Things to Do

Things to Do

WELCOME TO WATERFORD

From its vibrant city life to its rural charm and stunning coastline, Waterford city and county has something for everyone. Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and is the perfect blend of ancient and modern, the hallmark of what is Ireland's Ancient East. Enjoy the historic streets and local atmosphere right on our doorstep, take in a walking tour or browse the many local boutiques and quirky shops.

Waterford is renowned for its exciting festivals and events with a wide range of enjoyable experiences for guests of all ages.  There's so much to see and do in the historical city of Waterford. Check out Visit Waterford's handy guided map for all the information you'll need.

Do you have a question?  We will be pleased to help you! Please email us or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and we'll be happy to help you.

Freedom Of The City Pass 

The Freedom of Waterford ticket allows the visitor to enjoy an ‘Epic’ walking tour of the Viking Triangle with an expert guide, taking in 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces. Plus complete access to the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time, Irish Silver Museum and Christ Church Cathedral.

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WATERFORD CITY 

IRISH MUSEUM OF SILVER

Explore the fascinating story of Ireland through magnificant, intimate and personal silver treasures. Since the Viking period in Ireland, silver has been a most prized metal and a means of exchange. One of the seven precious metals of antiquity, silver has long enthralled and fascinated humans who fashioned it into beautiful and useful objects. Some of these objects in the museum feature the names and arms of their owners or unusual decorations and features – but all of them tell a story.

WATERFORD TREASURES
Three Museums in the Viking Triangle - in the very heart of Ireland’s oldest city. Three very different museums all within a few paces of each other tell the 1100-year-old story of Waterford, from its foundation in 914 by Viking sea pirates, to the late 20th century.  The massive stone fortress that is Reginald’s Tower houses the Treasures of Viking Waterford.   Ireland’s only Medieval Museum showcases the Treasures of Medieval Waterford.  The elegant Neo-Classical Bishop’s Palace built in 1743 is the home of the Treasures of 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.  

THE KING OF THE VIKINGS 3D VIRTUAL REALITY ADVENTURE
The world's first Viking 3D Virtual Reality Adventure is located in a replica Viking house right in the heart of the Viking Triangle. The 3D Reality Adventure is currently open 7 days a week from 10.30am until 5.00pm for the last show. Closed for lunch between 1.00pm and 2.00pm.

THE HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
Waterford Crystal has moved to a magnificent new home in the heart of Waterford City. A unique highlight of a visit is the factory tour which gives an up-close insight into the centuries old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. The factory tour includes the following traditional production areas; wooden mould making, crystal blowing and furnace, crystal cutting and quality inspection and finishing.

EPIC TOURS
Take a theatrical tour through the streets of Waterford for what promises to be a fun filled adventure. Tickets are available at the Medieval Museum and the Bishops Palace and no pre-booking is required.

CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL
Located in the heart of Waterford City, Christ Church Cathedral stands at the site of an 11th-century Viking church, where English knight Strongbow and Irish Princess Aoife, daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster, married in 1770. This is, therefore one of the most important historic sites in Ireland.  

CITY WALKING TOURS WITH JACK BURTCHAELL
Waterford city offers over 1,000 years of history and Jack Burtchaell Tours have been guiding visitors around Ireland’s oldest city since 1990.  

WATERFORD NATURE PARK
Located near Waterford city in County Waterford. The Park's entrance is located on the Tramore Road at the Kingfisher Club. It has a 2km walkway as well as a series of walkways which traverse the park, and the paths are a mixture of tarmacadam paths along with paths mown through the meadows, which will allow children great interaction with nature.


WATERFORD COUNTY AND BEYOND

WATERFORD GREENWAY
The longest Greenway in Ireland.  The magnificent route takes visitors from City to mountains through countryside to the sea. Cyclists, walkers, families and adventurers will all experience the very best of Waterford on this spectacular route. There is limited bike storage available at the hotel or you can hire a bike locally for your convenience.  For guests looking for a more leisurely experience, we understand that midweek is less congested on the Greenway than at weekends. 

MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS
Home of one of the great gardens of the world, Mount Congreve house was built in about 1760 by the local architect, John Roberts, who designed many of the 18th Century Georgian buildings in Waterford city. 

WATERFORD AND SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY
Located just 15kms from the Viking Triangle, the experience of a train ride in a period carriage, along a narrow-gauge railway, while taking in the wonderful panoramic views of the River Suir, awaits at the Kilmeaden train station.  This is a particularly fun family experience.  

THE COPPER COAST GEO PARK & SCENIC DRIVE
The stretch of 17km of coast between Tramore and Dungarvan is known as the Copper Coast and it’s one of the most beautiful, unspoilt scenic drives in Ireland. It’s a scenic drive with stunning coastal landscape that would rival the Wild Atlantic Way. It is the only Unesco status geo park on the island of Ireland.  

THE HERITAGE TOWN OF LISMORE  
Visit the picturesque village of Lismore, just 50 minutes from Waterford City.  A must do is, Lismore Heritage Centre and Lismore Castle which offer a joint ticket. This package includes a screening of the historical film of Lismore and an exploration of the Castle Gardens and the Castle Arts. Be sure to avail of tailor-made packages for groups. Explore the great houses of the Lismore Blackwater Valley including Lismore Castle Gardens and Arts, as well as surrounding artisan craft and food destinations.

THE SEASIDE VILLAGE OF DUNMORE EAST
Two blue flag beaches, great little seafood restaurants, dramatic cliff walks and award winning 99s.....and also the home to the BBC Drama Redwater.  Feel a world way from it all, just 20 minutes from the city centre.

TRAMORE - THE BIG BEACH
Four miles of golden sand offering the perfect spot to soak in the sun! Learn to surf or Kitesurf or try out SUP. Make time to visit the many quirky little coffee shops, the Doneraile Walk and CoastGuard Cultural Centre, the Inclusion Playground or a great bag of salty chips while you take in the spectacular sunsets.

DUNGARVAN
This picturesque Harbour town, famous for its annual food festival, and warm hospitality is also the gateway to the West of the county, the Nire Valley, Ring, Stradbally and Clonea.  Discover Waterford from East to West while exploring Ireland's Ancient East.  The coastal drive route from Waterford to Cork is one of the prettiest in the country.