Tourism

 

THE CRYSTAL COUNTY

Waterford has been producing superb hand-cut crystal since 1783 and visitors will gain a fascinating insight into the making of this prized glassware and how this global and legendary brand continues to develop. You'll see master craftspeople demonstrate the timeless techniques of glass blowing, cutting, polishing and engraving.

The House of Waterford Crystal has a new home in a dedicated visitor centre, in the heart of the Historic Quarter of Waterford City.  It has a stunning display of the Waterford crystal craftsmanship and allows the visitor to see handmade crystal made before their eyes. 

www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

It's location is close to other Historic Quarter sites:

  • Reginalds Tower
  • Greyfriars
  • 13th Century Choristers Hall
  • The Medieval Mayors Wine Vault
  • Christchurch Cathedral
  • Theatre Royal

INVADER, TRADER AND EMIGRANT

WATERFORD MUSEUM OF TREASURES, CITY WALK OR DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP


Waterford Treasures is housed in the the riverside granary building. The 'Treasures' exhibiting an extensive range of rare and beautiful artifacts that are brought to life by the latest technological innovations.

The personal sound guide device allows each visitor to encounter the past at their own pace, to stop and marvel at the fascinating artifacts and to explore them in depth through a series of interactive and audio-visual presentations. 1,000 years of Ireland's oldest city is encountered during your visit.

A walking tour of 1 hour duration, through the regional capital and Ireland's oldest city. The tour includes two cathedrals, four national monuments, and a gallery of rogues and rascals. It is delivered in a witty, entertaining style, by a master story teller with a deep knowledge of his subject.

At New Ross walk the timbers of a full-sized reconstruction of the 176 foot long, three masted famine ship Dunbrody and relive the horror of mass 19th century emigration.

The Visitor Experience provides a unique insight into a period of history which shaped modern day Ireland and America


You will, first of all, view a 9 minute audio-visual presentation which gives the historic background to the Great Famine, and the reason why so many people were forced to emigrate on sailing ships like Dunbrody to America in the mid 19th century.


You will see fascinating footage of the building of the replica Dunbrody, the emotional day of her launching, and also her Maiden Voyage in 2005, during the Waterford Tallships event.

   
   
  SOPHISTICATED SOUTH EAST
 

 

 

 

 

Waterford Crystal, Kilkenny City and Castle Inistioge Nore and Barrow Valleys

A visit to Waterford Crystal promises a sparkling start to a day which then takes route on the Blackwater Valley to Kilkenny - medieval capital of Ireland. Enjoy the ambience of this attractive city and a visit to the mighty Kilkenny Castle. Lunch in Langton's unique restaurant before returning south with a relaxing drive through the verdant Nore Valley stopping at picturesque Inistioge - setting for a number of films including Circle of Friends and Widow's Peak, and home to Woodstock House & Gardens.

Alternatively, visit Johnstown Castle Estate and Gardens

The exquisite 19th century Johnstown Castle is nestled within fifty acres of ornamental grounds. Stroll through the wooded grounds with over two hundred different kinds of trees and shrubs or relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers and waterfalls. Ramble along the Castle lake terrace walk lined with statues to the Garden lake. Both lakes are home to a wide range of waterfowl - mute swans, water hens, little grebes and heron.  Although the castle building itself is not open to the public, the estate and gardens are.  There is also the added bonus of the Irish Agricultural Museum,  which showcases exhibitions of country life and a vast array of artefacts relating to a bygone era. The collections include carts, ploughs, country dressers and sugan chairs.

The Irish Agricultural Museum showcases exhibitions of country life and displays a vast array of artefacts relating to a bygone era. The collections include carts, ploughs, country dressers and sugan chairs.

All these sites are within one hour driving of Waterford.


   
 

 

 

IRELAND IN A NUTSHELL!
LISMORE, CASHEL, KILKENNY CITY & CENTRE

Cover Ireland in a day - well, a good slice of it!

After a drive of Waterford City, the route heads west to the heritage town of Lismore to enjoy refreshments. View its stately Castle before crossing the Comeragh Mountains on the spectacular Vee Pass opening up the Golden Vale and a view suggesting you are looking into the heart of Ireland. Visit the Rock of Cashel and enjoy a traditional lunch close by. The afternoon is spent in the medieval city of Kilkenny returning via the Nore Valley topping off an unforgettable day in the rich variety of Ireland's South East.

 
LIGHTS AND GUNS

Waterford Harbour is Ireland's most historic waterway hosting the earliest invaders - Celt, Viking, Norman - in the making of Ireland.

  • Hook Lighthouse winked at them all, and still remains as strong as ever.
  • Duncannon Fort - a later 16th century vintage - was built to keep others out (the Spaniards) who never came but victor and vanquished from the Battle of the Boyne (Kings Williams and James), sailed from here.
 

 

Hook Lighthouse, pictured left, is one of the premier visitor attractions in the south east.  It offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower, a 13th Century Norman structure, built by the Earl of Pembroke. 

It marks the entrance to Waterford harbour, which saw many a visitor, trader or invader.

There is a spectacular view from the balcony, a first class gift shop and café.   The lighthouse sits directly opposite the scenic village of Dunmore East, on the other side of mouth of the harbour.

Relax by the sea and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and even whales! In clear weather, you can see for miles and in a storm the spray often reaches the top of the lighthouse!

Duncannon Fort, pictured below dates mostly from 1588 - when it was built because of fears of the Spanish Armada - with some later, modern additions.

The name, Duncannon, derived from an Iron Age fortification, which once occupied the site of the present imposing fort.

The current structure Restoration work is in progress. See more at : www.duncannonfort.com