Waterford, Ireland: travel guide
A Viking-founded port on the River Suir with a crystal tradition
Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 CE as Veðrafjörðr, wears its millennium of heritage with justifiable pride.
About Waterford
Waterford is a river port in Ireland's south-east that grew from a Viking settlement, and the old core still follows the medieval streets. The Viking Triangle, with Reginald's Tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop's Palace, tells the story of its Norse, Norman and later chapters in a few walkable blocks.
Things to do in Waterford include a visit to the Waterford Crystal factory, sampling the local soft white bread roll called a blaa, and cycling the Waterford Greenway towards Dungarvan. The Copper Coast, with its sea cliffs and small beaches, is a short drive away.
Waterford suits history lovers, cyclists and travellers who want a quieter stop on the way along the south coast. Late spring and summer offer the longest days.
- Country
- Ireland
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Dublin
Last updated
Top places to visit in Waterford
Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre
crystal factory and gallery · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Waterford Crystal — founded 1783, one of the world's most recognisable luxury glass brands — operates its factory and visitor centre on the quayside. The free gallery displays extraordinary pieces including the New Year's Eve Times Square…
Tramore Beach
Blue Flag beach resort · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The most popular beach resort in southeast Ireland — a 5 km arc of Blue Flag sand backed by dunes, backed in turn by a traditional seaside town with amusements, chip shops and summer holiday energy. Excellent for swimming in summer (the…
Waterford Viking Triangle
Viking and medieval quarter · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Waterford's compact historic quarter bounded by medieval walls, Reginald's Tower at its apex (built by Vikings c.1003 CE, Ireland's oldest urban tower), and three outstanding museums. The Medieval Museum (in an underground building…
Waterford Reginald Tower
viking-tower · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹530)
Reginald's Tower — Waterford's spectacular 1003 Viking tower (Ireland's oldest civic building), with the Viking heritage museum and the iconic riverfront landmark.
Waterford Dunmore East
fishing-village · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Waterford to Dunmore East — the spectacular Atlantic fishing village with the iconic thatched cottages, the historic lighthouse, and the dramatic cliffs.
Waterford Copper Coast
unesco-geopark · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Waterford to the Copper Coast — the spectacular UNESCO Geopark with the dramatic Atlantic cliffs, the historic 19th-century copper mines, and the iconic geological heritage.
Waterford Bishop Palace
georgian-palace · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Bishop's Palace Museum — Waterford's spectacular 1741 Georgian palace housing the Viking Triangle museums, with the iconic 18th-century period rooms.
Waterford Christ Church
georgian-cathedral · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Christ Church Cathedral — Waterford's spectacular 18th-century Georgian cathedral by John Roberts, the only Georgian cathedral in Ireland, on the site of an earlier Viking church.
Waterford House Geneva
barracks-ruins · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Geneva Barracks — Waterford's spectacular 18th-century barracks, the historic site planned for a Swiss Protestant settlement, with the iconic ruins.
Things to do
- Waterford Greenway Cycling Outdoor · 5 h · from EUR 17 per person
- Waterford Viking Triangle Walking Tour Cultural · 2 h · from EUR 12 per person
Day trips and tours
- Waterford Viking City Day Tour 6 h · from EUR 33
Where to stay in Waterford
- Viking Triangle & Quay about EUR 100 per night
The heart of Waterford's historic quarter — staying here puts all three Viking Triangle museums within 2 minutes' walk, plus Waterford Crystal visitor centre within 5 minutes and the Granville Hotel on the quayside.
Hotels
- Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Resort 4-star · EUR 180 to EUR 450 per night
- Granville Hotel Waterford 4-star · EUR 95 to EUR 225 per night
- Waterford Viking Hostel 2-star · EUR 16 to EUR 70 per night
Where to eat
- Bodéga! Waterford Mediterranean, Eclectic · about EUR 35 per person
- The Granville Hotel Restaurant Traditional Irish, Hotel Restaurant · about EUR 32 per person
- La Bohème Restaurant Waterford French, Classic · about EUR 70 per person
Getting to Waterford
Nearest airport: Waterford (WAT), about 8 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
More in Ireland
Frequently asked questions about Waterford
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Waterford?
- The highest-rated places in our Waterford guide are Waterford Viking Triangle, Waterford Dunmore East, Waterford Copper Coast, Waterford Reginald Tower, Waterford Bishop Palace.
- Where should I stay in Waterford?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Waterford: Viking Triangle & Quay.
- How do I get around Waterford?
- Ways to get around Waterford covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Walking.