Local Attractions
Whether you’re on foot, cycling, driving or taking a bus tour of the county, there’s something for everybody from family days out, top-class restaurants, bustling pubs, art and cultural venues, artisan food producers, beautiful country houses and gardens, winding country roads, glistening sea views and shopping.
Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road walking/cycling trail that stretches from Waterford City to the county town of Dungarvan. On its journey along the redeveloped railway line the Greenway passes many places of historical interest as well as areas of exceptional beauty, while walking or cycling on this magnificent trail you are at one stage meandering along the beautiful River Suir, further along you are travelling side by side with the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
For more info visit: www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com
House of Waterford Visitor Centre
is a very popular visitor attraction in Waterford City. It not only showcases the beautiful Waterford Crystal, but it is also possible to take a tour around the work area and see pieces going through the different stages of design and production.
For more information visit: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
The Coppercoast Geopark
Moving out from the City along the stunning coastal drive, visitors will find another amazing natural resource. The Copper Coast gets its name from the 19th Century copper mines that lie at its heart. It comprises of 25 Km of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands.
Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks, which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Copper Coast.
For more information visit: www.coppercoastgeopark.com
The Comeragh Mountains
The Comeragh Mountains are another magnificent natural resource in Waterford. They are situated within a 40 minute drive of the City and are popular with both locals and visitors. The mountains provide stunning scenery, tranquil walks or testing hikes and great camaraderie between those who explore them.
“Coumshingaun” one of the larger lakes in the Comeragh mountains is said to be one of the finest examples of a Corrie Lake in Europe.
For more information visit: waterfordinyourpocket.com/the-comeragh-mountains/
Waterford & Suir Valley Railway
The magic of rails golden age has been brought to life in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. Experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a narrow gauge railway in partially open period carriages as you take in the panoramic views of the river and rolling farmland. This is an area rich in history and only accessible by train. Great fun for all ages.
For more information visit: www.wsvrailway.ie
Waterford Gardens
Waterford has many beautiful gardens that are on show to the public.
Mount Congreve Gardens: http://www.mountcongreve.com/ is world famous for its collection of rare plant species.
Lismore Castle Gardens https://www.lismorecastle.com/ hang spectacularly over the river Blackwater at the entrance to the town of Lismore. The castle itself was built by King John in the 13th century and was subsequently acquired by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1589. These are just two examples of the very many beautiful gardens open for all to enjoy.
Another major tourist attraction to both Waterford City and County are the many festivals that take place here such as:
- Spraoi Street Festival www.spraoi.com takes place in August and for three jam packed days the streets, squares and parks of Waterford City become a series of stages. Cutting-edge music and family-friendly arts combine to create a true cosmopolitan experience.
- All Together Now festival held in Curraghmore Estate www.curraghmorehouse.ie is hugely popular.
- The Waterford Writers Weekend www.waterfordarts.com is one of Ireland’s most prestigious writers’ festivals. Each year it brings together poets and authors to showcase their work and give new up and coming talent the opportunity to participate in the Séan Dunne Young Writers Award competition.
- The 1848 Tricolour Celebration marks the conception and unveiling of the Irish Tricolour Flag by Thomas Francis Meagher in 1848 at 33 The Mall, Waterford City.
- Other festivals include: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Waterford Festival of Architecture, Waterford International Festival of Music, Imagine Arts Festival amongst many others.
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