15 Best Things to Do in Waterford (Ireland):

• Viking Triangle
• Reginald's Tower
• Bishop's Palace
• Medieval Museum
• House of Waterford Crystal
• Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity
• Mount Congreve
• King of the Vikings
• Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Theatre Royal
• Waterford Greenway
• Dunmore East
• Comeragh Mountains
• Coumshingaun Lough

Where to Stay

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/ Trip Ideas / Ireland’s Oldest City

Ireland’s Oldest City

Heritage & History | Things to Do | Waterford City

Ireland’s Oldest City:

Reputed to be Ireland’s oldest city – with a Christian parish that predates even St Patrick – Waterford is certainly richly decked in Viking tales, architecture, finery and folklore.

Even its name, from the Norse meaning “ram fjord”, holds fast to the city’ pedigree. Make sure to grab a delicious blaa from the Granary Café to fuel your exploration.

Waterford Treasures Museums offers no less than 7 visitor attractions in the rejuvenated historic city centre, the Viking Triangle.  Waterford’s Viking heritage is displayed in the imposing Reginald’s Tower – Ireland’s oldest urban monument soaring above the waterfront, in continuous use for over 800 years.  The story of Reginald, King of Waterford and York, features in the spectacular ‘ King of the Vikings’ Virtual Reality Adventure .  

The award-winning Medieval Museum , Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2023, is built over two atmospheric 13th-century and 15th-century buildings and showcases Waterford’s rich medieval treasures including the magnificent 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments. Harking back to a rancorous dispute between Waterford and rival port New Ross in 1372 is the illustrated Great Charter Roll, created to prove Waterford’s supremacy to the King, one of Ireland’s great national treasures and viewed by both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.

The Bishop’s Palace displays the 18th-century treasures of Waterford and Ireland and the story of the Glassworks set up in 1783, the top floor continues the story through the 19 th and 20 th centuries when the Irish state was set up.

The Irish Museum of Time displays the finest Irish clocks and watches anywhere in the world and is the only museum dedicated to horology on the entire island of Ireland. Also open since 2021 is the Irish Silver Museum which tells the story of Ireland through the superb Irish craft of gold and silver-smithing and showcases the explosion of fine silver for ‘making the Grand Figure’ in Ireland from the 1700s. The newly-opened Irish Wake Museum explores the traditions and superstitions associated with death in Ireland since prehistory in a beautifully 15th-century almshouse.

The discounted  Freedom of Waterford  ticket allows the visitor to enjoy four museums and Christ Church Cathedral plus a walking tour of the Viking Triangle  with an expert guide, taking in 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces!

Founded in 914 AD by Vikings from Norway, Waterford City is over 1100 years old making it Ireland’s oldest City. In 914,the great Viking adventurer and pirate, Regnall, a grandson of Ivor the Boneless, established a base here and built a Longphort or ships haven, which would in time become a modern city. In 918, Regnall took a fleet of ships and left Waterford sailing for York and he became the first Norse ruler of Ruler of that City and held the title ‘King of Waterford and York’. The name Waterford is derived from its Viking name Vadrarjfordr which has two possible meanings; ‘haven from the windswept sea’ or ‘fjord’ of the rams’. The City was captured by the Anglo Normans in 1170 and the Vikings were expelled bringing a dramatic change. Within a few years of being captured, Waterford was escalated to the status of Royal City which owed allegiance to the Anglo Norman King of England, Henry II.

Today, Waterford is a vibrant and picturesque city that has managed to carefully maintain its important heritage, while also having a lively and modern shopping area, filled with cafes, award winning restaurants and an excellent mix of traditional, local and contemporary pubs. The city is also home to two theatres, the Theatre Royal and Garter Lane Arts Centre, as well as several art galleries, craft studios and boutique shops. In 2015, Waterford City was awarded a ‘Purple Flag’ – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – the Purple Flag is granted to urban areas which reach excellence in their evening and night time economies. Waterford City is the first urban location in the South East to achieve the Purple Flag standard.

