Things to do in Waterford
A buzzing town founded by Vikings
When it comes to Ireland’s dramatic scenery, the Atlantic coast gets most of the attention, but Waterford has its own natural beauty to offer. Located on the southeast coast of Ireland, a 2-hour drive from the capital of Dublin, Waterford is a laid-back, under-the-radar city and county with a buzzing festival calendar, peaceful beaches, and one of the country’s best rail lines for bike riding. Of the many things to do in Waterford, locals love to get outdoors for beach walks and indulge in the city’s pub culture and restaurants.
Top 4 attractions in Waterford
House of Waterford Crystal
Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
Viking Triangle
Loftus Hall
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All about Waterford
When to visit
The most popular time of year to visit Waterford is summer when international visitors arrive in Ireland to explore the countryside. While June, July, and Aug. provide the greatest chance for sunny days on the Waterford beaches, visitors looking to avoid the crowds may prefer the quieter spring and fall. Waterford also has a busy festival schedule with annual events including All Together Now, an August music festival, and the Harvest Festival, a September food festival.
Getting around
Waterford City is easily explored by foot, but visitors should be prepared to climb some urban hills. To easily explore County Waterford and its many beaches, a rental car is necessary. Some visitors also choose to rent a bike for a cycling excursion along the Waterford Greenway. Trains and buses connect Waterford to the capital city of Dublin.
Traveler tips
Visitors who are interested in Waterford’s history may want to check out the Freedom of Waterford Pass, which includes entry to several sites for one fee. Don’t miss getting outside the city for a walk or bike ride along the Waterford Greenway, a former rail line that includes historic viaducts and tunnels, and is now a scenic, car-free coastal trail.
People Also Ask
Yes, Waterford is worth visiting. Both Waterford City and County Waterford offer many things to do for visitors including visiting historic sites, exploring the coastline, and shopping. One of the main attractions in the port city of Waterford is the House of Waterford Crystal for factory tours and afternoon tea.
...MoreA port city founded by Vikings, Waterford City is known as the home of Waterford Crystal. There are many things to do in Waterford, including visiting a medieval museum, botanical garden, and historic sites like Reginald’s Tower. The coastal Waterford Greenway is known for hiking and biking.
...MoreThe largest town in County Waterford is Waterford City, founded by Vikings. Additional main towns in the county include Dungarvan and Tramore. The county is also known for its natural beauty, which visitors can discover at places like the Waterford Greenway, a former rail line turned hiking and biking trail.
...MoreThere are many things to do between Dublin and Waterford including sightseeing in County Wicklow, visiting the monastic ruins at Glendalough, and exploring the city of Kilkenny. County Waterford is also a destination for its nature and attractions like the Waterford Greenway, a former rail line turned biking trail.
...MoreCounty Waterford in Ireland is a coastal county with many beaches. From Waterford City, Bunmahon Beach is about a 30-minute drive and Tramore Beach 20 minutes—both among the county's best. Waterford City also offers access to beaches including Woodstown Beach and Kilfarrasy Beach, which are popular for walks and picnics.
...MoreWaterford City is about a 2-hour drive from Dublin. Travelers can choose from several driving routes, including a slightly longer coastal scenic route. You can also take a train or bus from Dublin to Waterford. Many visitors travel to Waterford on a guided day trip from Dublin with transportation.
...MoreWaterford information
Number of Attractions | 4 |
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Number of Tours | 18 |
Number of Reviews | 2,447 |
Currency | EUR |
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