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Top Waterford & The East Holiday Deals
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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Waterford & The East: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Waterford & The East
- Waterford, a port city in Ireland's southeast, is a great place to learn more about the country's rich history and culture.
- Furthermore, it is easy to visit this picturesque city as part of a fun day trip from Dublin because it only takes two hours to get there by car.
- Even better, why not think about spending a few days getting to know Waterford in-depth? If you decide to go, you won't be let down because it's also a fantastic location to visit to get a taste of traditional Irish life and has a wide range of first-rate lodging options.
- Being the oldest city in Ireland and founded by the Vikings in AD 914, Waterford has many exciting things to do.
- The top item on the list is taking some time to look through the Waterford Treasures. The Medieval Museum, Reginald's Tower, and the Bishop's Palace are three outstanding museums that are part of the "Viking Triangle" and provide a fascinating insight into the city's lengthy history.
- Waterford is renowned worldwide for its exquisite, handcrafted crystal; factory tours are a must-do while visiting.
- Spend time looking around the numerous historic sites preserved here, particularly the old town's walls and six remaining towers.
- There were originally 17 of them, with Reginald's Tower, which houses the Viking Museum, and the Beach Tower serving as the best surviving examples.
- From anywhere in Ireland, it's simple to travel to Waterford, which is situated on the River Suir, halfway between Dublin and Cork.
- It is one of Ireland's most popular destinations because it is easy to reach from Europe and Britain thanks to its dependable ferry service.
- Capital: Waterford
- International Airport: Waterford Airport (WAT)
- Population: 5,123,536.
- Currency: euro
- Time: GMT+1
- Driving Side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230v
- Official Language: English and Irish
- Religion: Roman Catholicism
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Waterford & The East
- View the Making of Waterford Crystal
- Check out the historic Christ Church Cathedral
- Investigate the Bishop's Palace.
- Visit Reginald's Tower's Viking Museum.
- The Waterford Suir Valley Railway offers rides.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Waterford & The East
- Summer: From May to August, temperatures in the summer range from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius.
- Autumn: Although the temperature in September and October drops slightly, there is a noticeable increase in rainfall.
- Winter: November through February make up the winter season. It gets cold but rainy when the temperature drops to 3 to 8 degrees Celsius.
- Spring: Because of the constant sun and cool temperatures, March and April are quite sunny and pleasant.
- Summer is the ideal season to visit Waterford because of the city's year-round sunshine and sporadic showers. The weather in Waterford is pleasant and relaxed.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Waterford & The East
Waterford Crystal
- The House of Waterford Crystal, a fascinating look into the inner workings of the renowned glassworks that made the city famous for manufacturing, is situated in the Mall in the centre of Waterford.
- It consists of a manufacturing facility and visitor centre, is one of Waterford's top attractions, and is unquestionably something you must do while visiting the city.
- The factory melts about 826 tonnes of crystal annually and uses it to make exquisitely beautiful objects that are still treasured today worldwide.
- Along with a good café, there is also a retail establishment where you can buy Waterford Crystal.
- The attraction is best experienced as part of a guided tour that offers a close-up look at the process that results in the finished pieces of cut glass if you want to make the most of your trip.
- Booking a fun House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour before you go is one of the best ways to ensure a wonderful experience.
- This fascinating one-hour tour offers a rare chance to interact with the crystal and glassblowers themselves while taking you behind the scenes to see how crystals are made.
- Additionally, you will be able to see the old furnaces used to heat the crystal.
Christ Church Cathedral
- The main Protestant church in Waterford is Christ Church Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of The Holy Trinity, Christ Church.
- The current structure, built in 1779 on a site where a cathedral is believed to have stood as early as 1096, is still significant to the Irish.
- The legendary Norman warrior Strongbow wed Aoife, the daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster, here in 1170, forever marking the location in history.
- The current cathedral's interior is spacious and elegant, and two magnificent tombs—the 1469 Rice monument and the more recent Fitzgerald monument made of Carrara marble—can be found there.
- Other notable interior features include a magnificent original Waterford Crystal chandelier, a historic organ, and one of the few remaining consistorial courts in the nation.
- Before visiting, you can download a free audio tour from the cathedral's website.
The Rock of Cashel
- Ireland's most famous historical site, The Rock of Cashel, is about 70 minutes from Waterford.
- The buildings at this revered mediaeval site, also known as St. Patrick's Rock and "Cashel of the Kings," are mostly in ruins today but were once standing when it was converted to a church in the 12th and 13th centuries.
- Before that, it is said that this location served as the High Kings of Munster's seat and was where King Aengus of Munster was converted to Christianity by St. Patrick in the fifth century.
- When you first see the castle, which is frequently shrouded in mist and protrudes dramatically out of the landscape, you will undoubtedly get goosebumps.
- This is especially true if you go at night because it takes on an otherworldly quality when lit up.
- There is now a visitor centre with a show about the site's fascinating history and other exhibits. There are also guided tours available.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Waterford & The East Off the Beaten Track
The Medieval Museum
- The magnificently constructed Medieval Museum, also known as The Treasures of Medieval Waterford, is close to Christ Church Cathedral and focuses on mediaeval city life.
- In particular, the cloister hall is striking. Various vestments, a mediaeval representation of King Edward III, and a hat that once belonged to the infamous King Henry VIII are just a few of the historical artefacts.
- Old 15th-century vaults, antiquities like historical artwork and artefacts, a well-preserved embroidery collection, and Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th-century vestments are all of the interest. Re-enactors dressed in period attire lead the available guided tours.
The Bishop's Palace
- Waterford, once one of Ireland's most important cities, was historically a place of great wealth due to its role as a port and a hub of trade.
