Waterford, the port city of Ireland, is not only one of the oldest cities in this country, but also very fascinating thanks to its monuments and Viking history. It attracts tourists with a unique atmosphere and picturesque views. Explore the world of crystal artisans and see the processes that create some of the most beautiful glass in the world.
Location
Waterford is a city in County Waterford in the south-east of Ireland. It is located within the province of Munster. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbour.
House of Waterford Crystal
A tour you must take! Waterford Crystal was founded back in 1783. These days, the public can visit the main crystal factory complex to observe skilled craftsmen blowing the molten crystal or browse a collection of dazzling crystal pieces. Take the guided Factory Tour, giving you first hand access to all areas of traditional crystal production. Enjoy the world’s largest selection of Crystal.
Curraghmore House & Gardens
Discover another beautiful place – Curraghmore is Irelands largest private estate and for over 800 years has been the historic home of the Marquis of Waterford and his family, the De La Poers. The estate sits in 2,500 acres of woodland, grazing fields, and formal gardens.
Enjoy a guided tour of Curraghmore House and Gardens with beautiful countryside walks and miles of beautiful walks along the tree-lined river.
The historic Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral – The Church stands at the site of an 11th century Viking church and is located in the heart of Waterford City. The cathedral is open to the public all year round. Come visit the Bell Tower at Waterford’s Christchurch Cathedral to see the bell chamber where the ancient tradition of bellringing happens.
The Rock of Cashel
Beautiful Cashel, Co Tipperary, is home to the iconic Rock of Cashel, one of the most popular and spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland. The great Rock of Cashel is traditionally referred to as “Cashel of the Kings”, and it was marked from very early times as the seat of the powerful Kings of Munster. The spectacular group of medieval buildings, set on a outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale includes a 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars.
Medieval Museum
The Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum is a gleaming modern building with one of the most fascinating collections on the Ireland. The Museum is a spectacular architectural landmark and major visitor destination in Irelands South East. The museum is located in the oldest part of Waterford City and its vibrant cultural heart, known as The Viking Triangle.
The Medieval Museum galleries feature some of the treasures of medieval Ireland and Europe including the unique 4 metre long illuminated Great Charter Roll of Waterford (1373) as well as the sumptuous cloth-of-gold vestments (1460). The museum also features relics, pilgrim badges, the sword of Edward IV, Henry VIII’s Cap of Maintenance and more great artefacts. The museum is open every day of the week and tickets can be purchased online.
Bishop’s Palace
The Bishop’s Palace is one of Waterford’s main museums. Entirely dedicated to the Irish-Georgian period, it is located in a real manor house in the heart of the city. Period costumes, furniture and decorations. The restaurant harkens back to the times when luxury and good taste were the order of the day for the upper classes of Irish society. It is worth coming here and visiting this time-wasting place.
Viking Museum in Reginald’s Tower
The Tower of Waterford was built in the 13th century by the Anglo-Normans after they conquered Waterford. The first time served as a fortress, later as a prison and mint and is now a Viking museum.
The name tower is from a former city ruler of the Vikings. Reginald’s Tower is located within the so-called “Waterford Viking Trinagle”, the only connection that the tower originally had with the Vikings.
Mount Congreve House and Gardens
Mount Congreve House was the ancestral home of the late banker and gardening enthusiast Ambrose Congreve, who died aged 104 while attending the Chelsea Flower Show in 2011. To make the most of your visit, take a guided tour where you enter the gardens through the house, just as the Congreves once did. You can then relax in the Stables Café on The Pantry at CLIFF, where only the freshest local produce is served, prepared and cooked daily.
A ride on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Take the time to discover the Story of Rail on five storyboards around Kilmeadan Station. The stories are both surprising and fascinating.
Waterford & Suir Valley Railway is a community heritage project with charitable status Ref : Chy 13857. It is mainly operated by volunteers with support from people on government-backed job training schemes. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South East of Ireland. Special events are held throughout the year in this place.
Festivals in Waterford
Waterford is renowned for its exciting festivals and events such as the West Waterford Festival of Food, Spraoi, Winterval, Harvest Festival, Taste Tramore, Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival and Waterford Film Festival and many more.