Lonely Planet recommends a visit to Waterford City, saying ‘Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and celebrated its 1100th anniversary in 2014. A busy port, it lies on the tidal reach of the River Suir, 16km from the coast. Some parts of the city still feel almost medieval, with narrow alleyways leading off larger streets; an ongoing revitalisation campaign is polishing up one block after another. New and existing museums tell the story of Ireland’s Middle Ages better than any other city in the country’.

Waterford is the capital city of the South East region and is within easy reach of Kilkenny, New Ross, Wexford, Tipperary and Cork.

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Medieval museum, waterford county museum, viking longboat, king of the vikings, trips you may like, #visitwaterford, visit_waterford.

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Explore the oldest city in Ireland in County Waterford and visit Waterford City's Viking District. After sunset, discover a contemporary city with lively restaurants and bars.

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Top Things to Do in Waterford, Ireland - Waterford Must-See Attractions

Things to do in waterford, explore popular experiences, tours in and around waterford.

Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle

Luxury Tour Of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour

Full day Private Tour from Waterford

Osprey Viking Cruises

Skip the Line: Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum Admission Ticket

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Tour Inc Admission

Skip the Line: Bishop's Palace Museum Admission Ticket

Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

Tickets to Explore Ireland's Global Garden

Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide

Full-day tours.

Top Attractions in Waterford

Other Top Attractions around Waterford

Historical Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Cultural Tours

Private sightseeing tours, what travellers are saying.

• Waterford Greenway
• Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
• King of the Vikings
• Bishop's Palace
• The Viking Triangle
• Coumshingaun Lough
• Waterford Nature Park
• People's Park
• Kilmurrin Cove
• Waterford, Kilkenny and House of Waterford Crystal
• Luxury Tour Of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour
• Dublin To Kilkenny Castle Waterford Crystal Private Car - Day Tour
• Dublin To Waterford City NYT Listed Places - Private Day Tour
• Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny Full-Day Rail Tour from Dublin
• Reginald's Tower

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Waterford

Things to do in waterford, explore popular experiences, tours in and around waterford.

Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle

Luxury Tour Of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour

Full day Private Tour from Waterford

Osprey Viking Cruises

Skip the Line: Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum Admission Ticket

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Tour Inc Admission

Skip the Line: Bishop's Palace Museum Admission Ticket

Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny

Tickets to Explore Ireland's Global Garden

Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide

Full-day tours.

Top Attractions in Waterford

Other Top Attractions around Waterford

Historical Tours

Ports of Call Tours

Cultural Tours

Private sightseeing tours, what travellers are saying.

• Waterford Greenway
• Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
• King of the Vikings
• Bishop's Palace
• The Viking Triangle
• Coumshingaun Lough
• Waterford Nature Park
• People's Park
• Kilmurrin Cove
• Waterford, Kilkenny and House of Waterford Crystal
• Luxury Tour Of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour
• Dublin To Kilkenny Castle Waterford Crystal Private Car - Day Tour
• Dublin To Waterford City NYT Listed Places - Private Day Tour
• Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny Full-Day Rail Tour from Dublin
• Reginald's Tower

The top five tourist attractions in County Waterford

Famous for its crystal, co waterford in the province of munster lies along ireland’s southeast coast..

Famous for its crystal, Co Waterford in the province of Munster lies along Ireland’s southeast coast and was once home to the largest Viking settlement outside of Scandinavia.

Deriving its name from the Old Norse name Veðrafjǫrðr or Vedra Fjord, Waterford City is the only large-scale 9th Century Viking settlement discovered to date in Western Europe and their influence can still be seen through buildings such as Reginald's Tower, also one of the first buildings to use a brick and mortar construction method in Ireland.

The county is colloquially known as the "The Déise", pronounced "day-sha".

• Ireland's most unusual tourist attractions

Here are the top five things to see in Waterford:

Waterford & Suir Valley Railway

Waterford and Suir Valley Railway (Ireland's Content Pool)

Experience all the beauty of the River Suir and panoramic views of the Suir valley from the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, a family-friendly tour that will entertain the youngest to the oldest traveler.

