Capital of Ireland's south east region, WATERFORD is one of the most 'marketable' names available to the cruise industry. It is proud home to a world renowned luxury lifestyle brand - Waterford Crystal.  The new visitor centre opened in June 2010, and has a stunning display of the Waterford crystal craftsmanship. Tour operators have an embarrassment of various attractions both in the vicinity of the new House of Waterford Crystal, as well as excursions in the south east of Ireland. Now with improved road infrastructure, all of these historic and cultural riches are within a short distance of the port.  See Tourist Attractions for more details.

Waterford Location The Port is close to the south eastern tip of Ireland at the conjunction of the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel and Irish Sea. Location alone suits many itineraries and overlaying its history and culture the possible thematic links are surprisingly wide

Waterford Harbour and River
From the sturdy light at Hook Head - Ireland's oldest lighthouse - the up-river passage is filled with scenic and historic interest. Passengers follow in the wake of the Celts and Vikings and the most profound invasion or 'invitation' in Irish history…the arrival of the Normans led by Strongbow and King Henry II in 1172. They landed at Crooke near Passage East…taking Waterford (and Ireland) by 'Hook or by Crooke." 

The Fjord-like entry presents a varied landscape that prepare a welcome to the modern visitor to the city's mile long quay, described by the eminent architectural historian, Mark Girouard, as "the noblest quay in Europe." Cruise vessels are handled at Dunmore East, Belview Port or City Quays depending on size.

Waterford City and Environs
We know cruise visitors will swear allegiance to the warmth of the Waterford welcome, to the charming character of its quaint streets and elegant shops, to its two great cathedrals and to the greenest Irish landscapes set in three tranquil river valleys flowing into the Harbour.

Waterford and Wales  - CELTIC WAVE

The ‘Celtic Wave’ project is a highly innovative partnership funded through European Regional Development Fund, within the Interreg 4A Programme. The aim of the project is to facilitate the development and growth of the cruise ship industry in the Irish Sea.

Celtic Wave is a Welsh Irish collaborative partnership. Three Welsh ports, Anglesey, Milford Haven and Swansea have joined forces with three ports on the south and east coast of Ireland, Dublin, Cork and Waterford.

Our goal is to harness our unique Celtic cultural identity to promote the Irish Sea as a Cruise destination. We have much to offer the Cruise industry and its passengers.

The Irish Sea region boasts a distinct cultural identity, innumerable historical attractions, unsurpassed literary and artistic excellence, great food and great craic. Beauty abounds throughout and we pride ourselves as a people who have always known the meaning of welcome. Find out more about what the Irish sea has to offer the Cruise industry and it’s passengers at www.celticwave.co.uk