Your 4 day guide to Waterford County
If you’re itching to explore the quaint and evergreen beauty of Ireland, then one county you have to include in any trip is County Waterford. Located in the South East of the Emerald Isle, Waterford is known as the Ancient East because it is the oldest city in the country and was founded by Vikings.
Any road trip planned around Ireland has to include this beautiful part of the country and here is our rough four-day guide to Waterford to help you fit in the county to your Ireland itinerary. Take our recommendations as they suit you.
A lot of this suggested four-day itinerary will be dependent on where you decide to base yourself in County Waterford. You can check out our blog post on where to stay in Waterford if you need help deciding which area to stay in.
Day 1 – Visit a Coastal Town
Waterford is known as the sunny south-east as the county sees warmer and sunnier days than the rest of the country, or so they say. And what better thing to do on a beautiful day than visiting a seaside coastal town?
Dunmore East, Dungarvan, and Ardmore are quaint little towns along Waterford’s coastline. Dungarvan is picturesque and the biggest of the towns with a plethora of cafes, restaurants and bars dotted throughout the square and around the harbour. The Waterford Greenway also starts (or ends) in Dungarvan so if you’re into cycling then you’ll want to make Dungarvan part of your visit.
Ardmore is a holiday town that attracts both locals and tourists with its beautiful stretch of beach and cliffside walks. Dunmore East is a picturesque harbour town full of holiday home thatched cottages right by the beach.
Day 2 – Take a Scenic Drive Along the Copper Coast
One of the must-do things in Waterford is driving along the Copper Coast. This beautiful scenic drive along a stretch of coastline has stunning cliffside views, picturesque spots and plenty of little coves to stop off for a dip. The coastal area is considered a UNESCO Global Geopark.
One of our favourite areas for pictures of the coast is right next to the Tankardstown Copper Mines. Also, if you schedule in a slight two-minute detour near Annestown, you can take a visit to Dunhill Castle. An easy two-minute walk uphill will bring you to the old ruins of the once-proud castle perched atop of the hill overlooking the Irish countryside.
Day 3 – Explore Waterford’s Outdoors
Waterford has an abundance of outdoor nature to immerse yourself into and explore. Forest walks, mountain hikes, flower gardens, cycling trails, and cliffside coastal walks are some of the activities Waterford can offer outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking the fresh air. Almost all of the outdoor activities offer breath-taking views of Waterford’s stunning countryside. Check out our blog post of things to do in Waterford so you can pick the activities that suit you the best.
Day 4 – Step Back into Waterford’s History
Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and was founded by Vikings. Waterford City has combined its rich history with contemporary flair from its residents. Small local boutique business, artisan cafes and colourful wall murals painted by talented street artists sprinkle the city to make it a pleasant place to meander through. Waterford City has Viking Tours that offer a glimpse into the past and you can see first-hand how the world-renowned Waterford Crystal Glass is made.
You can increase your exposure to Waterford’s heritage by spending some time in the historical town of Lismore. The sight of Lismore Castle situated over the river as you cross the bridge is both stunning and inspiring. You can take a leisurely stroll through the castle’s lush gardens and less than a five-minute drive from Lismore Castle are the ornate Ballysaggartmore Towers, which are part of a relaxing walk through woodland nature.
Lismore offers plenty of beautiful picture opportunities and you can check out our selection of the most Instagrammable spots in Waterford if you want more photo tips.
