In 1890, after years on the move, he ended up in Japan, becoming a naturalised Japanese citizen, marrying and having four children. Dungarvan is a harbour town located at the heart of County Waterford, Ireland. 5 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. Taking safety measures. Waterford also abounds with 18th-century Georgian buildings like the Bishops Palace, now a museum with all kinds of bits and pieces from the last three centuries. Built in 1205, it's the oldest bridge in Ireland, and is where you'll find the country's tallest tree, a huge stika spruce dating from the 1830s. Now, forsome of the walks and hikes in our guide to the best walks in Waterford, you wont need any planning or prep. The Comeragh Mountains are all part of a plateau, on the fringes of which are eye-popping glacial formations known as corries. I am planning a trip to Ireland in June and am loving your website. The Waterford Greenway and the Copper Coast are both well worth exploring. Theres some brilliant pubs in Waterford that are perfect for whittling away an evening in with friends. The top floor goes into detail on chapters from Waterfords past, like the War of Independence, the First World War and the old livestock markets in the Ballybricken parish. The experience has a storyline, provided youre not too distracted by the stunning visuals. From waterfalls and loughs to forests, gorgeous gardens and more, here are some great Waterford walks to head off on. My wife and I love history and the Viking Triangle allowed us to immerse ourselves in the history of Waterford. This was one of our stops on our road trip around Ireland. Highlights of a visit include taking a stroll around the quaint harbor and the adjacent beach area, and afterwards grabbing a bite to eat at any one of the village's excellent seafood restaurants. Its a charity-run initiative with volunteers now running the trains. Learn how your comment data is processed. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"This is a hard one. If you need a set of wheels youll find hire shops that also rent out e-bikes, and lots of places to stop on the way for a drink or ice cream. There are many shrines around the inside of the church and it is wonderfully maintained. to be built in the British Isles and replaced a small church tha Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor. When planning your adventure aboard the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, be sure to allow a few hours to explore the magnificent grounds of Mount Congreve House and Gardens. If youre looking for things to do in Waterford to mark a special occasion, the likes of Waterford Castle Hotel is well worth checking out, as is Nire Valley Glamping. The guides on this site rarely sit still. For all the clock enthusiasts it's of course an easy recommendation.s. Waterford's wonders are a breeze to uncover. Its not a walk for the novice but most people with a reasonable level of fitness and decent shoes should take the time to plan this great little hike. Whether staying in a holiday rental or quaint, old bed-and-breakfast, visitors find much to do here, including sailing, golf, tennis, walking, and water sports. There are lots of activities, places to see and things to do. The cathedral for Waterfords Church of Ireland congregation is the third church to be raised on this site. There were 17 of them originally, with the best surviving examples being Reginald's Tower, home to the Viking Museum, and the Beach Tower. One of the most attractive and opulent of these is the Bishop's Palace. If youre after a walk with some cracking castle views, then get yourself here. The staff is very helpful, Waterford has such a collection of Street Art . Great places to stay in Waterford. Other must-dos in Lismore include paying a visit to St. Carthage's Cathedral and afterwards simply wandering the charming streets with their many quaint cafs and restaurants. Below, youll find everything from old pubs, meals with a view and arguably one of the best drives in Ireland. The new entrance to the gardens is amazing. 8. Would recommend a visit. The walk can be completed over the course of an hour (depending on pace) and its also waymarked, with yellow and brown arrows to help you find your way. Jack Burtchaells Walking Tour of Waterford City is a one-hour award-winning walking tour thatll take you on a journey through Irelands oldest city. Though reputedly once a part of the defenses used against the Vikings, much of what you see today, though, was built in Norman times and served at various times as a prison, a mint, and a military store. This beautiful country estate comprises over 2,500 acres of formal gardens, pastures, and woodlands. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Ireland. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Discover the best places to visit in this beautiful corner of Ireland with our list of the top tourist attractions in Waterford. See our Dunmore East accommodation guide for places to stay. 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. This was our third time cycling this Greenway and it gets better each time with more facilities. We had an incredible visit. This is one of those drives that rarely makes the pages of shiny travel guides or ads. Address: 1 Cathedral Square, Waterford, Ireland, Official site: http://christchurchwaterford.com. We loved our couple of hours in the excellent Medieval Museum in the Waterford Viking Quarter. Photo left: Google Maps. The cloister hall is particularly eye-catching. It's also easy to get to from Britain and Europe thanks to a reliable ferry service, making it one of the top destinations in Ireland. There are many shrines around the inside of the church and it is wonderfully maintained. Id argue that the Waterford Greenway, the Copper Coast and Mahon falls are the best places to visit in Waterford. Explore the Greenway Food the Waterford Way - Food Trails Celtic Routes Munster Vales WATERFORD TREASURES LAUNCHES 'FREEDOM OF WATERFORD' TOUR Afternoon Tea at the House of Waterford START YOUR ADVENTURE "WHERE IRELAND BEGINS" THIS SUMMER Summer Yoga Events announced for Mount Congreve Gardens SPRAOI SUMMER SEASON 2021 Guided tours are available and are led by costumed re-enactors. It was founded