Uncover Waterford’s unrushed charm

History infuses every aspect of Waterford’s notably walkable and compact centre, and strolling its streets is a great way to get to know it. “[Waterford] invites people to pause, walk, listen, and truly engage with its rich maritime, cultural, and environmental heritage”, says Edel Tobin of Street Art Ink, which runs bespoke walking tours of the city.  

Waterford was originally established by the Vikings, and you can enjoy over 1,000 years of history in the Waterford Treasures collection of seven museums. Learn about Irish wake rituals in what was once a 15th-century Almshouse in the Irish Wake Museum, and discover a real-life Bridgerton at Bishop’s Palace. With a Freedom of Waterford pass, you can enjoy access to five of these museums as well as a guided walking tour of the Viking Triangle (Waterford city’s “old town”).  

One of Waterford’s major claims to fame is its world-class luxury crystal. Head to the House of Waterford Crystal for an in-depth look at the processes required to turn molten crystal into timeless pieces of art. If you find that inspiring, then pop into Kite Design Studios opposite Christ Church Cathedral and enjoy some more handmade glass from The Irish Handmade Glass Factory.

Getting out on the river and into the rich Waterford Estuary is a memorable experience here. With Osprey Viking Cruises, you can enjoy afternoon tea accompanied by tales from the river, watch the sunset by the Three Sisters (where the Rivers Suir, Nore and Barrow meet) and admire the 16th-century Waterford Castle standing proudly on Little Island.

Walking around the city, you’ll quickly get the sense that Waterford is not just a place with a fascinating past. The city’s buzzing modern food scene keeps things fresh and exciting with everything from urban coffee favourites to quayside eateries, such as The Granary, where you can sample Waterford’s famous bread roll, the blaa, which has been awarded Protected Geographic Indication status.

Check out the award-winning Grow HQ for lunch. Despite being in the heart of the city, most of their produce is grown in their organic garden only 112 steps away from where it’s enjoyed. Enjoy modern Irish cooking in Everett’s, set within a gorgeous 15th-century building, or relish an intimate meal oozing local flavours with a Spanish twist in Mara, where many ingredients are locally foraged or organically grown on a nearby farm.  

Looking for something a little lighter in a vibey setting? UNioN Wine Bar won’t disappoint. With carefully selected wines, enjoy light bar snacks including a fresh baguette from the local Seagull Bakery or Kilmore Quay crab cakes. 

For a food experience to remember, take off on the six-hour Mountain Splendour Taste Tour into the exceptional surroundings of Waterford’s wild Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains. Led by local guide Jonny Landers, the tour includes visits to some of Waterford’s best local producers and farms, as well as a spot of foraging.  

A short bus or bicycle ride from Waterford city, you’ll find the esteemed Waterford Castle, which was home to the Fitzgerald family for over 800 years. Set on a private island, it’s an elegant location for a long and lazy afternoon tea. 

One of the great things about Waterford is that in what seems like minutes, you can be immersed in the idyllic County Waterford scenery, making it an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. A great start to exploring beyond the city is the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, which can be accessed from Waterford city via bus. From Kilmeaden Station, sit back and relax on a period train restored as part of a community heritage project as you travel across farmlands and the banks of the River Suir on a 12km round trip. 

From the railway, you’ll spot Mount Congreve Gardens – one of the largest private collections of plants in the world, and the perfect place to wander, explore and lose track of time. Let the railway know in advance that you’d like to stop there, and they’ll let you off, but otherwise, the garden can be accessed by bicycle from Waterford. The gardens also make a wonderful place to stay, surrounded by nature, with gorgeous eco-cabins and luxury lodges.

One of the highlights of any visit to Waterford is the Waterford Greenway, a 46km off-road cycling and walking trail that runs along a former railway line through some of the county’s most spectacular scenery and out to the super-charming seaside town of Dungarvan. There are quiet rest stops at Kilmacthomas and Kilmeaden, as well as Norman castles, a Viking settlement and three viaducts.

Keen cyclists can cover the distance in a day, but making it a two-day trip ensures you don’t miss a thing. Bikes can be rented from Waterford Greenway Bike Hire.

Swap your bike for the bus next as you take a trip to the seaside. The village of Dunmore East is just a 25-minute journey from Waterford city. Laze over a seafood lunch at The Strand, before following the scenic Dunmore East Coastal Walk. A further 20 minutes on the bus from Dunmore East, you’ll reach the town of Tramore on the Copper Coast – a UNESCO Global Geopark. Enjoy coastal views on the Doneraile Walk or the tranquillity of the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens before refuelling with a delicious lunch in a Victorian townhouse at Beach House.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to wander through Waterford. 

The train from Dublin to Waterford takes around 2 hours 20 minutes. Waterford is mostly a walkable city, and visitors can also choose to avail of Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link services to get around. TFI Bikes for use in Waterford city are available to hire from 14 locations throughout the city and are charged by the hour. 

Head to the Granville Hotel in Waterford city for a stay on the waterfront with an award-winning breakfast serving traditional Waterford Blaa. Looking for something wilder? Stay in one of Comeragh Pods glamping pods by the Comeragh Mountains or soak up the sea air with a stay in Avon Lodge B&B in the village of Dunmore East. 

Wexford town is just over an hour away by bus and is the perfect place to base yourself to explore County Wexford. Discover attractions such as the Wexford Opera House, the National 1789 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy and Hook Head Lighthouse on Hook Peninsula. It's the perfect way to continue your exploration of Ireland’s Ancient East.