  The area through which the railway runs is pretty much only accessible by train and brings guests along the picturesque banks of the River Suir, offering up views of the world-famous Mount Congreve Gardens. Rich in history, the journey begins just outside the village of Kilmeaden, where a restored mark 2 railway carriage serves as the ticket office and shop.

Although only running between March and September, the beauty of the  railway in Ireland   during its golden age is restored via this 5.2 mile (8.5 km) section of the abandoned Waterford - Dungarvan railway route, running from the station at Kilmeadan into Gracedieu Junction. Sit back in a classic period carriage and soak up the sights, as a restored Simplex Locomotive chugs along the banks of the river.

More information:  http://www.wsvrailway.ie

Lismore and Lismore Castle

Lismore Castle. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Lismore, meaning great ringfort, is one of Co. Waterford’s most historic towns, founded by St. Mochuda. Home to a stunning, privately-owned Castle, as well as a medieval cathedral, Lismore is a designated heritage town and a visit to the heritage center will bring you through the remarkable history of this vibrant place at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains.

The beautiful town was once even a frequent holiday spot of Fred Astaire, whose sister Adele Astaire was married to Lord Charles Arthur Francis Cavendish, son of Victor Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire, to whom Lismore Castle belonged.

For those of us traveling to Ireland with a slightly larger budget than others, Lismore castle is also available to rent out to families, allowing you to stay in a real-life castle, among the historic building’s many, many antiques decking out their perfectly preserved rooms.

And for those on a much smaller budget, the castle gardens are open to all, arranged over seven acres within the castle’s 17th-century outer defensive walls.

More information: http://www.lismorecastlegardens.com/ and http://www.discoverlismore.com/

• Top ten most interesting facts about County Waterford

Christ Church Cathedral and the Medieval Museum, Waterford City

Happy 'International Museums Day' from all the team @WFORD_Treasures ! We're proud to be part of a great network of museums around the world supporting today. #InternationalMuseumsDay pic.twitter.com/gfCkvNcZed — Waterford Treasures (@WFORD_Treasures) May 18, 2021

A cathedral has stood on the site of the current Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford since 1096 when Strongbow was married to Aoife, daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster. This marriage was a move that cemented the military alliance of her father and her new husband, forged over Mac Murchada’s desire for the Norman invasion of Ireland, an invasion that saw sections of Ireland coming under the control of those across the Irish Sea for the first time.

The current building was designed by John Roberts, the architect of Georgian Waterford, and is regarded as one of the finest 18th-century ecclesiastical buildings in Ireland.

As Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum, the Medieval Museum in Waterford City stands just opposite the Cathedral and is the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

A guided re-enactor-led tour will take you around the museum's highlights but visitors are also welcome to wander at their leisure and take in the prestigious history of Ireland’s oldest city, first founded in 870 AD.

Owning the only set of medieval vestments to survive in Northern Europe--made from Italian silk woven in Florence--the museum also holds the Great Charter Roll of Waterford, a 4-meter long charter roll made in 1373 that is now regarded as one of the great treasures of medieval Ireland because of the number and quality of the illustrations. These illustrations include portraits of the kings of England from the first English king to come to Ireland, Henry II to King Edward III who was on the throne when the roll was made.

More information: http://christchurchwaterford.com/  and  http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/

Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystal. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Highly regarded the world over, Waterford Crystal established its first factory in Waterford City in 1783, the same year Beethoven was publishing his first works and the world’s first hot air balloon took place in Paris. Developed by George and William Penrose, the factory was soon in full swing and with the help of John Hill, a compounder, the renown of Waterford cut glass continued to grow. Although Hill only remained in Waterford for three years, after a dispute with the Penrose business men hurt him so much he made the decision to leave, he passed on his technique to another within the factory but he departed, allowing the business to grow in his absence.