by the Vikings back in 914AD and its home to an absolute wealth of history. But what a collection of Unreal pieces it has. By 277pamelao. Running from Waterford City to Dungarvan, the Greenway covers 46km and boasts spectacular views throughout. The terrain is smooth, and composed of moors and bogs, so none of the summits are difficult to scale. Christ Church Cathedral, also referred to as the Cathedral of The Holy Trinity, Christ Church, is Waterford's principal Protestant place of worship. The building incorporates a 13th century Choristers' Hall and a 15th century wine vault, and has a 13th . Often shrouded in mist and rising dramatically out of the landscape, the castle certainly raises goosebumps when you first see it. The last time I did this drive was when we were visiting Mahon Falls. Coumshingaun Lough is an armchair-shaped hollow up to 365 metres deep with a small lake at the bottom, all caused by glaciation. This is especially true if you're visiting at night; when lit up, it takes on an otherworldly dimension. Although there are plenty of great hotels in Waterford, there are also some very funky places to spend a night if you fancy a stay with a difference. Frequently Asked Questions about Waterford. And given the fact that the drive from Dublin to Waterford takes only two hours by car, this picturesque city can be easily visited as part of a fun day trip from the Irish capital. For all the clock enthusiasts it's of course an easy recommendation.s. Although we go into beaches in detail in our guide to the best beaches in Waterford, here are a few of our favourites: Waterford City is Irelands oldest. Located in the Mall in the heart of Waterford, the House of Waterford Crystal provides a fascinating glimpse into the workings behind the famed glassworks that put the city on the manufacturing map. 137. Great day. Waterford is home to its fair share of beaches. The playground is a very welcome addition as are the plinths providing information about the garden. The area is lovely to stroll around with murals and other artworks and has a gorgeous cafe. The best part of a visit is the factory tour when youll feel the heat from the furnaces and see how Waterford crystal is blown, cut and polished using centuries of knowhow. Highlights include historical and archaeological artifacts that trace Waterford's Viking heritage, a tight spiral staircase known as "stumble steps," plus a model of what the town would have looked like at the time. 2022. In this guide, youll find the best old-school pubs the city has to offer. You can cycle the Greenway over the course of a day, or you can walk it in stages. However, for others, youll need a route planned in advance and experience under your belt. Let it be said: the House of Waterford Crystal is the official home of Irish crystal! The interior has ten chandeliers donated by Waterford Crystal, and a pipe organ fitted in 1848 by the English firm William Hill & Son. All told, the factory melts some 826 tons of crystal per year and uses it to create the items of exquisite beauty still cherished around the world today. Vadrafjord (Waterford) is Ireland's oldest city with over 1,000 years of history, founded by Vikings in 914 A.D. The Waterford Greenway is an off-road cycling and walking trail thatll take you along an old railway line, across 11 bridges, 3 viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel. 2.50/5 (2 votes) Location: Waterford , ( County Waterford ) Type: Irish Manor Houses. In addition to its many flowerbeds and displays, you'll enjoy exploring the Chinese Pagoda, an attractive classical temple. Drop into Barrons Bakery in the town of Cappoquin. The port of Waterford, located in the southeast corner of Ireland, is an excellent travel destination for those wanting to learn more about Ireland's rich history and culture. The most spectacular is Coumshingaun Lough, which well talk about underneath, but Coum Iarthair and Crottys Lough both deserve a visit. Round towers The Waterford Ardmore Cathedral is a beautiful ruined Irish cathedral located in Ardmore, County Waterford. If youre looking at the video above and thinking, Eh, thats just bread, pal!, then bear with me. The Ballysaggartmore Towers walk is an easy loop of about 2km through gorgeous woodland. The old carriages trundle through the valley offering great scenery of the area, which is only accessible by this train or on the Waterford Greenway trail. Located just a stone's throw from Christ Church Cathedral, the palace was built in 1741 to a design by renowned architect Richard Castles. Well done Waterford. You won't be disappointed if you do, as it's also a wonderful place to visit in order to experience a slice of traditional Irish life, with a wide variety of excellent accommodation options. 5 museum's tour great value for money. The palaces museum has curiosities from the 1700s to the present day, like the oldest piece of Waterford crystal, the Penrose decanter from 1789. I was impressed. Theres also a lot of solid restaurants in Waterford where you can grab a feed and a half, from fine dining to cheap, tasty eats. Also worth exploring is the Towers Woodland Trail. The lake turns a metallic shade of blue in the sunlight, but the rest of the time will be a brooding inky black. The Waterford arm of the company was reborn in 2010 after the city intervened, and production started once more. The top attractions to visit in Waterford are: The best outdoor activities in Waterford according to Tripadvisor travellers are: The best day trips from Waterford according to Tripadvisor travellers are: The most popular things to do in Waterford with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Best Places to Visit in Waterford - Waterford Attractions, We loved our couple of hours in the excellent. There are lush gorges taken over by vegetation, ruined stations (Durrow) and the Ballyvoyle tunnel on the way down to Dungarvan on the coast. To see in Ireland. But what a collection of Unreal pieces it has. In 1702, a Huguenot bakery opened in Waterford. Dunmore East is one of those villages in Ireland, similar to Doolin, that people tend to visit, fall in love with, and return to time and time again. Over the course of the tour, youll see marine wildlife like seals and dolphins (if youre