Waterford
Great beaches, pretty villages and sublime scenery make Waterford a top choice
Sightseeing
Check out Waterford’s top sights including a 12th-century castle and the world’s most famous crystal company
Blue Flag Beaches
Many of Waterford’s beaches enjoy Blue Flag status with superb water quality and very pretty settings. Try Dunmore East, Ardmore, Bunmahon, Clonea and Counsellor’s Strand.
Dungarvan Castle, Castle Street, Dungarvan, County Waterford
Built by King John of England, the Castle was founded in 1185 on a strategic location at the mouth of the River Colligan, and is a typical example of a British Royal Castle. Access is by guided tour only.
Scenic Drives
Waterford is packed with wonderful opportunities for enjoying gorgeous scenic drives with the beautiful Comeragh Mountains and Nire Valley Drives, as well as lovely coastal routes.
See more highlightsWaterford Crystal, County Waterford
Perhaps the most famous crystal company in the world, Waterford Crystal was founded in 1783. Take a tour of the production process and browse through the tempting shop.
Waterford Treasures Museum, County Waterford
Waterford Museum of Treasures at the Granary brings together an extensive range of rare and beautiful artifacts that are brought to life by the latest technological innovations.
Activities
See Waterford’s beautiful countryside on horseback, or take to the waters and learn to sail
Fishing
You’ll be spoiled for choice in Waterford, with game fishing in the River Blackwater, to trout-fishing in Ballyshunock Resevoir, to shore fishing and deep sea angling around Dunmore East.
Horse riding
The beautifully varied Waterford countryside offers spectacular opportunities for trekking into unspoiled natural habitats with beaches, moorlands, valleys, mountains and rivers.
Sailing
Learn the ropes at the County Waterford Harbour Sailing Club. There’s a mixture of dinghy sailors, cruiser sailors, motorboat enthusiasts and “social sailors” amongst its members.
See more highlightsWalking
There are lots of excellent walks to be enjoyed in Waterford from a one-hour tour around the city, to the 94km-long St Declan’s Way. A Comeragh Mountain Walking Festival is also held every October with a variety of graded walks.
Children
Splash with the kids and enjoy a top summertime festival with lots of family fun
Splash World, Railway Square, Tramore
Go for a leisurely swim or relax and unwind in the warm, soothing therapeutic bubble pool, while the kids splash around under the watchful eye of fully trained lifeguards.
Waterford Spraoi Street Festival
A colourful music and arts festival for all the family with the emphasis on showcasing national and international street theatre and world music.
Culture & Festivals
Get into the festival vibe with Waterford’s top events
Dunmore East Green Dragon Festival
Relax in the pretty surrounds of this picturesque seaside town while enjoying a fusion of Welsh and Irish traditional music and art.
Waterford Light Opera Festival
Originally conceived for the production of light opera, the festival has expanded to include popular West End and Broadway musicals and original shows.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
From the super-chic to the grandly elegant, Waterford’s got it covered
Coast Restaurant & Townhouse, Tramore
This beautiful contemporary townhouse and restaurant is a chic, smart, friendly place with a lovely dining room that overlooks Tramore.
Faithlegg House Hotel
Enjoy luxurious accommodation in this magnificently restored 18th-century mansion only six miles outside Waterford City.
Gay & Lesbian
Suss out the scene in the sunny South East
La Quoi, 10 John Street, Waterford
Waterford city’s premiere gay clubbing night.
Prism, 4 Keizer Street, Waterford
Every Wednesday from 8-10pm, you can get info, have a coffee, meet friends and pick up national gay and lesbian press.
Shopping
Try Waterford City for the best shopping in the sunny South East
Ardmore Pottery & Craft Gallery, Ardmore
A lovely range of hand-thrown earthenware pots and assorted crafts.
Waterford City
Shopping in Waterford City is varied and rewarding. This is the South East’s shopping capital and you can find everything from chic boutiques to eccentric antiques and wonderful crafts.