With a factory tour, visitors will learn all this history and more as they are guided through over 200 years of crystal manufacturing in this building located in the heart of the city’s Viking Triangle.

Through the blowing department, the mould room, the cutting room, sculpting room, engraving room, hand making room, and the quality inspection, guests are guided through the process of making such exquisite crystal from start to the finished product.

More information: http://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/

• Up close with the Irish crystal ball the world watches on New Year's Eve

Curraghmore House and Gardens

Curraghmore House, Portlaw, Co Waterford. (Flickr / Public Domain / Daithi MacGabhann)

The historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, Curraghmore House and Gardens was once owned by the De la Paors, a Norman family who moved to Ireland around 1170. With Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland, and grazing fields, it the largest private demesne in Ireland and also home to one of the tallest trees in Ireland, a Sitka Spruce planted on the estate in the 1830s.

On the grounds is the oldest bridge in Ireland, dating from 1205 and crossing the Clodagh River, while twelve miles of famine relief boundary walls to be seen across the estate remind visitors of the hard work endured by the starving lower classes in Ireland during the famine years, going to any lengths to find food.

Other places of interest on the grounds include the Shell House, a small structure hidden in a shrubbery near the main house and lined with mountains of sea shells collected and placed as decoration by Catherine Countess of Tyrone in 1754. The endeavor is believed to have taken her 261 days to complete as she designed intricate patterns using shells from all over the world into the ceiling above a statue of the Countess herself sculpted by John van Nost.

More information: http://curraghmorehouse.ie/

*Originally published in 2016

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This is the official tourist information web site of Dungarvan Tourism. Dungarvan is a harbour town located at the heart of County Waterford, Ireland. It is an ideal base for any tourist wishing to tour or holiday in Ireland’s ‘Sunny South East’. There are lots of activities, places to see and things to do. So whether you want an energetic walk in the Comeragh Mountains, a bike ride along the Waterford Greenway or maybe just a relaxing coffee overlooking the harbour, then Dungarvan awaits you!

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Stand on the quays in Waterford city, breathe in the salty air and it doesn’t take much to imagine the hustle of ships loading and unloading cargo in the 1700s. Trade with Newfoundland brought affluent merchants to settle here in the late 18th century turning the city into one of the great ports of Ireland and kickstarting a building boom. Take a stroll around the centre of Waterford and you’ll see a host of beautiful architectural showpieces that date from this time. But to get the real picture, you need to cast your mind back further – to its founding by the Vikings in 914.

L-R: the Medieval Museum, a food market in Waterford city; a master engraver at work in Waterford Crystal; the blaa – Waterford's signature floury bread roll

The Vikings knew a good thing when they saw it: a sheltered bay, a strategic location on the River Suir, and a good trading position all attracted the Norse raiders here to create Ireland’s first city. And 1,100 years later, it’s still going strong.

Reginald's Tower, County Waterford

Explore Waterford today, and, quite incredibly, you can STILL feel the presence of the Vikings. Reginald’s Tower , the city’s landmark monument sits at the heart of an area known as The Viking Triangle, and has been in continuous use for over 800 years. Step inside its thick stone walls, and you can enjoy an exhibition on Viking Waterford, as well as the magnificent 12th century Kite Brooch.

Bishop's Place, Waterford city

The city feels cloaked in layers of history, each different and each compelling. Wander into the excellent Medieval Museum and you can see the glittering Heavens’ Embroidered Cloths – 15th century cloth-of-gold vestments, as well as the Great Charter Roll of1372. Bishop’s Palace , meanwhile, on the beautiful Georgian Mall, displays the wealth, beauty and architectural delights of an 18th century townhouse.

Clearly, where history is concerned Waterford packs a big punch, but this is a place with a rich cultural life too – from a buzzing festival calendar to great local pubs and restaurants such as Momo , The Gingerman and Berkana Bakery . Enjoy exceptional cut glass at the House of Waterford Crystal ; taste a “blaa” (a speciality bread roll unique to the city) at the Granary Cafe ; or visit the great food market at Merchant’s Quay.

