Let's explore the best things to do in Waterford city and county. Experience the special things that happen on a break in Waterford - Too much fun for just one day!
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF VIKINGS.... Around the Viking Triangle of Ireland’s oldest city – ‘Vadrarfjord’ (Waterford) was founded by Viking raiders in AD 914 – you can walk seamlessly like this through 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces. Beginning in the Waterford Treasures museums, pore over warrior weapons and exquisite jewellery in Reginald’s Tower. Explore the Mayor’s Wine Vault in the Medieval Museum. Gossip with Georgian staff at the Bishop’s Palace. Immerse yourself in the new Masterpieces in Glass experience telling the tale of Waterford’s world-renowned glassmaking.
You step from the street into the ruins of a 13th-century friary. Then further back in time into a replica thatched Viking house. Suddenly (thanks to the modern wonders of your virtual reality headset) you are plunged into the thick of a Viking raid: dodging swash, buckle and sword. The breathtaking King of the Vikings experience in Waterford City puts you right there, part of the epic story.
ELEGANCE BORN OF FLAME... History melts and transforms before your eyes at the House of Waterford Crystal as you watch craftspeople blowing molten glass and cutting sparkling designs. Two hundred years of tradition fuse with dazzling modern innovations, and inspiration is all around – the iconic ‘Lismore’ pattern for example came from a view of Lismore Castle.
JOURNEY TO IRELAND'S TRADITIONAL PAST... Cue a visit to today’s beautiful Lismore Castle Gardens, now peppered with contemporary sculptures that forge a fresh creative dynamic between history, nature and art. In Lismore Heritage Centre you time travel again (thanks to VR headsets and your guide ‘Brother Declan’), right back to the town’s monastic age of Saints and Scholars.
WRAP YOURSELF IN THE NATURAL BEAUTY... It’s been voted “Ireland’s Favourite Adventure” and you soon discover why as you begin walking and cycling the 46km Waterford Greenway. Following the old railway line from Waterford City to coastal Dungarvan, the off-road trail reveals exhilarating views – the River Suir, seascapes, the Comeragh Mountains. You whisk across bridges and lofty viaducts, and through atmospherically lit tunnels. You slip through time from a Viking site to the dazzling 20th-century beauty of Mount Congreve Gardens. Occasionally you hit the pause button at a friendly café.
SOAK UP THE SCENERY... Following the flow of the River Blackwater to Co. Waterford’s scalloped coast, you can delve into more saint’s tales at Ardmore Cathedral and Round Tower: reminders of Ireland’s oldest Christian settlement. And along Waterford’s sandy shores where Vikings once sailed and now kite-surfers leap, you then step into more stories blending past, present and future in this corner of Ireland’s Ancient East.
ENJOY EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES... Nothing beats the rush, the thrill, the buzz as you leap, somersault and plunge into the sea. Then swing, slide, climb and splash over Ireland’s biggest Wibit Wipeout obstacle course beneath the red sandstone cliffs. Dunmore East Adventure Centre is a total blast. Stand up paddle boarding to caving, sailing to archery: it’s all-action.
EXPLORE THE COAST... And that’s just the start. Because Waterford’s wonderful coast is a natural playground. Footloose friends, fun-seeking families, great escapers? Grab a ‘Pure Adventure’: sea kayaking and spotting seals along the awesome Copper Coast. Catch the fabulous waves at surfing and kitesurfing hotspot Tramore – its 5km-long sandy beach is ideal for learning from the experts as well as letting rip as a high flyer.
