Before you go

Your trip to Waterford.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Waterford – Waterford Destination Waterford and the southeast Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto de Cork (Cork Airport) (ORK) Cork · 125 km
Aeroporto de Dublin (Dublin Airport) (DUB) Dublin · 170 km
Estação Plunkett (Waterford Plunkett Station) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. Dublin Airport is about 170 km away and Cork about 125 km. Trains from Dublin Heuston arrive at Plunkett station, on the other side of the river, in about 2 hours. The bus station is on the quay in the center.

How many days

One day for the Viking Triangle, the museums and the House of Waterford Crystal. With two days, do the Copper Coast or a section of the Greenway by bike.

When to go

From May to September the days are long and the Greenway and the coast are more pleasant. In December the Winterval Christmas fair usually takes place in the center. In winter the museums operate with reduced hours.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not for the town, which is done on foot. For the Copper Coast, a car helps; there are buses to Tramore. The Greenway is done by bicycle, with rentals in town. In Ireland you drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Waterford

Morning
House of Waterford Crystal
Take the guided tour of the crystal factory on The Mall, with glassblowers and cutters at work.
Afternoon
Medieval Museum and Bishop's Palace
Head to the Medieval Museum and the Bishop's Palace, a few steps away, in the Viking Triangle.
Late afternoon
Reginald's Tower
Finish at Reginald's Tower and walk along the quay of the River Suir.
Evening
Dinner in the center
Dine in the streets of the Viking Triangle or on John Street and try the blaa, Waterford's traditional bread.

2 days in Waterford

Day 1

Morning
Crystal and museums
House of Waterford Crystal and Medieval Museum.
Afternoon
Bishop's Palace and Reginald's Tower
Bishop's Palace, Christ Church Cathedral and Reginald's Tower.
Late afternoon
Quay of the Suir
Walk along the quay and the medieval walls.
Evening
Waterford pubs
Dinner and music in the center.

Day 2

Morning
Copper Coast
Follow the coastal R675 road from Tramore to Bunmahon, with stops at the coves and at the geopark center.
Afternoon
Mines and Dungarvan
See the ruins of the Tankardstown mines and continue to Dungarvan for lunch.
Late afternoon
Greenway
In Dungarvan, cycle a section of the Waterford Greenway to the Ballyvoyle tunnel, or return by car through the inland route.
Evening
Return to Waterford
Have dinner in Waterford or in Dungarvan.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterford really the oldest city in Ireland?

Yes. It was founded by the Vikings in 914, before they re-founded Dublin, and is considered the oldest city in the country.

What is the blaa?

A soft white bun, dusted with flour, typical of Waterford, served with fillings at breakfast and lunch.

What is the Waterford Greenway?

A cycle path of about 46 km along the old Waterford to Dungarvan railway, with viaducts and a tunnel. There are bike rentals and return transport.

What is the Viking Triangle?

Waterford's historic centre, triangular in shape, between the Suir quay and the old city walls, where Reginald's Tower and the museums are located.

Back to Waterford