Dunmore East, County Waterford

Explore beyond the city and you’ll discover some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the island of Ireland. Head to the majestic Copper Coast Geopark to discover its cliffs, bays and sandy coves; take a trip out to the super-scenic fishing village of Dunmore East; or venture inland to the small town of New Ross to board the Dunbrody Famine Ship for a trip back in time.

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The award winning Waterford Treasures Museum tells the story of Ireland's oldest city across five stunning museums as well as a guided walking tour of the Viking Triangle. Explore 1000 years of history in 1000 paces in this historic city centre.

Waterford City Food and Craft Market takes place on Saturdays from 10am-4pm in Waterford city, County Waterford. It offers the best variety of quality, specialised and locally produced foods for locals and visitors to enjoy.

One of Waterford’s finest traditional Bakeries, Barrons breads & blaa’s are all made in a traditional brick oven, the heat retention properties of the brick produce a more consistent bake, the bread is allowed lots of time to develop and ferment and the final result nothing but sheer goodness.

The Granary Café is a Bridgestone award winning restaurant/café in the heart of Waterford City. Take time to relax with friends over a cup of coffee or a cup of delicious hot chocolate.

The Reg is located in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. The restaurant, with its many nooks and crannies, has been built around the 800 year old city wall which runs through the spine of The Reg.

Discover the story of rail at Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge railway. Waterford Suir Valley Railway brings rails golden age to life onboard a vintage train ride departing from Kilmeadan, County Waterford.

Waterford Garden Trail features 14 delightful Garden attractions throughout County Waterford. There are a wide variety of gardens open for viewing ranging from the gardens of the great old houses to smaller gardens and garden centres.

Getting to Waterford

Fly to Cork or Dublin and you’re almost there. Or head to Shannon and take the scenic route cross-country. Coming by ferry? Rosslare and Cork are your closest ports. But Dublin is a pretty easy distance.

A three-day family trip around Co Waterford: ‘the most amazingest day ever’ are the kids’ verdicts

For holidaymakers in search of fun activities, tasty dining and a chance to connect with history, waterford is an ideal, family-friendly option.

Ground view of walk in Ardmore, Co Waterford.

Who books the holiday in your family? Picking the right destination, taking time off work or school, the travel, the cost – when you need a break it can all get a bit high stakes.

There is an alternative. Taking a sneaky few days nearer to home now and then can mean maximum holiday for minimum faff. Waterford, just two hours from Dublin, has recently won a string of accolades, including being named in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Go in 2024 and in the New York Times’s 52 Places to Go this Year. For our family of four, a three-day break there definitely delivered.

Having left home at 10am, we’re cycling on the Waterford Greenway by noon. The car park at the SETU West Campus on the outskirts of the city is free, has bike racks and it’s a quick gateway to 46km of glorious, car-free pathway. Built on the old Waterford-to-Cork railway line, the Greenway is perfect for small boys mastering gears. As our small peloton makes its way along the banks of a swollen river Suir, spotting castles and cormorants, the holiday has definitely begun. In an alternative scenario, we’d still be at airport security.

The Kilmacthomas viaduct on the Waterford Greenway

Mount Congreve Gardens , our first stop, is just 3.4km away. Surrounding the 18th-century house are 16km of trails that kids will love. There are carpets of fallen magnolia blossoms and rhododendrons purple, white and crimson have taken up the baton in flower. Gardener Gwen, a lecturer at the on-site horticultural school, says the flowers of the handkerchief tree are her favourite. She points out a nondescript bush known to confound visitors with its chocolatey smell.

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Lunch is at the Stables Cafe by the Pantry at Cliff, where you’ll find Guinness brown bread sandwiches, cottage pie and amazing salads from the bountiful four-acre walled garden. When crops are abundant, expect to leave with a complimentary lettuce or two, says restaurant manager Nelson.

