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Whether you have time for a satisfying, sustainable 4-day itinerary for Waterford or even more time for a slower travel itinerary, you’ll leave this beautiful destination refreshed, fascinated by its charm and depth of heritage rather than frazzled and stressed.
4 Day-Slow Travel Itinerary
Day 1-An EPIC Start
The best way to start your four-day slow travel itinerary in Waterford is to begin in the City founded in 914 AD by Viking Ragnall (the grandson of Ivar the Boneless) where you can immerse yourself in the depths of Ireland’s historical beginnings. Take a guided EPIC walking tour of the City with Waterford Treasures, where you will discover 1000 years of history in 1000 paces in Ireland’s first open-air museum. The tour highlights include an opportunity to learn of the City’s Vikings foundations, be inspired by medieval wonders and experience elegant Georgian architecture.
TOP TIP: As part of your tour, you can also upgrade your ticket to enjoy a Freedom of Waterford pass which offers you 48-hour access to take a deep dive into your favourite era of Ireland’s heritage with complete access to the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, The Irish Museum of Time and The Irish Silver Museum
House of Waterford
A visit to the House of Waterford is a must, the globally renowned House of Waterford is located in the heart of the Viking Triangle .A unique highlight of a visit is the factory tour which gives an up-close insight into the centuries-old tradition of crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the master craftsmen.
Wake & Whisky
Visit Waterford’s newest museum The Irish Wake Museum,
Situated in Ireland’s oldest urban domestic building, in what was once a 15th-century Almshouse, the Irish Wake Museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of the most iconic parts of Irish culture, through the eyes of an expert, on this fully guided tour. Beginning with a unique audio-visual experience, visitors are taken on a fascinating
journey, where the themes of life and death are explored within an intimate space, in order to gain a true understanding of a Wake’s unique customs. What better way to complete this visit than by popping into The Reg and enjoy a dram of locally distilled Waterford Whisky from Waterford Distillery located in the city centre.
TOP TIP: Waterford Distillery offers fully guided tours daily and it is well worth a visit. The knowledgeable tour guides will ensure you have a unique and enjoyable experience (however, be careful not to enjoy it too much as day 2 will have you cycling one of the countries most popular trails).
Day 2-On Your Bike!
The award-winning Waterford Greenway runs west from Waterford City, you can rent a bicycle or electric bike from Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours or The Greenway Man (p.s. bikes with carriers for small kids are available). Jump on your bike in Waterford City and begin a scenic cycle along the River Suir towards the coastal town of Dungarvan.
Mount Congreve Gardens
Along the way you can take a stop at Mount Congreve Gardens described as ‘A World of Gardens’. This globally renowned gardens comprise of around seventy acres of intensively planted woodland, a four-acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of walkways. Planted on a slight incline overlooking the River Suir, Mount Congreve’s entire collection consists of thousands different trees, plants and shrubs.
TOP TIP: The onsite cafè ‘The Stables’ by The Pantry at CLIFF offers a delicious menu filled with local provenance and an abundance of freshly grown produce from the gardens, providing the perfect pitstop along the way.
All Aboard!
TOP TIP: Upon leaving Mount Congreve Gardens and returning to the Greenway you will shortly happen upon the beautiful Waterford Suir Valley Railway, its heritage exhibitions of the former railway line and its current project of a steam engine restoration and a stone throw from here on the spectacular Clonea Strand a stunning location for a sea swim followed by a relaxing visit to The Hot Pod.
Dungarvan
After cycling another 6km from The Hot Pod at Clonea you will reach the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan, this bustling town centre offers a fantastic selection of bars with live music, award-winning restaurants and fine dining experiences. This is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a delicious meal and a well-deserved local brew.
TOP TIP: 360 Cookhouse, Merry’s Gastropub & AndChips are some of our favourites!
P.S. To further explore the rich history of Dungarvan expert local tour guide Stiofain McCarthy from Steps Back Thru Time offers guided tours of the locality and you are sure to enjoy his tales of old.
Day 3-Mountain Splendour Tour!
A Taste Waterford Tour on day 3 offers a chance to explore the beautiful rolling Comeragh Mountain & Knockmealdown Mountain ranges in Waterford on the ‘Mountain Splendour Taste Tour’.
This unique experience will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Waterford’s landscape. You will meet local experts that will guide you through foraging, folklore and sustainable farming.
TOP TIP: If mountains and hiking are your thing, you can book a guided tour with Muddy Boots!
Day 4- West Waterford
On day 4 taking a trip to the most westerly point of the county via the local link bus service is a chance to explore the stunning Lismore Castle and Gardens and Lismore Heritage Centre.
The Lismore Castle Virtual Reality Experience allows visitors to be immersed in the history of Lismore Castle using modern-day technology. Virtually tour the beautiful rooms and halls of the Castle and listen to the story of Lismore’s most famous faces who have graced its halls throughout the years, narrated to you by world-famous scientist, Robert Boyle.
A short drive (or local link) from Lismore you will reach the picturesque coastal town of Ardmore, and the 5-star Cliff House Hotel with its stunning sea view hotel with destination spa and Michelin star restaurant where guests can enjoy an elegant unparalleled experience, top-notch facilities, and outstanding dining with breathtaking views.
Lafcadio Hearne Japanese Gardens
The Waterford Garden Trail is a must visit, check out the stunning Lafcadio Hearne Japanese Gardens in Tramore or enjoy the gardens and a cafe stop at the beautiful Curraghmore House & Gardens, If you’d like a guided experience then a tour with Alan from Wild With Walshe is a must, from gardening to Coastal Heritage, Natural History and Foraging walks a trip with this local historian and field ecologist makes for a fascinating day out.
Overview
Whether you have time for a satisfying, sustainable 4-day itinerary for Waterford or even more time for a slower travel itinerary, you’ll leave this beautiful destination refreshed, fascinated by its charm and depth of heritage rather than frazzled and stressed.
KilmacthomasLismoreTramore
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Comeraghs
Coumshingaun Lough and Kilclooney Loop
From the dramatic heights of Coumshingaun Lough - a glacial lake looped by one of Ireland’s most scenic mountain trails - to the gentle woodlands and rolling hills of the Kilclooney Loop near Ballymacarbry, Waterford offers unforgettable walking experiences for every level of adventurer.
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