Location: Waterford
Top Things to do in Waterford
Top Restaurants in Waterford
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Waterford, Province of Munster
Waterford (from Old Norse Veðrafjǫrðr, meaning "ram (wether) fjord", Irish: Port Láirge) is a city in Ireland. It is in County Waterford in the south east of Ireland and is part of the province of Munster. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbour. It is the oldest and the fifth most populous city in the Republic of Ireland. It is the eighth most populous city on the island of Ireland. Waterford City and County Council is the local government authority for the city. Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, a legacy of the city's former glass-making industry.
Restaurants in Waterford
1. Coumshingaun Lough
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By gaffneym
Best to do thhis on a sunny day to get the most out of it. To complete the hike up over and down takes around 3 and half hours, can be a bit dangerous bit of climbing involved would advise to bring proper hiking boots or runners. Also bring water and food with you. Once you reach the top the views are amazing if your bringing kids i would advise not to climb fully up over and down as concentration is required. U can bring kids to the lake there thou.
2. Waterford Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 646 reviews
Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which runs between Waterford and Dungarvan. From the Viking City alongside the River Suir, out by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains and Dungarvan Bay.
Reviewed By renaultwrc - Waterford, Ireland
Absolutely fabulous, walking or cycling it's a pleasure, coastal and inland old railway line converted to this stunning Greenway, try pint in old world pub along the way or coffee or tea and scones in Kilmacthomas old workhouse ,you will return many times guaranteed
3. King of the Vikings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
King of the Vikings - The World's First Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure, bringing you up close and personal with the Viking warlords who founded Waterford Ireland's oldest city! Housed in a replica Viking house within the atmospheric ruins of a medieval monastery in the heart of the Viking city. Next to Reginald's Tower where the Treasures of Viking Waterford and a fullsize Viking longship. Available in English, French and German. Cost of admission is only €5.00 for an Under 12 and only €10.00 for an adult. Currently CLOSED for annual maintenance, from 6th January till Fri.13th March 2020.
Reviewed By Seehanes
Visitors are strongly advised to book in advance for this virtual reality experience due to limited capacity - visits last thirty minutes and only ten people can be accommodated during each session. Within the Viking Triangle, so rich in history and museum experiences, this novel format brings that Viking history to life in an unforgettable manner that should be greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and interest levels - you cannot help but feel thoroughly engaged. With a son who suffers from travel sickness, this virtual reality experience posed no problem for him. Situated in a replica Viking house within the ruins of the Franciscan friary, the costumed staff skilfully aided visitors to use the apparatus effectively. In fact no skill was needed - the staff ensured that everybody's experience was optimised. Potential improvements, in my opinion, would include greater sensory engagement such as water spray (from the sea or discarded waste), blasts of heat when there are fires, or release of smells to coincide with cooking, other domestic situations, or proximity to livestock. Apart from the brief thrill (or horror?) of seeing rats at your feet, I think the fear / shock factor could have been considerably heightened. If there is concern for the welfare of younger children, then perhaps headsets could have two different settings (one milder experience, and one more dramatic one). Nevertheless this is unquestionably a worthwhile addition to Waterford's attractions.
4. Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,114 reviews
The magnificent curved facade of the warm butter-coloured stone building draws in the visitor. The eye-catching giant sculpture on the gable was inspired by a tiny 13th century belt mount found in Waterford. It is Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Don't miss the stunning Heavens' Embroidered Cloths, Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th century vestments, the only piece of clothing from King Henry VIII's reign to survive in the world - the 'Cap of Maintenance' and the Great Charter Roll from 1373, containing the earliest contemporary portrait of a medieval English king (Edward III) shown to Queen Elizabeth on her 2011 state visit to Ireland. These and many more unique artefacts await you on your guided tour of the award wining Medieval Museum.
Reviewed By straea
When I arrived here around opening time yesterday, their early guided tours were fully booked with cruise ship passengers. Having read recent reviews here and some replies from staff, I thought coming back when they had space on a tour would be best. So I bought a combination ticket with Bishop's Palace, they called over there to confirm I'd be able to take a guided tour there in a few minutes, and I headed next door. I came back here for a guided tour about 90 minutes later. My tour guide, Liam, was fantastic — funny, interesting, and a great storyteller. The tour lasted about 40-45 minutes. I stayed on my own afterwards (as you are welcome to do) watching the introductory films (there is a 10-minute one on the second floor and a 15-minute one on the first floor) and viewing the objects we'd skipped on the highlights tour. As an historical researcher, I was personally especially fascinated by the unique Great Charter of Waterford and the medieval book of civic records of Waterford (both of which we viewed on the guided tour). While I was looking around on my own, a couple more guided tours cane through with different guides. Each guide seems to have their own style. Highly recommended for those interested in Irish history and/or medieval history.
5. Reginald's Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Reviewed By WW_Traveller023 - Kirrawee, Australia
The town is a short walk away and we headed to 'Reginald's Tower', it is the last tower remaining from numerous incarnations of a fort that was here from the 10th Century. It is named after the Viking King 'Reginall or Reginald' who conquered this place and set up a Viking town in the late 900's. The tower is 3 storeys high and has sen a lot of history since then, including being used by 'Strongbow' (the leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion force) and visits by King John and King James II as well as serving time as a munitions store and prison. There are very interesting displays on all the floors.