Trainspotting along the Waterford Suir Valley Railway

It’s back on the bikes to catch Waterford Suir Valley Railway ’s 3pm departure from Kilmeaden station for a spin trip on the narrow-gauge railway. The line, which opened in 1878, closed to passengers in 1967, says volunteer train driver John. He’s a Bus Éireann driver in ‘real life’, and his childhood memories are of sitting in his train-driver father’s lap.

Yes, trains are in the blood and railway enthusiasts play a long game – they restored and reopened Kilmeaden station in 2003. They have global contacts too, it seems. The carriages we ride today are from a theme park in Argentina, pulled by an engine that worked in the excavation of the Channel Tunnel. The Tower Hotel in Waterford city, our base for the weekend, has a few aces up its sleeve for us – a generously-sized family room, a relaxed vibe and a pool. Storage for the bikes and the bike rack? That’s no problem, says manager Michael. The staff couldn’t be more helpful. It is a few minutes’ walk from everything too, including Waterford institution of 22 years, Bodega , where we head for dinner.

It’s buzzy with twinkly fairy lights and there are lots of regulars. We’re new, but the staff read us well – crayons, paper, a Dungarvan pale ale and a margarita arrive pronto. Plump olives and smoky hummus with sourdough toast take the edge off before mains from Munster of Ardsallagh goat’s cheese risotto and 12-hour slow-cooked Crowe Farm pork belly. The juicy burger on the kids’ menu renders the seven-year-old speechless for 10 minutes. A win.

A 'dragon-slayer' sword on the Viking Triangle in Waterford

It can be hard to interest small kids in history, but the King of the Vikings virtual reality experience the next morning does it. Our experience starts off in the real world of a reconstructed Viking house where costumed guides tell us about the 10 years of bad weather and harvests in Norway that spurred Viking raids. The more fertile Ireland, with its monastic treasures a mere four days by longship, was the perfect pillage.

Donning our virtual reality headsets we come face-to-face with history. We’re not hearing about a village being raided, we’re in it. All four of us shouted and yelped our way through the action. Spoiler alert: the Vikings win and name the place Vadrarjfordr.

We have a ‘freedom pass’ that includes access to six museums as well as the Epic guided walking tour . Our guide Cliona gives us a whistle-stop tour of some of the city’s treasures – and historic personalities. The most colourful of these was the swashbuckling Thomas Francis Meagher. Radical and inspired by the French Revolution, he is credited with flying the Irish Tricolour for the first time in 1848 in Waterford. He was sentenced to death after the Young Ireland rebellion of that year, but bargained it down to a stint in Tasmania. He married there but abandoned his wife for New York, where he married up. Despite little military knowledge, he went on to become an American Civil War hero, a pallbearer at president Abraham Lincoln’s funeral and governor of Montana.

The ‘official regimental cocktail’ of the US army’s Fighting 69th brigade is a mix of French champagne and Irish whiskey that Meagher invented, Cliona tells us, and the brigade visits Waterford periodically to toast him. I could listen to these stories for hours, but kids are antsy so they have a rest while I hit the House of Waterford Crystal tour. Much Waterford Crystal manufacturing happens outside of Ireland these days and the company is now a subsidiary of a Finnish group, but some 60,000 items a year are still produced in the city. The master glass blowers, who can shape molten crystal using only their breath and simple wooden moulds, a technique unchanged for centuries, are impressive to watch. Master cutters do an eight-year apprenticeship, memorising 100 patterns.

I watch master cutter Philip at work, a Waterford Crystal veteran of 52 years. After a quick bite at the tasty Waterford Cafe on site, we’re off to Dunmore East for something far less genteel. Heights, confined spaces and weapons – the Dunmore Adventure Centre is perfect for energetic kids. It’s a local business that employs more than 40 staff in peak season.

