Waterford City

Written by Graham Smith, Karen Price
29/08/2025
Waterford by night
Typhoon, Wikimedia Commons

Waterford City, Ireland's oldest city, provides a rich historical experience within its Viking Triangle, complemented by the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Beyond the city, you will discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Copper Coast and the active opportunities of the Waterford Greenway.

The Viking Triangle forms a lively central area with various museums, waterfront restaurants, and bars where visitors naturally gather. Throughout the year, festivals like Spraoi and Winterval also create engaging opportunities to socialise and experience the local atmosphere. Cafes and a vibrant street life in the city centre further contribute to the social scene.

Top 6 Things to do in Waterford City

Activities in Waterford City range from immersing oneself in millennia of history within the Viking Triangle to experiencing the intricate art of crystal making and exploring breathtaking coastal and rural landscapes.

1. House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

One can observe the intricate process of crystal making, from molten glass to the finished product. Skilled artisans demonstrate glass blowing, cutting, sculpting, and engraving, providing insight into centuries-old techniques. The experience culminates with an opportunity to view one of the world's largest collections of Waterford Crystal in the retail store.

Cost: A standard guided factory tour typically costs between €18 and €20 per person. . Private tours are also available for approximately €45 per person.

Transport: The House of Waterford Crystal is centrally located at 28 The Mall and is easily accessible on foot from most city centre accommodations. Public car parking is available at the rear on Bolton Street for around €1 per hour.

2. Reginald's Tower

Standing proudly on Waterford's historic quay, this circular stone tower is Ireland's oldest civic building, showcasing over 800 years of Viking and Irish heritage. Inside, visitors can explore an exhibition detailing Waterford's Viking origins and medieval past, featuring rare artefacts, weapons, and coins. Its commanding architecture offers a tangible link to the city's storied past.

Cost: Adult admission is €5.00. Free admission is offered on the first Wednesday of every month and for Heritage Week.

Transport: Reginald's Tower is located on the Parade Quay within the Viking Triangle, making it easily walkable from anywhere in the city centre.

3. Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum

This award-winning museum is uniquely built over two national monuments: the 13th-century Choristers' Hall and the 15th-century Mayor's Wine Vault. Visitors can walk through authentic medieval vaults, discover rare artefacts like Ireland's only cloth-of-gold vestments, and view the Great Charter Roll. Guided tours or self-guided options with informative panels are available.

Cost: Adult admission is approximately €13.50. Guided tours are included but depend on availability.

Transport: The Medieval Museum is situated on Cathedral Square in the Viking Triangle and is easily reached by foot.

4. Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace

Visitors can step into the refined world of 18th-century Waterford at this beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse. The palace showcases treasures from the 18th to 20th centuries, including Waterford crystal, period furniture, paintings, and Napoleon Bonaparte's Mourning Cross. Both self-guided and costumed guided tours are offered, providing insight into the city's Georgian era and its role in Irish history.

Cost: Adult admission is about €13.50, with children aged 16 and under enjoying free entry.

Transport: Located within the Viking Triangle, the Bishop's Palace is easily accessible on foot from the city centre.

5. Waterford Greenway Cycle

The Waterford Greenway offers a scenic, car-free route along a former railway line, stretching 46km from Waterford City to Dungarvan. One can cycle through historic viaducts, tunnels, and picturesque landscapes, enjoying views of the Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains. Bike hire options are available at various points along the route, allowing for full or partial journeys.

Cost: Adult bike hire typically ranges from €15 to €25 per day, with electric bikes costing around €35 to €45. Child bikes are available from €10.

Transport: From Waterford City, bike hire shops are located near the Greenway access point at Hanover Street. Many hire shops offer the flexibility to return bikes at other hubs like Kilmacthomas or Dungarvan.

6. Explore the Copper Coast Geopark

A designated UNESCO Global Geopark, the Copper Coast extends for 17km along the stunning southern coast of County Waterford. Visitors can drive or walk along this scenic route, discovering dramatic cliffside views, picturesque coves, and geological sites that tell the story of undersea volcanoes, deserts, and ice ages. Guided walking tours are available, starting from the Visitor Centre in Bunmahon, offering deeper insights into the area's geological and mining heritage.

Cost: Entry to the Geopark is free, though donations are appreciated. Guided walking tours are available from approximately €20 for adults, €15 for seniors, €10 for teenagers, and €7.50 for children, typically lasting 1.5 to 3 hours.

Transport: The Copper Coast Drive runs from Tramore to Dungarvan. While a rental car is recommended for full exploration , a local bus link (Route 667) connects Waterford City to Bunmahon, where the Copper Coast Visitor Centre is located. Travel time by bus from Waterford to Bunmahon is approximately 40 minutes. Taxis can also be arranged, with costs varying by distance.

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