Surrounded by a beautiful park, this stately edifice was built between 1904 and 1910 at the command of King Leopold II. This museum is home to the largest collection of ethnographic objects from central Africa. Liberally sprinkled with pictures, masks, everyday objects, jewels, decorative elements, musical instruments and a wide range of exotic animals, it showcases the richness and diversity of the African continent. Now, a new impetus is driving this respectable institution. Going beyond the traditional museum concept, it intends to present an open window on the African continent, a change clearly reflected by the desire to understand Africa and its Belgian colonial past in a more critical and objective way. To fulfill this goal, the museum closed its doors for a necessary renovation period. During its closure the museum "pops-up" with temporary exhibitions and activities in different places. The reopening of the completely revamped Royal Museum for Central Africa, a major event, is planned for December 2018 (check the website for the exact date).

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.

Situated among the ruins of a former woollen mill along the River Dawn, this extensive garden features several interesting botanical specialties, from a lavender field to lily ponds in the North African corner.

This driving route explores Waterford, Tramore, Dungarvan, Comeragh Mountains Loop, Lemybrien, and back to Waterford city. From hidden coves to mountain scenery, this loop passes Waterford’s coastal UNESCO-site, The Geopark, before venturing into the mountains to the spectacular Mahon Falls. The first stop along this smorgasbord of coastal and mountain scenery is Tramore, a quintessential Victorian seaside resort. Driving towards Newtown Head, look for the Metal Man perched on one of three pillars on the headland. From here, continue west (via R675) along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO European Geopark named for its 19th century mining heritage. It’s a hypnotic route, spotted with Blue Flag beaches, stunning views and pretty villages like Annestown and Stradbally. Finally you will arrive in Dungarvan. From Dungarvan, the R672 links with Ballymacarbry, where a right turn takes you through the walker’s wonderland that is the Nire Valley. Continuing east to the R678 and R676 crossroads, there are two options – turning north to Carrick on Suir before taking the N24 back to Waterford, or turning south (via R676) towards Mahon Falls, a 240-foot waterfall tumbling spectacularly off the glaciated range, towards Waterford via Lemybrien (via N25), spare a thought for William Crotty, a notorious highwayman hanged in the city in 1742. Crotty robbed coaches travelling along what is today’s N25, and his treasure is still said to be stashed amongst the corrie lakes in the Comeragh Mountains.