“Will we start with the caving?” asks our instructor Andy. Crawling, twisting and squeezing through 100m of artificial caves? That’s a hard ‘no’ from me. The other three will benefit from the team-building though, I tell him. The seven-year-old in particular absolutely loves it. Next is the indoor climbing wall and Andy could not be more encouraging. Harnesses on and up we go, picking our way up the wall and learning to trust the ropes to glide us back down gently. Doing something new and challenging together is a thrill.

Archery lesson at Dunmore Adventure Centre, Dunmore East, from expert instructor Andy

Back on terra firma, we try archery and the kids trounce the adults, of course. Are we brave enough for one last activity, Andy asks? It’s outside to a ropes course high over Dunmore East harbour where we navigate tightropes and shaky bridges that do their best to unbalance us. “I love today” and “the most amazingest day ever” are the kids’ verdicts.

Dressed oysters with views of the sea at East Pier, Dunmore East

The first 99s of the season have definitely been earned and we head to the East Pier chipper to claim our reward. The menu board, however, is hard to resist and I find myself tucking into a plate of oysters and a glass of prosecco. (The ropes course was hard, okay?)

“Dunmore East was crying out for a casual seafood experience,” says owner Elaine Power, whose family have been in business in the town for over 100 years. Her goal was to “demystify fish” and to democratise oysters. “We ship them to France and China, why not eat them right here?” She started selling them at €1 a pop – “Like a gateway drug, they come back for more.”

Now five years in business, you can have East Pier’s Woodstown Bay oysters naked, or Asian-style with soya, rice vinegar and pickled ginger, or with a locally made kimchi sriracha sauce. The locally grown chips are a hot ticket too. Elaine carries an RNLI pager, Karen who owns the Dunmore Adventure Centre does too. It feels good that our holiday is supporting small business owners who are so invested in their communities.

After recharging at the hotel, it’s a short hop across the road to The Reg for dinner. The premises, a hostelry since the 18th century, was built around the 900-year-old city wall that is still visible through the spine of the building today.

The place has lively bars and cosy snugs. Upstairs is Suas restaurant where we enjoy the calamari and a tasty Thai green curry. There are plenty of well-priced options for kids too. As with everywhere else we have been on this trip, the staff are plentiful, friendly and long-standing.

For our third and final day in Waterford, we spin down Waterford’s Copper Coast to Kilmurrin Cove to experience the ‘ hot pod ’, one of four beachfront saunas in the county run by husband-and-wife team Dee and Ed. Take a dip first, then sauna, followed by another dip – that’s the secret, according to locals Maurice, Cormac and Derek, with whom we share our sauna experience. It’s a Sunday morning ritual for the men. The sea is bracing, so after a quick dunk, we’re back to the heat again, enjoying the spectacular views from this wonderful ‘Wanderly Wagon’ of heat and chats.

Reading the rocks with Robbie Galvin at Trá na mBó at Copper Coast Unesco Global Geopark

The kids roam happily on the beach as we sweat. We continue along the Copper Coast , named after the 19th-century copper mines located along this spectacular 25km stretch of cliffs. It was named a Unesco Global Geopark in 2015. ‘Geotourism’ can raise awareness of an area’s geological heritage and give local people a sense of pride in their area, explains geologist and Geopark manager Robbie Galvin. This type of tourism stimulates jobs and revenue while protecting the geology, he adds.

The busy not-for-profit cafe at the Geopark Visitor Centre in Bunmahon is a perfect example. The premises, the former church of the Protestant miners who came to the area from Cornwall in the 1800s, was rescued from dereliction 15 years ago. It is now a thriving cafe, employing three people. Robbie brings us to Trá na mBó, walkable from the end of Bunmahon beach where he reads the landscape for us like an interpreter. We spot former mine shafts, just some of the 300 known in the area, sea caves eroded over thousands of years and 390 million-year-old Devonian sandstone rocks that were once the height of Comeraghs. Here’s another Waterford person who loves Waterford. And why wouldn’t he?

Joanne Hunt travelled as a guest of VisitWaterford.com

Joanne Hunt

Joanne Hunt, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes about homes and property, lifestyle, and personal finance

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