Best Travel Guide Waterford & The East

Waterford & The EastGuide was updated: 2024-09-16

Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, is the perfect blend of ancient and modern. Gourmet restaurants and traditional pubs co-exist with medieval city walls, quaint cobbled streets, and historic buildings still standing proud after more than a thousand years. As you leave the medieval strongholds behind, you will find yourself lost in the beauty of Wild Atlantic Way scenery.

Do & See

Waterford is brimming with medieval landmarks, collectively known as the Viking Triangle, and is adorned by blossoming parks and scenic stretches of water.

Reginald's Tower

Ireland's oldest civic building is impossible to miss: Reginald's Tower elegantly towers above the quay along the river Suis. Originally a fortress, it has been in use for over 800 years now, and is a point of interest for lovers of Viking history.

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Waterford Greenway

This 46km off-road cycling and walking route follows an old railway line, starting in Waterford and exploring the fringes of Ireland's Anciest East region. Cruise through luscious countryside with a gentle mountain backdrop. You will cross eleven bridges, as well as several ancient villages and seaside medieval ruins. The route also takes in the famous copper coast, as well as more obscure landmarks such as an ice age rock fabled to have mythical powers! Bikes can be rented from several providers, with electric bikes and tow-alongs also available.

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Mount Congreve Gardens

A winner of many horticulture awards, Mount Congreve Gardens is an extensive collection of rare and native flora. The grounds are full of surprises, from a Chinese Pagoda to a classical temple. Historians will delight in spectacular views of Woodstown, the old Viking settlement, as well as the old Ice House - situated right next to The Rock Waterfall.

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Irish National Heritage Park

Explore the history of the various prehistoric farmers who settled in Ireland, from the Mesolithic period to the time of the Norman Invasion (1169). Reconstructed dwellings such as a mesolithic camp, a neolithic farmstead, a portal dolmen, a cyst grave, stone circle, medieval ringfort, monastic site, crannóg (ancient lake dwelling) and a Viking harbour are spread across 35 acres of parkland, estuary trails and wetland forest. The park also runs demonstrations on traditional rural life skills from blacksmithing to gold panning. This is a truly immersive experience exploring Ireland's roots and forgotten traditions.

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Ardmore Cliff Walk

This 4km walk along stunning coastal scenery is suitable for hikers of all abilities. Pass fascinating historic relics such as the Early Christian St Declan's Well, Ardmore Round Tower, and a 12th Century Cathedral. Keep an eye out for wildlife - coastal birds are abundant here.

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Mahon Falls Walk

Near Lemybrien, County Waterford, follow the Mahon Falls walking route and take in breathtaking views of the famous Comeragh Mountains. It is hard to believe such wild landscapes are found so close to a city - keep in mind, the steep, boggy hillsides are encrusted with craggy boulders, making the hike moderately difficult.

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Population:	City: 53,504 Metropolitan population: 82,963
Currency:	Euro (EUR), 1 € = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	112 or 999
Newspapers:	Irish Examiner Irish Times Irish Independent
Opening Hours:	Business hours are generally from 9am to 5.30pm Monday through Friday. Most retail stores are open from 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday, and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Tourist Information:	Waterford Tourist Information Centre 120 Parade Quay Waterford City Waterford Republic of Ireland +353 51 875 823 waterford@failteireland.ie