Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Waterford, Ireland

Ireland’s oldest city is situated at the head of the natural Waterford Harbour, located in the sunny southeast region of the country.

Established by the Vikings in the early 10th century, Waterford retains its Norse heritage, particularly evident in the Viking Triangle, a cultural zone aligned with the ancient city walls.

The city is rich in 18th-century Georgian architecture, including the Bishop’s Palace, a historical museum showcasing various objects from the last three centuries.

This forms part of three attractions managed by the Museum of Treasures, which includes the Viking exhibition housed in the iconic Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum containing ancient chambers and priceless religious relics.

The name “Waterford” may also be familiar due to the exquisite flint glass known as Waterford Crystal, crafted in the city since 1783.

Let us examine the most notable attractions in Waterford:

1. Viking Triangle

Many of Waterford’s key attractions are located within this area, formerly encircled by the city’s Viking fortifications.

Founded by the Vikings in the early 10th century, the name “Waterford” originates from Veðrafjǫrðr, which translates to “Windy Fjord,” marking it as the only location in Ireland with Norse etymology.

Within just one square mile, visitors can discover Reginald’s Tower, The Bishop’s Palace, and the Medieval Museum, alongside the House of Waterford Crystal and the Theatre Royal.

Adjacent to Reginald’s Tower, you will find a full-sized, seaworthy replica of a Viking longboat measuring 12 meters in length.

During the Easter weekend of 2018, this district hosted Waterford’s inaugural Viking festival, showcasing arts and crafts, archery, Viking cuisine, weapon-handling demonstrations, and even a working forge creating arrowheads.

2. Reginald’s Tower

Waterford’s enduring symbol is also the oldest civic structure in Ireland.

Reginald’s Tower, which has Anglo-Norman roots, acquired its present architecture during the Irish conquest in the mid-13th century.

Prior to that, the tower was part of a Viking fort established in the early 11th century.

Originally designed for defense, the tower has served various functions, including a royal stronghold, military storage, mint, and currently, a museum.

Upon closer inspection of the stonework, one can identify a cannonball from Cromwell’s successful siege in 1650. The Waterford Viking Museum displays artifacts uncovered from the 2003 Woodstown excavation, including swords, ship nails, silver ingots, and Byzantine coins.

3. Bishop’s Palace

The Bishop’s Palace, designed by Anglo-German architect Richard Castles, was completed in 1741 and was the pioneering Georgian structure in the area.

Castles also designed Leinster House in Dublin, which currently serves as the Irish Parliament’s seat.

The Bishop’s Palace originally faced Waterford’s city walls, which were reduced here and transformed into garden terraces.

The palace’s museum showcases artifacts from the 1700s to contemporary times, including the oldest example of Waterford crystal, the Penrose decanter from 1789. Additionally, it houses the last remaining “mourning cross,” one of twelve crafted to honor Napoleon Bonaparte’s passing in 1821. The top floor elaborates on significant chapters from Waterford’s history, such as the War of Independence, the First World War, and the legacy of historical livestock markets in the Ballybricken parish.

4. Medieval Museum

Ireland’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the medieval era preserves two significant Medieval chambers.

One is the Choristers’ Hall from 1270, serving as a residence for the dean of Waterford Cathedral, while the Mayor’s Wine Vault from the 15th century is located underground.

Among the most captivating exhibits is the Cloth of Gold vestments, the sole complete set of Medieval vestments in Northern Europe.

Dating back to 1460, these were crafted from silk woven in Florence and then embroidered in Bruges. They were buried in 1650 to protect them from Puritan iconoclasts during the Cromwellian conquest and rediscovered 123 years later.

The museum also displays Henry VIII’s Cap of Maintenance, the last remaining item of apparel from the king’s wardrobe, gifted to the city along with a ceremonial sword in 1536.

5. House of Waterford Crystal

The term “Waterford” has become synonymous with high-quality crystal, and on the Mall, visitors can explore the recently established factory and visitor center, which opened in 2010. The original Waterford Crystal operation functioned from 1783 until 2009, when the parent company, Waterford Wedgwood, entered receivership.

This branch of the company was revitalized in 2010 through the intervention of the city, leading to a resurgence in production.

The highlight of a visit is the factory tour, where one can experience the heat of the furnaces and witness the traditional methods of blowing, cutting, and polishing Waterford crystal, honed over centuries.

At the conclusion of your visit, consider browsing the store, which features the world’s largest single collection of Waterford Crystal.

6. Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity

This cathedral, the oldest of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, dates back to the 1790s and was designed by local architect John Roberts.

It exemplifies an imposing Neoclassical style, featuring Ionic pilasters, a balustrade crowned with statues, and a tympanum relief illustrating Christ flanked by angels.

The interior boasts ten chandeliers donated by Waterford Crystal and an organ installed in 1848 by the English firm William Hill & Son.

Following renovations in 1977 after the Second Vatican Council, the altar was modified to allow for mass to be conducted facing the congregation.

7. Mount Congreve

John Roberts also designed this elegant residence in Kilmeaden, located just outside Waterford.

The stately home, originally owned by the Congreve family from Staffordshire, England, was completed in the 1760s.

While the exterior of the Georgian house is photogenic, the primary allure is the internationally acclaimed botanical gardens spread over 30 hectares.

These gardens were cultivated in the 20th century by Ambrose Congreve, who received accolades for his creation.

