Are you planning a getaway to the stunning city of Waterford? As someone who loves adventure and history, you’ll be delighted with the diversity of things to do in Waterford and all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or nature, Waterford has something for everyone, and I’m excited for you to discover the magic of this vibrant city. To make sure you make the most of your trip, I’ve put together a list of 19 things to do in Waterford that will ensure you have a holiday to remember.
19 Things To Do In Waterford, Ireland
Explore Bishop’s Palace
The Palace was designed by German architect Richard Castles and is the first in a series of Georgian landmarks. This palace is a unique place to explore and gain an appreciation of local culture and history.
The Bishop’s Palace Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Waterford from the 18th century to the present day.
The top floor goes into some deep history of the War of Independence and the First World War. The museum contains a wealth of artefacts, including rare paintings, 18th-century glass, silver, and furniture.
Entrance Fee: There are multiple tours available on Waterfordtreasures.com, you can check them out here
Explore Medieval Museum
Did you know that the only surviving piece of King Henry VIII’s wardrobe from his reign in the 15th century is in Waterford?
It is an embroidered red velvet hat, the Cap of Maintenance, presented as Henry’s gift to the then-mayor of Waterford. The cap can now be found in the Medieval Museum of Waterford.
You will also find the beautiful fabric of Gold Vestments at the museum. These priceless silk sheets are dating back to the 1400s. All the rare objects were discovered during the demolition of a medieval cathedral.
The mountains give a fantastic view of the Irish countryside right to the sea on a straight road.
Explore House of Waterford Crystal
If you’re ever in Waterford, you’ve got to check out the House of Waterford Crystal. It’s right in the heart of the city on The Mall, and it’s a real gem. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make their beautiful glassware, and let me tell you, it’s fascinating.
Did you know they melt 826 tons of crystal every year? That’s a lot of sparkle! And the best part is, you can visit their retail store and take home your very own piece of Waterford Crystal.
Trust me, it’s one of the most interesting things to do in Waterford. The one-hour tour is worth it and you’ll learn so much about the art of crystal manufacturing.
Entrance fee: We paid an entrance ticket price per adult: €14.
Timing: Monday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.15 pm.
Parking: Parking is available at the rear of the House of Waterford Crystal, in Bolten Street Public Car Park.
Vikings Triangle (City Tour)
If you don’t know anything about Waterford and want to visit all the ancient tourist attractions, then this is where you can resort to.
Book a Vikings Triangle Tour, explore the city with other tourists and enjoy your journey with them. The trip includes six national monuments- Reginald’s Tower, Greyfriars Medieval Franciscan Friary, Choristers’ Hall, the Bishop’s Palace, and Christ Church Cathedral.
If you’re in Waterford, you have to experience this new adventurous setting as it is one of the best things to do in Waterford and worth one visit.
King Of The Vikings
If you love history, then you’re going to love this new virtual reality 3D setting. You will feel that you are traveling in time and are observing things right in front of you.
You can also book a tour guide if you’re interested to know more about the Viking history in this Viking house. The technology is forward that you will be able to have a face-to-face conversation with the Viking leaders.
For bookings, click here.
Discover Clock Museum or The Irish Museum Of Time
This is one of the unique things to do in Waterford. Clock Museum or The Irish Museum Of Time holds some Irish timepieces and ancient European technological inventions.
It is located on Greyfriars Street in the Viking Triangle of Waterford. Don’t miss the tour here; you will have a great time knowing and learning about such fascinating pieces.
Discover the beauty of Lismore Castle Gardens
Lismore castle garden is a beautiful lush green garden in Lismore, county Waterford Ireland. The castle was built around the 17th century for the Duke of Devonshire and his family to reside here. The garden is huge and divided into basically two parts.
The upper and lower garden are two different parts of the garden. From my perspective, the upper garden was more formal and man-made as everything was organized but the lower part is more naturalistic and wild.
Just be prepared for lots of walking if you want to see all the gardens; you’ll have an amazing time.
Trust me it is well worth a visit for any gardening enthusiasts or anyone who seeks relaxing time and one of the unforgettable things to do in Waterford.
To gain more information about Lismore Castle Gardens, you can visit this website.
Parking: Free parking is available.
Discover Goat Island
Goat Island is a hidden beach situated about 5 km west of Ardmore in Waterford.
This beach offers you breathtaking scenery and a peaceful ambience, which makes it a popular destination for you.
You can enjoy various activities on this beach, such as: relaxing on the sandy beach and immersing yourself in the stunning views, exploring the surrounding coastal walks, visiting the Ardmore Castle and its gardens, and discovering the local flora and fauna.
Enjoy the Copper Coast
Waterford has many pretty beaches, and the Copper Coast is a must-visit sight to look at the real shoreside magic.
The coastline also has some magnificent cliffs and a metal mining industry that flourished over 200 years ago.
You can drive around, go around for a walk, or even go cycling. This is the closest place to get to nature, rewarded with breathtaking landscapes.
Discover Mount Congreve Gardens
Are you a nature lover? If yes, then you cannot miss Mount Congreve Gardens which is 70 acres of abundant plant life. This garden has been described as a remarkable garden globally, with jaw-dropping beauty in all seasons.
The place has over 3000 different types of trees and shrubs, over 2000 Rhododendrons, 600 Camellias, 300 Acer cultivars, 600 conifers, 250 climbers, and 1500 herbaceous plants.
Parking: There is a car park on-site.
