Waterford Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Waterford

Nestled in the south east of Ireland, over 714 square miles, is the picturesque county of Waterford. The breathtaking hinterland of the Comeragh and Knockmealdon Mountains sweeps down through wooded hills and valleys to a coastline of dramatic cliffs and unspoiled sandy beaches.

The county capital is Waterford City. Other townships are Dungarven, Tramore, Lismore, Cappoquin, Dunmore East and Ardmore. The county population is over 95,000.

For the outdoor enthusiast, County Waterford has it all, from seaside resorts and watersports along the golden sandy coastline to world class golf courses, horse riding, fishing and magnificent walks through Waterford's charming landscape.

County Waterford is only 1 hour away from Rosslare ferryport and 1 hours from Ringaskiddy ferryport in Cork. Direct flights to the UK operate from Waterford Airport daily. International flights from Dublin Airport are 2 hours away by road.

Popular attractions include:

Reginald's Tower was built in the 12th century on the site of a wooden Viking tower. The tower houses a museum of local history, which opens seven days a week during the summer.

The Catholic Holy Trinity Cathedral (1796). - The 18th-century Christchurch Church of Ireland Cathedral houses medieval monuments from cathedrals that existed previously on this site.

The Waterford Show, a 90-minute musical presentation of the city's history, is held on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights during the summer at the City Hall.

The Waterford Heritage Centre displays Royal Charters and Viking artefacts.

The ruins of the Dominican Blackfriars Abbey, dating from 1226, are in Arundel Square.

The 18th-century Saint Patrick's Catholic Church is notable because it remained a Catholic church despite the English suppression of Catholicism during the Penal times.

Population: 4.015.700
Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic) (both official)
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Ireland - Dublin

Country Dialling Code: +353
Voltage: 220 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
3 large flat prongs

Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Ireland occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible. And while it may be small, Ireland packs a big holiday punch. There are windswept, deserted beaches to discover, a rugged coastline, mountains and lochs, the stark landscape of the Burren and lush countryside that dazzles the eye with so many shades of green you understand at once why the tourist brochures call this the Emerald Isle.

Ireland's main cities include:

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) - the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.
Cork (Corcaigh) - second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.
Galway (Gaillimh) - a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay. Known as the City of Tribes, Galway's summer is filled with festivals of music, food, Gaelic language and culture. Galway hosts over fifty festivals a year, including the Galway Oyster Festival. The locals seem to give off a positive Bohemian vibe. Galway is split between two types of beautiful landscape: the gorgeous mountains to the west, and the east's farming valleys.
Killarney - Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. A pleasant town in its own right, it is also the start of most Ring of Kerry trips.
Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) - attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
Letterkenny - Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.
Limerick (Luimneach) - a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.
Sligo (Sligeach)- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.
Waterford (Port Láirge) - Ireland's oldest city. In the south-east and close to the ferry port at Rosslare. Waterford is a popular visit for those who want to learn more about the most ancient history of Ireland. It is quite possibly one of the best cities in the country as it is not too large and is full of history. Many festivals take place throughout the year including ((Spraoi)). The food is good and the Granary Museum is the best for ancient Irish history in the country. Don't forget to try a blaa before you leave. (A floury bread bun peculiar to this area of Ireland).

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