lucky), sea stacks, arches, caves, tunnels, blowholes and caverns. which has a stream flowing beside it also. Plan Your Perfect Ireland Itinerary (Without The Stress) With Our Handy 4 Step Guide, Renting a car in Ireland: An Easy-To-Follow Guide For 2023, How To Get Around In Ireland: The Pros + Cons To Cars, Tours and Public Transport, The best things to do in Waterford (a quick overview), What to do in Waterford if you fancy stretching the legs, Unique and unusual things to do in Waterford, Our favourite places to visit in Waterford, 7. Other great Ireland destinations include its second largest city, Cork, notable for its famous English Market and cathedral; and the charming city of Galway, popular for its wide public square and excellent market. Hardy locals swim here all year round. Its exhibits present over 1000 years of Waterford's history, and will delight lovers of history and treasures! By Q7840EUdanl. Youll find Waterfords Magic Road in the Comeragh Mountains as you make your way to Mahon Falls. Reginalds Tower is actually named in honour of a Viking called Ragnall, who ruled the area during the 10th century. In addition to its regular tourist schedule, a number of fun special rail excursions are also available. Would recommend a visit. . The four we went to (and we will be back) offered such a variety of really well presented information and objects in beautiful buildings. stretch of coastline that sits between the towns of Tramore and Dungarvan, and its widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. All Irish People I met so far were really kindly and the tour guide as well. The present day cathedral has a spacious and elegant interior and two particularly fine tombs: the Rice monument, dating from 1469, and the more recent Fitzgerald monument, made of Carrara marble. Now home to the Viking Museum and part of the Waterford Treasures collection of museums, it's one of the top attractions in the city and is well worth taking the time to explore. The next section of our Waterford attractions guide is packed with our favourite things to do in Waterford, from hikes and walks to pints, drives and more. The final section of the guide is packed with things to do in Waterford City, from the Viking Triangle to fine food, theres something to tickle most fancies. However, you can see the figure from various points along the coast. The second section of the guide goes into the specific things to do in Waterford, like the Coumshingaun Loop Walk, Mahon Falls and plenty more. John Roberts also designed this stately home in Kilmeaden just outside Waterford. I cycled this Greenway twice - Dungarvan / Waterford / Dungarvan with a friend in lovely May weather. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. If youre wondering what to do in Waterford with a group of friends, you cant go wrong with a group surf lesson! They grow based on feedback and recommendations from readers and locals that visit and comment. Facing away from the open ocean, the village has six protected coves if youre 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. Other notable interior highlights include its historic organ, a spectacular original Waterford Crystal chandelier, and one of the country's few surviving consistorial courts. The coastline is rocky and indented and in both directions you can strike out on green cliff-top walks. Im not going to even try and put into words what happens when you park on this road. Reginalds Tower has Anglo-Norman origins and gained its current design in the conquest of Ireland in the mid-13th century. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If youre wondering what to see in Waterford with the kids, this makes for a solid day out (especially when the weathers fine!). Ten kilometres south in Tramore is a captivating garden named for the 19th-century author and traveller Lafcadio Hearn. Photo by Irish Drone Photography (Shutterstock). Other features of interest include 12 miles of boundary walls with an entrance of four strong wrought-iron gates, and a long, tree-lined drive. Feeling festive? This section of the guide is packed with places to visit and things to see in Waterford that tend to get missed by many visiting the county. Aim for the car park and tip over to one of the information boards for an overview of the different trails. What are the most beautiful places to see in Waterford. Guided tours are also available. The first section of this guide will give you a speedy overview of the most popular places to visit in Waterford, with everything from beaches and seaside towns to walks and more. Review of: Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, Review of: Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, See all attractions in Waterford on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Waterford on Tripadvisor, See all day trips from Waterford on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Waterford on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, Hotels near Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours & Bike Hire, Hotels near Waterford Institute of Technology, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Waterford, Game & Entertainment Centres in Waterford, Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum: Tickets & Tours, Christ Church Cathedral: Tickets & Tours, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity: Tickets & Tours, Thomas Francis Meagher statue: Tickets & Tours, Viking Sword & Longboat: Tickets & Tours, Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife Statues: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Viking Sword & Longboat, Things to do near Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours & Bike Hire, Things to do near Axe Junkies Urban Axe Throwing, Things to do near Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Things to do near St. Albans Bed & Breaklfast, Mayfield Falls River Walk Tour from Negril, Rome to Pompeii Shuttle Bus Service & tour (optional), Punta Cana (PUJ) TRANSFER to OCEAN EL FARO RESORT ROUND TRIP, Zakynthos Guided Day Trip to Kefalonia Island, Jail and Sail: Alcatraz Tour and Sunset or Twilight Bay Cruise, Viking Tour of the Isle of Man - Half Day - Private Tour, Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide.