The Wild Family Trail
Day 1: Gardens, Play & Riverside Adventures
Morning: Garden Exploration
Begin your day at Mount Congreve Gardens. Set within a historic estate, Mount Congreve offers the perfect start for families, with wide, accessible paths ideal for buggies and prams, open spaces for children to run and play, and a dedicated playground to keep little ones entertained.
Take your time exploring the gardens at your own pace, enjoying the balance of nature, space, and freedom that makes this such a family-friendly setting.
Lunch: Estate-to-Plate
Enjoy lunch at the on-site Stables Café, where a seasonal estate-to-plate menu showcases locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown right on the grounds. It’s not only a delicious stop, but also a lovely opportunity for children to learn where their food comes from, connecting what’s on their plate to the surrounding gardens and landscape.
Afternoon: Riverside Railway & Greenway Fun
Continue to Waterford Suir Valley Railway (approx. 5 mins drive). Climb aboard a heritage train and enjoy a scenic journey along the River Suir, travelling through peaceful countryside and passing Mount Congreve itself.
After your journey, take some time to explore the Greenway, which can be accessed directly from the station. This flat, well-maintained route is perfect for families, whether walking with a buggy or letting children cycle or scoot safely along the path. There is also a café and shop on-site, ideal for picking up a coffee or snack before heading back to the city.
Late Afternoon: Check-In & City Strolls
Make your way into Waterford City to check into Dooley’s Hotel (approx. 20 mins drive). Centrally located and family-friendly, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.
Evening: Dinner & Relaxation
Dooley’s Hotel offers a welcoming and relaxed dining experience, with an extensive children’s menu that makes it an easy and enjoyable option for families after a busy day. With the day’s adventures behind you and the little ones well and truly worn out, retire to your room for a sound and comfortable night’s sleep.
Day 2: Splashing About, Beach Walks & Animal Encounters
Morning: Indoor Water Fun
Start your day in Tramore at Splashworld (approx. 20 mins drive from Waterford City), after breakfast at your hotel. Ireland’s largest indoor water park, Splashworld, is a firm favourite for families. With something for all ages, from thrilling water slides and wave pools to dedicated toddler areas for younger children, it’s the perfect way to burn off some energy and start the day on a fun note.
Midday: Seaside Stroll
After your morning of splashing about, head out for a walk along Tramore Beach. This wide stretch of sand, rolling dunes, and fresh sea air make it an ideal spot for children to run, explore, collect shells, and build sandcastles. The dunes are home to unique natural features and wildlife, adding a gentle sense of discovery to your walk.
Lunch: Seafront Views & Local Finds
Stop for lunch at Tramore Coastguard Cultural Centre. Set overlooking the sea, the outdoor garden area offers panoramic views across Tramore Bay and is a beautiful spot to pause and refuel. Afterwards, take a moment to browse the craft section, where you’ll find locally made gifts and souvenirs, a lovely way to bring a piece of the Sunny South East home with you.
Afternoon: Choose Your Pace
After lunch, choose how you’d like to spend your afternoon.
Option 1: Animal Encounters in Ardmore
Take a scenic drive to Ardmore (approx. 1 hour) and visit Ardmore Mini Zoo.
A charming and interactive experience for younger visitors, the zoo offers the chance to meet a variety of animals in a family-friendly setting.
It’s a lovely, slower-paced way to spend the afternoon, with plenty of opportunities for children to engage with and learn about the animals, as well as enjoy some quality time together.
Option 2: A Little “Me Time” on the Green
On your way from Tramore to Ardmore, you might choose to stop off at West Waterford Golf Club.
Set within a peaceful countryside landscape just outside Dungarvan, this welcoming course offers a relaxed and scenic round. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little well-deserved “me time” while others in your group continue on with the children to Ardmore Mini Zoo.
Late Afternoon: Coastal Pause
If time allows, take a short stop in Ardmore village or along the coast to stretch the legs, pick up snacks, and enjoy the sea views.
Evening: Return & Relax
Return to Dooley’s Hotel (approx. 1 hour drive). Whether you choose to dine in the hotel or take a wander through the city to sample some of Waterford’s local restaurants, you’re sure to enjoy a relaxed and easy evening after a full day of adventure.