Hike Comeragh Mountains
The Comeragh Mountains are a great hiking place with a view of Coumshingaun, the country’s largest circus, known as the Comeraghs gem.
As for mountaineers and hikers, the 12 mountains are very popular. At 792m, the highest point is Mount Fauscoum. A great adventure among things to do in Waterford.
Enjoy Spraoi Festival
Spraoi is the Irish word for entertainment and the most fun among the things to do in Waterford. Spraoi envelops Waterford in a riot of colour and ‘craic,’ one of the largest street carnivals in Ireland.
Think of live music, street performers, and fireworks. It is three days of magic filled with street art and theatre. The parade is the heart of Waterford. You cannot miss this festival if you’re here in August.
Explore Tramore Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Waterford and lies just 13 km from the city, and is relatively easy to locate. It stretches to about 5 km from the sandy path on one end to sand dunes on the other.
You will notice many swimming groups here and the place is pretty famous among swimmers. Surfing and kayaking are also the activities that you’ll enjoy here, and if by any chance you want to try out the water activity and are not aware of how to do it, some trainers can help you with that.
It is very crowded during summer and has a bunch of food and accommodation options nearby. So I recommend you to go here; indeed you’ll have a fun time.
Enjoy your walk in Anne Valley nature and wildlife
The Anne Valley Walk is a beautiful 10km round trip trail and offers breathtaking views of Dunhill Castle.
The walk is fully accessible to individuals with reduced mobility, including those using buggies and wheelchairs. There are also picnic and seating areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings, and the plentiful wildlife there.
This place is the heaven of nature enthusiasts and offers a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience for all to enjoy.
Visit Dunmore East
Dunmore East in Waterford is a charming coastal village known for its popular attractions and natural beauty.
Some of the top things to do in this place are the Breakwater Gift Shop, Hayes Pub, Dunmore Adventure, and the Spinnaker Bar and Restaurant.
In addition to these attractions, you can explore the beautiful coastal scenery, enjoy water sports, and visit nearby landmarks, such as the House of Waterford Crystal and the Hook Lighthouse. I’m sure you will never forget the beauty and nice architecture of the buildings in this village.
Coumshingaun Lough Walk
Hiking Coumshingaun Lough is one of the popular things to do in Waterford. This is a tough but rewarding hike.
Coumshingaun Lough is an Irish lake located in Waterford and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland.
You need to have decent footwear, water, and food with yourself because it takes 3.5 hours (7k). It’s gonna be a fantastic experience with amazing views.
This popular hiking destination offers you stunning views over Waterford and out to the sea. But, don’t forget that the path is not as straightforward as some other popular walks, and you need to be careful since some sections pose a real safety risk.
The Mahon Falls Walk
The Mahon Falls walk is a beautiful walking trail of the Comeragh Mountains. It is also a long walking trail that measures up to 5 kilometers with a 2-hour walk. With some steps and slopes, it is considered to be a moderate hiking trail.
The more you follow the trail times it becomes more steep and challenging to complete the hike, another great one among adventurous things to do in Waterford.
The highlight of the walk is the breathtaking scenery around you and the Panoramic view you get from the top of the mountain of the Valley.
Have a walk in beautiful Ballysaggartmore Towers
The Ballysaggartmore Tower Walk is a famous walking trail located in Lismore of Waterford County. The trail is surrounded by the Ballysaggartmore Tower along with some of the gothic buildings from the 19th century.
You can park the car near the tower and proceed for the walk which is a 20-25 min walk.
Your walk from the roadside takes you through woods and three unique gatehouses. There is a small waterfall about 30 meters beyond the bridge house.
The towers are surrounded by forest land making it feel like you’re in a fairytale-like story. It is also a popular destination for picnics and leisurely walks.
Entrance Fee and Parking: There is no entrance fee for the Ballysaggartmore Towers and parking is also available.
Surfing
Who does not like a good Water sports experience? If you are a surfer I would suggest going to the beaches and doing some wave taming.
The beaches are so serene and a perfect place to polish your surfing skills. Make sure you are with some security to make the best out of that experience. Trust me it will be one of the most exciting things to do in Waterford for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you spend a day in Waterford?
To spend a day in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, you can explore its rich history (Waterford’s Viking Triangle, Viking, Medieval, and Georgian Ireland), visit key attractions, and enjoy local cuisine (have your meals at McLeary’s Restaurant and Momo restaurant).
Is Waterford worth a visit?
Whether you’re interested in history, and culture, or simply enjoying a day in a charming city, Waterford has something to offer and is worth a visit.
What is Waterford best known for?
Waterford is best known for several aspects, including its former glassmaking industry, architectural landmarks, such as the Protestant and Catholic cathedrals, history, and Wine culture.
What are the best cafes and restaurants in Waterford?
Some of the best cafes and restaurants in Waterford that offer a variety of cuisines and dining experiences are: The Granary Cafe, The Olive Cafe, The Pier Cafe, Momo Restaurant, Bodega, and McLeary’s Restaurant.
What are the best hotels and hostels in Waterford?
Here are some of the best hotels and hostels in Waterford: Granville Hotel, Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Fitzwilton Hotel, Waterford Marina Hotel, Tower Hotel Waterford, and Portree House.
Conclusion
From visiting the world-famous Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre to exploring the Comeragh Mountains, this list of 20 things to do in Waterford has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or just looking for a good time, you’re sure to find it in Waterford. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Waterford for a trip to remember.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the top 20 things to do in Waterford and that you’re inspired to visit this beautiful city.
If you have any personal recommendations or stories to share, please leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
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