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 about the City’s Viking 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.

“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.”
– Clare Barrett, Chairperson of Visit Waterford

House of Waterford

A visit to the House of Waterford is a must during your time in the Viking Triangle. Globally renowned for its exquisite crystal, House of Waterford offers visitors the chance to go behind the scenes on a fascinating factory tour. Feel the heat of the furnace, watch master craftspeople at work, and discover the skill, precision, and tradition behind Waterford’s world-famous crystal.

Wake & Whiskey

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, death, and remembrance are explored within an intimate space, offering a true understanding of the wake’s unique customs.

What better way to continue this cultural experience than by popping into The Reg for ‘The Tradition & Hospitality of the Irish Wake‘, an immersive video and whiskey tasting experience set inside Lily Poole’s Parlour. Narrated by Waterford historian and author Dermot Power, this 35-minute experience explores the songs, stories, characters, and customs that have shaped the Irish wake for generations, from the significance of ‘The Parting Glass‘ to the tradition of sharing a good drop of Irish whiskey.

Set within a beautifully refurbished 1870s house in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, the experience offers a warm and memorable insight into the humour, hospitality, and storytelling at the core of Irish culture.

TOP TIP: The Reg’s ‘The Tradition & Hospitality of the Irish Wake’ experience is a lovely way to round off your visit to the Irish Wake Museum, adding another layer of storytelling, history, and hospitality to your time in Waterford’s Viking Triangle. Just be careful not to enjoy the whiskey tasting too much, as day 2 will have you cycling one of the country’s most popular trails!

Day 2-On Your Bike!

The award-winning Waterford Greenway stretches west from Waterford City to the coastal town of Dungarvan. Hire a bicycle or e-bike from The Greenway Man, with child-friendly options including bikes with carriers available for younger adventurers. From Waterford City, set off on a scenic cycle along the River Suir and enjoy one of Ireland’s most beautiful off-road trails.

Mount Congreve Gardens

Along the way, you can take a stop at Mount Congreve Gardens, described as ‘A World of Gardens’. These globally renowned gardens comprise 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 of different trees, plants and shrubs.

TOP TIP: The award-winning Stables Café at Mount Congreve is the perfect pitstop along the way. Settle into its warm, country-style surroundings and enjoy breakfast, lunch, a light bite, or Afternoon Tea, with menus celebrating fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. Where possible, Head Chef Jean-Baptiste “JB” Dubois and his team incorporate fruit, vegetables, and herbs from Mount Congreve’s own Kitchen Gardens.

All Aboard!

After leaving Mount Congreve Gardens, return to the Greenway and continue on towards the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. This charming heritage railway offers a lovely glimpse into the history of the former railway line, with exhibitions to explore and an ongoing steam engine restoration project to discover.

As you continue west towards Dungarvan, stop off at Coach House Coffee for a well-earned coffee and a moment to recharge before getting back on the trail. Further along the route, you’ll also pass the impressive Durrow Viaduct, one of the Greenway’s most striking landmarks and a beautiful spot to pause and take in the views.

From there, make your way towards the spectacular Clonea Strand, a beautiful spot for a refreshing 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, AndChips, and Ormond’s Café are some of our favourites!

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 who will guide you through foraging, folklore and sustainable farming.

After arriving back in Waterford City, continue the celebration of local flavour with dinner at one of the city’s much-loved restaurants. Momo is a firm favourite for vibrant, flavour-packed dishes that champion quality Irish ingredients, while Mara offers a relaxed dining experience with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced produce. Both are ideal spots to sit back, savour the best of Waterford’s food scene, and finish off the perfect foodie day in the Déise.

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 arrive in the picturesque coastal town of Ardmore, home to the 5-star Cliff House Hotel. Overlooking the sea, this luxury destination offers a serene spa experience, exceptional dining, and breathtaking views, making it a beautiful place to pause, unwind, and soak up the scenery.

While in West Waterford, take time to explore some of the beautiful gardens nearby. Dromana House and Gardens offers a peaceful riverside setting with historic charm, while Tourin House and Gardens is another lovely stop, with woodland walks, mature gardens, and tranquil views along the River Blackwater.

Alternatively, slow things down with a visit to Sólás na Mara, a family-run seaweed bathhouse in An Rinn, Waterford’s coastal gaeltacht. Set on the shores of Dungarvan Bay, this peaceful sanctuary offers a soothing way to unwind, using freshly hand-harvested seaweed from West Waterford and the natural salt water found right outside its door. Rooted in one of Ireland’s oldest forms of natural therapy, a seaweed bath at Sólás na Mara is a beautiful way to connect with the landscape, the coastline, and the restorative rhythm of the sea.

Where to Stay

Waterford offers a wide range of accommodations to suit everyone, from luxury hotels, family-friendly, self-catering and more! Check out our Where to Stay section for more.