- This wealth was invested back into the city's frequently opulent structures constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The Bishop's Palace is one of the most alluring and lavish of these.
- The palace, a short distance from Christ Church Cathedral, was constructed in 1741 according to a design by renowned architect Richard Castles.
- This place, which is now a museum and a part of the Waterford Treasures network of museums, has a lot of exciting things to see.
- Among them is the oldest piece of Waterford crystal, a cut-glass decanter from the 1780s.
- Its mourning cross, the last of the twelve made to remember Napoleon's passing, is also noteworthy.
- The museum not only focuses on Georgian times but also takes visitors on a fascinating journey from early 1700s Ireland up to the 1970s, with exhibits focusing on the city's population through the years. There is also a café located there.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Waterford & The East Culture and Traditions
- There are many cultural attractions in the South East of Ireland, even though it doesn't immediately stand out as one.
- Ireland's National Opera House, which is situated in County Wexford, is the area's only readily apparent cultural landmark.
- Hosting both contemporary international music acts and classical opera today.
- Counties Wexford, Waterford, and Kilkenny are home to many art galleries and libraries, but they tend to be more undiscovered treasures than famous landmarks, much like much of their contents.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Waterford & The East: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Geoffs Cafe Bar
#Food
- Geoffs is perpetually busy. While some might view this negatively, we believe it to be a sign of high-quality food.
- Although there may be a wait for a table, if you have the time, it will be worth it for the food.
- Geoffs is a welcoming bar with a diverse menu. They offer a wide range of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, Asian, and many other dishes. It most certainly isn't monotonous pub food.
- Their food is excellent overall, but Geoff's stir-fry is exceptional.
Emiliano's
#Food
- Emiliano's is rated as the top restaurant in Waterford, with a 5.0 score and more than 1,000 reviews.
- It's a winning combination when the food is excellent, the costs are reasonable, and the staff is friendly.
- The best pizza in Waterford is arguably served at this cosy little Italian eatery. In addition to pizza, Emiliano's serves a variety of meat, fish, and pasta dishes, including the day's fresh catch.
- You also get that genuine Italian feeling at Emiliano's; it doesn't feel fake.
- While every dish on the menu is excellent, Emiliano's "Rustica Pizza" is extraordinary.
- A pizza with tomato, mozzarella, parma ham, rocket salad, and parmesan that has been expertly prepared.
- The best restaurant in Waterford, in our opinion, is Emiliano's.
Momo Restaurant
#Food
- Momo is a multi-award-winning eatery in Waterford City that serves wholesome food from County Waterford's small farmers.
- Momo serves dishes flavoured and prepared with finesse in a laid-back and informal setting.
- Momo offers its incredible value early-bird menu on Sundays from 13:00 to 20:00, giving you more time to get there and try, unlike some other Waterford restaurants.
- Two courses cost €23.50 or three courses cost €28.50 as part of their early-bird promotion. The excellent lunch options at Momo are one thing we appreciate.
- You can select two items from their selection of freshly made sandwiches, a daily salad bar, and homemade soup, or you can order off their lunch menu for €10 to eat in or €9 to take away.
Fashion
#Fashion
- Finding Your Keepers, This independently owned gift shop is Waterford's real treasure chest with its wide selection of handcrafted Irish and European goods.
- Hibernian Gifts is an elegant multi-story Irish gift shop that offers knitwear, crystal goods, jewellery in Celtic and modern designs, and worldwide tax-free shipping. In the summer, the on-site tearoom serves snacks and drinks.
- Since 2017, Bébhnn McGrath has been creating knitwear, and her carefully chosen gifts and trinkets are a true pleasure to peruse in her tiny shop in the centre of Waterford.
- Waterford's largest shopping centre, City Square Shopping Centre, has more than 40 stores, including Dunnes, as well as services and various promotions and events regularly announced on their website.
- Local artists are featured in the crafts and design collection at Kite Design Studios, home to Irish Handmade Glass, Sean Egan Art Glass, and Button & Co.
Tramore Amusements Park
#Fun
- Visits to Tramore Amusement Park are a must. A 50-acre wonderland in Ireland's South East that is only six miles from Waterford City.
- It is an ideal spot for a day trip, a midweek getaway, or a family holiday.
- Check out some of the most thrilling rides in Europe, such as a giant Ferris wheel, the Classic Mega Spin Waltzer, the Extreme Afterburner, the Crazy Mouse Spinning Roller Coaster, and the Super Paratrooper, for all you thrill seekers.
- Swing to the music in Miami of the future.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Waterford & The East: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- In County Waterford, close to Waterford City, is the 150-acre oasis known as Waterford Nature Park.
- Numerous walking paths are accessible and appropriate for people of all fitness levels.
- The Kingfisher Club in Waterford City is where the entrance to Waterford Nature Park is located. The park is traversed by a 2 km walkway and other walkways.
- The trails mix tarmacadam paths with paths mowed through the meadows to give kids an excellent opportunity to interact with nature. There are various linear and looped walks available.
- With the help of stones found in the park, small fields planted with flowers and meadow seeds will eventually serve as a haven for a variety of insects and butterflies were created.
- In the park, about 20,000 shrubs have been planted. The Waterford Nature Park will grow and flourish as a significant regional and national attraction.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Waterford & The East Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The Waterford Festival of Architecture (WFA) is a festival that encourages architects and works to improve the public's understanding and appreciation of architecture, including those who are active in other creative fields.
- It creates a top-notch schedule of activities to capitalise on its distinction as Ireland's only architecture festival outside the nation's capital.
- The festival highlights the significance of architecture as an artistic practice with an exciting expanded 4-day programme of events to involve the local and regional public as well as specialist audiences.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Waterford & The East Holiday
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