Waterford Travel Tips with Clodagh Fitzgerald | Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 123
The best Waterford travel tips from a Failte Ireland Certified guide- from Waterford city to the ‘hidden' countryside.
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Waterford Travel Tips
Though the name is synonymous with crystal, Waterford – both the city and the county – have so many experiences to offer the visitor who ventures off the tourist trail.
About Clodagh FitzGerald
Clodagh FitzGerald is a Failte Ireland certified guide who was born and raised in Waterford.
Check out Clodagh's Kinsale tips here!
The Home of Waterford Crystal
When you think of Waterford the first thing that comes to mind is crystal. Though the original factory is no longer in Waterford, you can still visit the stunning showroom and visitor centre in the heart of the city. Skilled artisans spend years learning their craft, be it blowing, cutting, or engraving the stunning pieces that are known worldwide.
Exploring Waterford City
Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and the Viking Triangle, where Waterford ‘began', is a perfect place to begin your explorations of the city.
It's very easy to park your car and explore the city on foot. This makes it very easy to explore the city with little advance planning – you can just enjoy the city as it appears before you.
Reginald's Tower, once a mint and a prison, is now a museum and part of the museum group known as Waterford Treasures, along with the Medieval Museum and the Bishop's Palace.
A replica longboat is just around the corner, as is a 23 foot long carved ‘Viking Slayer' sword (alert: selfie spot!).
Waterford has also embraced murals, which add vibrance and brighten the city's buildings.
Enjoy the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is a 46 km cycling and walking trail from Waterford city to Dungarvan.
Following a disused rail line (what we would call a ‘rails to trails' project in the US), the trail crosses 3 incredible viaducts, passes through a magical fairy tunnel, and takes in the stunning landscapes of the River Suir, the Copper Coast, the Comeragh Mountains, and Dungarvan Bay.
From the trail you can experience villages that had been bypassed when the rail line went out of business, as well as classic spots like Mount Congreve Gardens, the Woodstown Viking Site, and the narrow-gauge Waterford & Suir Valley heritage train.
More Sites to Add to Your Waterford Itinerary
Take a ferry from Passage East across the estuary to Wexford.
Jack Mead's Bar sits under an old stone bridge near Cheekpoint. It's a lovely spot for an afternoon.
Faithlegg House Hotel is a luxury 4-star property with a golf course.
For seafood visit McAlpine's Suir Inn.
Woodstown has a sandy beach. You'll also find lovely trails and horseback riding.
Dunmore East is a perfect base in Waterford. Lovely cliff walk, swimming beaches, and tasty restaurants.
Tramore is known for its beach. Watersports take center stage and many come for the classic amusement park.
The Copper Coast is a UNESCO World Geo Park. The Waterford Greenway passes through here and the scenery is amazing. You'll find any number of beaches.
Near Dungarvin you'll find a Gaeltacht, an Irish speaking area.
Lismore is known for its stunning castle, home to the Dukes of Devonshire. While you can't visit the castle, you can explore the gardens.
In nearby Dromana the gatehouse & bridge are worth a drive by. And the folly Ballysaggartmore Towers are not to be missed.
The Comeragh Mountains are home to a lovely waterfall hike – and a magic road.
You can stand next to- and inside- the Gaulstown Dolmen, which is amazing.
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3 4 Things You Shouldn't Miss in Waterford
Eat a blaa. This is a bread roll local to Waterford and can be made only by certain bakers. Floury, soft, fresh, and best with hard butter and Denny's Ham.
Sean Corcoran sand art. If you happen to catch him on a beach stay to watch! Or contact for more information about sand art workshops.
Pallas Equestrian horse trekking in Woodstown if you ride.
Bonus: Ardmore cliff walk.
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