Day 3: River Cruises & Nature Trails
Morning: A Gentle Start on the Water
Begin your day along the quays in Waterford City with Three Sisters Cruises. Departing from the quay, these relaxed river cruises offer a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings as you glide along the River Suir. It’s a calm and enjoyable experience for all ages, with plenty to see along the way and a slower pace that’s perfect for the final day of your trip.
Lunch: A Bite in the City
After your cruise, take a break to refuel in Waterford City before your final adventure.
Afternoon: Nature & Wildlife or Mindful Moments
After lunch, choose how you’d like to spend your afternoon.
Option 1: Nature & Exploration
Head out to the Anne Valley Nature Walk (approx. 25 mins from Waterford City). This scenic, family-friendly trail is ideal for all ages, with flat, well-maintained paths that are perfect for buggies, scooters, and bikes. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of wildlife to spot, as well as the ruins of Dunhill Castle, adding a sense of history and adventure to your walk.
It’s a lovely way to spend quality time together, whether that means enjoying one-to-one moments with the children or taking the opportunity for a little “me time” while others in your group take the lead.
Option 2: Mindful Moments & Creativity
Slow things down with a visit to Moon & Lotus Yoga & Wellness Studio. For parents, this peaceful yoga and wellness studio offers regular classes, the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little well-deserved “me time” while others in your group take the children to explore the nearby Anne Valley.
For families, they also offer children’s yoga, creativity, and mindfulness workshops (subject to availability), making it a lovely option for little ones to relax and engage in a more gentle, reflective experience.
Departure: Onward Journey
From here, begin your journey home with tired legs, happy memories, and plenty of stories from your family adventure in Waterford.
Wild Wonders Through The Seasons
You may wish to time your visit to Waterford to coincide with some of the region’s most loved festivals and seasonal experiences. For families, these can add an extra layer of magic to your trip.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival (31st July to 2nd August)
One of the highlights of the summer is Spraoi International Street Arts Festival, taking place from 31st July to 2nd August.
Ireland’s premier street arts event, Spraoi, brings the city to life with approximately 200 free performances, including street theatre, dance, contemporary circus, spectacle, and music. Artists from around the world take part, with plenty of interactive activities for children throughout the weekend, all building to a vibrant parade on the Sunday.
Winterval (13th November to 23rd December)
During the winter months, Waterford transforms into a festive wonderland for Winterval, running from 13th November to 23rd December.
Ireland’s largest Christmas festival and a European City of Christmas, Winterval fills the city with seasonal cheer, from street performances and live music to workshops and entertainment for children. A charming Christmas village adds to the experience, with craft stalls and food vendors creating a warm and welcoming festive atmosphere.
Santa At The Strand (27th to 30th November)
If visiting at the end of November, families can also enjoy Santa at the Strand. This magical experience invites children to step into a woodland setting, where they can spend time with Mrs Claus and the elves before meeting Santa himself — a truly memorable moment for younger visitors.
Love2learn
For those looking to connect more deeply with the local culture, you might also consider Love2learn. Offering Irish language lessons for both children and adults, Love2learn provides a range of options including summer programmes, language camps, one-to-one sessions, and online learning. Families visiting from abroad may enjoy taking a few lessons in advance for a fun and meaningful way to engage with the language and practise during your time in Waterford.
Stay Active, Together
Waterford is part of the Waterford Sports Partnership – Active Cities Waterford Project, a national initiative focused on helping people of all ages and abilities to move more and enjoy being active in their local environment.
Across the city and county, you’ll find a wide range of accessible spaces and programmes designed to encourage everyday activity — from walking and cycling routes to family-friendly initiatives that make it easy to stay active together.
Whether it’s a stroll along the Greenway, a beach walk in Tramore, or an afternoon exploring the Anne Valley, you’re already experiencing what makes Waterford such an ideal destination for active families.
Three days of fun, fresh air, and family-friendly adventures in Waterford
DunhillKilmeadenMount Congreve GardensTramoreWaterford City
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