Boasting over 3,000 distinct species of trees and shrubs, including 250 types of climbers, 300 acer cultivars, 600 camellias, and more than 2,000 rhododendron bushes.

A standout feature is the walled garden, spanning over 1.5 hectares and featuring a captivating lily pond.

8. King of the Vikings

Promoted as “the pioneering Viking virtual reality adventure globally,” King of the Vikings opened on Bailey’s New Street in the Viking Triangle in 2017. The venue is located at the ruins of the 13th-century Franciscan Friary, featuring a thatched Viking house constructed using period-appropriate materials and methods.

This captivating experience spans 30 minutes, during which visitors encounter guides in period costumes, don VR headsets, and journey back to a time when Waterford was inhabited by Vikings.

The experience encompasses a storyline, enhanced by exquisite visuals, making it a memorable attraction.

9. Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

Located ten kilometers south in Tramore is a remarkable garden dedicated to the 19th-century author and traveler Lafcadio Hearn.

In 1890, Hearn settled in Japan after years of travel, becoming a naturalized citizen, marrying, and raising four children.

He garnered international acclaim for his writings on Japan and its folklore at a time when the country was just beginning to open its doors to foreigners.

The attraction, which was visited by Princess Takamado of Japan in 2017, draws inspiration from Hearn’s literary works and journey, featuring a Victorian Garden, Greek and American Gardens, alongside a genuine set of Japanese Gardens with bridges, bamboo, streams, and ponds.

To fully appreciate the rich symbolism of the gardens, guided tours can be arranged in advance.

In the summer, consider visiting the Blue Flag Tramore Strand, which boasts five kilometers of pristine golden sand and shingle.

10. Christ Church Cathedral

This cathedral, serving Waterford’s Church of Ireland congregation, is the third church constructed at this location.

The original was established in the 1000s, where Aoife MacMurrough, the renowned Gaelic princess, wed the English nobleman Richard de Clatre in the 12th century.

The last reconstruction was carried out by John Roberts in the 1770s, during which the Cloth of Gold vestments were uncovered.

These vestments are now showcased at the Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum.

The stately Christ Church Cathedral features Neoclassical architecture, complemented by decorative stuccowork on the nave ceiling, Corinthian columns on elevated bases, and a solitary pillar preserved from its Gothic predecessor.

11. Theatre Royal

Located on the Mall, the Theatre Royal is a classic Victorian U-shaped theatre constructed in 1876, following renovations of a wing of the Town Hall.

The auditorium can accommodate 432 patrons across three tiers and underwent a significant two-year refurbishment from 2007 to 2009. It features a highly ornate proscenium, and the stunning chandelier adorning the ceiling was a gift from Waterford Crystal in 1951. An additional three crystal chandeliers grace the elegant Georgian vestibule.

On an average day, visitors might enjoy refreshments at the Cafe Royal, which overlooks the Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

The Theatre Royal hosts a diverse array of performances, including touring rock, blues, and jazz bands, Irish folk performances, dance, musicals, and comedy shows.

12. Waterford Greenway

The Waterford to Mallow railway line, inaugurated in 1872, was soon recognized as the most picturesque railway route in Ireland. The final train journey along the remaining section to Dungarvan occurred in 1987 after the closure of a crystal factory.

Three decades later, the 46-kilometer route has been resurfaced with asphalt, accommodating cyclists and walkers.

The pathway begins beside the River Suir and crosses three historical viaducts, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Along the route, you can encounter lush gorges enveloped in vegetation, abandoned stations like Durrow, and the Ballyvoyle tunnel while making your way to Dungarvan on the coast.

If needed, bike rental shops are available, which also offer e-bikes, and various spots to stop for refreshments or ice cream are conveniently located along the trail.

13. Dunmore East

On a sunny summer day, a visit to Dunmore East, located at the western entrance of Waterford Harbour, is merely a 20-minute drive.

This quaint historic fishing village features a charming working harbor and appealing seafood restaurants.

With rocky and indented coastlines, visitors can embark on scenic cliff-top walks in both directions.

Sheltered from the open sea, the village boasts six protected coves, ideal for swimming or engaging in activities such as kayaking, caving, or stand-up paddleboarding with the Dunmore Adventure company based in the harbor.

14. Comeragh Mountains

West of Waterford lies the Comeragh Mountains, characterized by 12 peaks, the tallest reaching just below 800 meters.

The terrain is gentle, composed of moors and bogs, rendering the summits accessible for hikers.

The Comeragh Mountains form part of a plateau, with striking glacial formations known as corries on its peripheral areas.

These corries, steep rock basins frequently containing lakes (or loughs) below, are indeed spectacular.

The most remarkable corrie is Coumshingaun Lough, which will be discussed further, along with Coum Iarthair and Crotty’s Lough, which are also worthy of exploration.

For those interested, Coum Tay can be accessed via an 11-kilometer trail, with the breathtaking Mahon Falls along the way.

15. Coumshingaun Lough

This charming corrie is often regarded as the most romantic sight in the Comeragh Mountains, accessible via an eight-kilometer trail.

Coumshingaun Lough, shaped like an armchair and plunging up to 365 meters deep, contains a small lake at its base, formed by glaciation.

The trail guides you along the cliffs, offering awe-inspiring views through drifting low clouds down to the water and across the countryside to the east.

The lake gleams a metallic blue in sunlight, transforming into an enigmatic deep black at other times.