6. Bishop's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
The Bishop’s Palace Museum houses a display of Waterford treasures from 1700 to the 20th century, and gives visitors a wonderful insight into the history of what was, up until the 1750s, Ireland’s second city. 'The Mall is a beautiful walk, about 200 yards long… facing it stands the Bishop’s Palace, which not only adds a considerable beauty ... the Palace is a fine building of hewn stone, with two fronts, that next to the Mall is beautifully ornamented with a handsome portico.' (Charles Smith’s History, 1746)' This exquisite architectural jewel, now a museum, continues to delight over 250 years later, the ground and first floors furnished as a very elegant 18th century townhouse. The top floor brings 'old' Waterford alive from the 1900s to the 1960s. Unveiled in 2019, Masterpieces in Glass is a re-enactor led experience culminating in a 17 minute 4D presentation detailing the long history of glass making in Waterford and vividly immersing you 18th and 19th century Waterford.
Reviewed By 680lk - Cork, Ireland
Visited here with my husband and five year old Very friendly lady on reception advised us on the tickets and tours We did the self guided tour of the medieval museum as well as the guided tour of the bishops palace The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly Small group to allow for social distancing The best part for us was the audio visual presentation 3D video which we all loved my little girl was thrilled and Is still talking about it days later Which for her first experience of the wonderful world of museums is fantastic Highly recommend
7. Comeragh Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By DrJohnMS - Washington, United States
A single lane, one way loop drive up to Mahon Falls is worth the effort. The falls in the distance flows with vigor, and is an easy traverse up the side of the hill for those a little more adventurous. No facilities in the parking lot. Bountiful sheep roaming the countryside to keep you company with their excrement not too far behind so be wary where you walk. As you walk up, take time to look back at the valley below, and the Celtic Sea farther out. On a semi clear day like we had, it was a lovely view.
8. The Viking Triangle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Waterford Viking Triangle is the cultural and historic centre of Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, where in 914 A.D. the Vikings first settled. It is a tranquil place, characterised by narrow streets, historic architecture, atmospheric public spaces and unique cultural and heritage attractions. Wander through Waterford Viking Triangle, visit the home of the global brand that is Waterford Crystal, nine national monuments including a 13th century underground wine vault, three world class museums (Viking, Medieval and Georgian) as well as an array of craft studios, cafes and excellent gift shops. Over 1,000 years of history unfold in just 1,000 paces in this compact and authentically charming location.
Reviewed By Seehanes
Waterford's much needed recognition and celebration of its rich history is a very welcome development. Our time in the city of Waterford was very limited on this occasion, but having been disappointed by how tired the main commercial areas of Broad Street, John Roberts Square (with the exception of the wonderful The Book Centre), and Merchants Quay now appear, the Viking Triangle offers a far more positive impression of Ireland's oldest city (founded by the Vikings in the 9th century). Although not extensive an area, it benefits from proximity to Waterford's maritime legacy and it includes Reginald's Tower (Ireland's oldest civic building), the Medieval Museum, the Bishop's Palace Museum, French Abbey (also known as Greyfriar's Abbey - an imposing ruin at the entrance to which stands Gabriel Hayes's masterly statue of the notable historian Luke Wadding, 1588-1657), the relocated Waterford Crystal factory and showroom (a magnet for Americans on coach tours, who unfortunately seem to bypass all else that Waterford has on offer), a wonderful outdoor replica Viking longship (modelled on those excavated during the 1960s in Roskilde, Denmark), the Theatre Royal, the art galleries, the fantastic new King of the Vikings virtual reality experience (located in a replica Viking house set in the ruins of the Franciscan friary), and, among our favourites, the giant street chess board in Bishop's Place where we felt obliged to pass twenty minutes (the duration taken for me to checkmate my son - I feel no guilt, as he made it very difficult for me). We didn't have time to visit the bars and restaurants in this part of the city, but they looked inviting and were clearly being enjoyed by others. We will know to allow more time for the Viking Triangle during a future visit.
9. Christ Church Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Come explore nearly 1000 years of history The cathedral opens its doors to visitors throughout the year. People of all faiths and none are invited to explore its history, worship with us, and enjoy quiet moments of reflection. There is no entrance fee, but donations toward the upkeep of this unique cathedral are gratefully received. Visitors may avail of free interpretive guides to the cathedral, which was made possible by funding from the Heritage Council. The audio guide can be downloaded in advance of your visit at https://izi.travel/en/20f8-christ-church-cathedral/en#8fcb-a-short-history-of-christ-church-cathedral/en
Reviewed By Global770422 - Thurles, Ireland
The Dean gave a wonderful and heartfelt talk. The men's choir during the service and the singing of songs after the service were first class. I was impressed to learn that the same architect did Christ's Church Cathedral and the Catholic Cathedral.
10. Mount Congreve House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By shopping-spraoi - Waterford, Ireland
Stunning gardens and trails. A lovely cafe. Just visit, its just stunning. I have visited on many, many occassions, its a beautiful alternative for lunch and because its so well shaded, a light breeze is the most you'll feel
