There is such a huge choice of family fun activities in and around Waterford. Check out our Parks & Playgrounds or why not spend a day at one of the 49 beaches scattered along the coast? Right in the heart of the Viking Triangle, there is so much to discover in and around the city and county. The hotel is located close to the People's Park, approx 5 minutes walk and here you will find extensive playing areas for children of all ages plus large green areas for kicking a football, skate boarding or just relaxing.
WATERFORD CITY TOURS
A new relaxing and exciting new way to view the sights. The train leaves from Cathedral Square behind Bishops Palace every hour on the hour, it’s a 30 minutes fully narrated historical tour, taking in sights such as The Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower, The worlds longest Wooden Viking Sword, Grey Friars Gallery and many more.
WATERFORD SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY
Experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a period carriage and take in the wonderful panoramic views of the River Suir. This family friendly railway runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir offering views of the world-famous Mount Congreve Gardens.
ACTIVATE
Waterford City's newest and most innovative family recreation centre incorporating a children's soft play area, bowling, rock climbing and bouldering, an intimate state of the art 3D cinema, a cafe and lots more.
HAWKEYE FALCONRY
Totally dedicated to this Ancient Sport of Kings. They adhere to a very high standard of Falconry and only use Practising Falconers for all our services. Hawkeye Falconry offers you the Bird of Prey experience of a lifetime.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Waterford City has plenty of open spaces from the People’s Park in the centre of the City, to smaller parks scattered across the City which will be further enhanced by the opening of Waterford's Nature Park creating one of the largest urban parklands in the country. Please click here for details on the Waterford Nature Park.
There are a number of other public playgrounds in the City including the Railway Square Playground located on Manor Street. The community based project New Street Gardens adjacent to the main shopping area is a wonderful oasis right in the heart of the city. Close by in St John’s Lane is Wyse Park, known locally as the ‘little park’. Our newest community-led project is New Street Park. In Tramore, The All Aboard Inclusion Play Park enables disabled children to interact with able-bodied children which will positively impact on minimizing social isolation and help reduce barriers of discrimination. For more information on the All Aboard Inclusion Play Park, please click here.
TRAMORE
Situated just 10km south of Waterford City, Tramore is considered the premier resort of the South East of Ireland. The sandy beach in Tramore stretches for almost 5km and has some of the highest sand dunes in Ireland. Tramore has fantastic amenities including surf clubs offering both lessons and board hire. Please see list of surf schools; Oceanics, Tramore Surf School, T Bay Surf School and Freedom Surf School. See the coast line from a different perspective with Sea Paddling.com who offer sea kayak tours and also run Irish Canoe Union Courses. If you prefer to stay on dry land, try pony trekking with Lake Tour Stables or practice your driving skills at the Newtown Driving Range. Tramore now boasts a superb inclusion park/playground adjacent to the promenade, with ample parking and a great spot for a picnic. If the Sunny South East doesn’t live up to its reputation, there’s still plenty to do indoors. For all the family there’s Splashworld with giant water slides with an Amusement Park covering over 20 hectares just opposite the promenade. For young kids visit Run Amuck, All Aboard Play Park, Pottery Place, Laser Blast or Pirates Adventure. For information all these activities, Sea Paddling.com, Lake Tour Stables, Newtown Driving Range, Splashworld, Run Amuck, All Aboard Play Park, Pottery Place, Laser Blast, Pirates Adventure.
PETTING ZOOS
Just outside Tramore, in Fenor is the Copper Coast Mini Farm and further along the coast in Stradbally is the Sallyfort Mini Farm. There are also a number of petting zoos around the South East for your family's entertainment. Copper Coast Mini Farm, Sallyfort Mini Farm, National Reptile Zoo, Ardmore Pet Farm.
DUNMORE EAST
While the beautiful coves and beaches are sure to keep both young and old occupied, if you feel like trying something different visit the Dunmore East Adventure Centre which offers sailing, archery, rock climbing and kayaking. For younger children there is a lovely playground in the village park.
LISMORE
The picturesque village of Lismore has lots to offer for families. Lismore Walks allow you to enjoy a guided historical walk of the town. Relax and unwind with a family friendly nature trail. Areas include: Lady Louisa's Walk, The Towers Lismore and The Riverside Walk. Kayak down the famous Blackwater River to Cappoquin under the safety of a trusted guide of Blackwater Adventures. Find a little spot to rest and enjoy a packed lunch. Collect a bike, helmet and map from Lismore Cycling Holiday to explore the region and complete your adventure. Delight in a family friendly train with Lismore Heritage Centre Adventure Pack. Fill out the questionnaire and claim your adventurer's prize. For more information see Discover Lismore.
