Day 1: Viking Roots & City Highlights

Morning: Arrival & Breakfast in the City

Arrive in Waterford City and begin your visit at The Olive Café. A cosy and much-loved spot, it’s the perfect place to settle in with great coffee and a relaxed breakfast after your journey.

Late Morning: The Viking Triangle

After breakfast, step into the heart of the city and explore the Viking Triangle.

Start with the Waterford Treasures collection, where you can make the most of your visit with the Freedom of Waterford Pass; this includes a guided walking tour as well as access to multiple museums.

Start with:

• The Medieval Museum: a fascinating insight into medieval life in Waterford
• The Irish Museum of Time: a beautifully curated experience

This gives you a strong introduction to the city without feeling rushed.

Lunch: City Centre Dining

Stop off at The Reg for lunch. Set in the Viking Triangle, it’s a lively and welcoming spot – ideal for a relaxed, satisfying lunch before continuing your day.

As you leave, take a short wander through Bailey’s New Street, where you’ll discover the impressive Dragon Slayer, a 23-metre-long wooden Viking sword sculpture, carved from a single Douglas fir. The sculpture is set within the atmospheric ruins of a 13th-century Franciscan friary, where fragments of medieval architecture still remain. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of the city’s layered past.

Afternoon: Craft, Culture & Check-In

Make your way to House of Waterford and take a guided factory tour, where you’ll watch master craftsmen at work; it’s one of the city’s most iconic and memorable experiences.

World-renowned and crafted in Waterford since 1783, Waterford Crystal has become synonymous with artistry, precision, and heritage. During your visit, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the centuries-old techniques behind each piece, from blowing and cutting to engraving and finishing.

If time allows, you can also visit:

• Christ Church Cathedral: an elegant 18th-century cathedral set in the heart of the Viking Triangle

Late Afternoon: Check-In & Refresh

Head to The Granville Hotel. Check in, take some time to relax, and freshen up before heading out for the evening.

Evening: Dinner & Drinks in the City

For dinner, head to The Tower Hotel. Enjoy an easy and enjoyable dining experience in a central setting, ideal for your first evening in the city. With its convenient location in the Viking Triangle, it’s a great option for a comfortable meal before a relaxed stroll along the quays or back to your hotel.

Afterwards, enjoy drinks at Revolution Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar.

A great spot to sample local craft beers or unwind with a nightcap in a lively setting.

Day 2: River Views & Deeper Discoveries

Morning: Breakfast & River Experience

Enjoy breakfast in The Granville Hotel before making your way to the quay for a morning on the water with Osprey Viking Cruises.

This guided tour along the River Suir offers:

• A unique perspective of the city and surrounding landscape
• Insights into Waterford’s Viking and maritime history
• A calm, scenic start to the day

Lunch: Casual Dining in the City

Head to Burzza Restaurant. A popular and relaxed spot, enjoy wonderful wood-fired pizza and an easy-going lunch.

Afternoon: Museums & Free Time

Spend the afternoon continuing your exploration of the Waterford Treasures collection.

Depending on your interests, you might choose:

• Bishop’s Palace: offering a deeper look at Waterford’s Georgian history
• The Irish Wake Museum: a unique and thought-provoking experience exploring Irish tradition

You can tailor this part of the day to suit your pace; whether that’s a cultural stop or a more immersive experience. You can also take some time to stroll through the city, browse independent shops, and enjoy live music on almost every street corner.

Evening: Second Stay & Dinner

Check into Fitzwilton Hotel for the night. A stylish and centrally located base for your second night.

For dinner, head to Bodega. A vibrant and well-loved spot in the heart of the city, known for its lively atmosphere and flavour-packed menu, it’s perfect for a comfortable and enjoyable evening.

Day 3: Leisure & Culture

Morning: Breakfast & Choose Your Pace

Enjoy a casual breakfast at Fitzwilton Hotel, then choose how you’d like to spend your last morning in the city.

Option 1: Golf with a View

Head to Waterford Golf Club (approx. 10 mins). A scenic course just outside the city, it’s a lovely spot for a relaxed round to start the day.

Option 2: Art & Culture Morning

Spend more time exploring Waterford’s cultural side with a visit to Waterford Gallery of Art. Browse its collection of Irish and international works in a calm, contemporary setting; it’s a lovely contrast to the historic sites explored earlier in your trip.

Take a short stroll through the city, exploring Waterford’s Cultural Quarter, where the gallery is located. You’ll often find live music and market stalls in this area on weekends during the summer.

Lunch: Riverside Dining

Head to Waterford Marina Hotel. Set along the River Suir, it offers a welcoming setting for lunch. Sit back, refuel, and enjoy your final moments in the city with views of the water.

Afternoon: A Final Historic Landmark

Before departing, step inside Reginald’s Tower. Standing proudly on the quay, this tower is home to a fascinating exhibition of artefacts, from weapons to coins, offering insight into the city’s early history. If you look closely, you can still see where the tower was struck by one of Oliver Cromwell’s cannonballs!

Late Afternoon: Departure

From here, begin your journey home, leaving with a deeper appreciation for Waterford’s rich history, culture, and character.