Waterford cityscape during the day, Ireland

Things to do in  Waterford

A buzzing town founded by Vikings

When it comes to Ireland’s dramatic scenery, the Atlantic coast gets most of the attention, but Waterford has its own natural beauty to offer. Located on the southeast coast of Ireland, a 2-hour drive from the capital of Dublin, Waterford is a laid-back, under-the-radar city and county with a buzzing festival calendar, peaceful beaches, and one of the country’s best rail lines for bike riding. Of the many things to do in Waterford, locals love to get outdoors for beach walks and indulge in the city’s pub culture and restaurants.

Learn more

Top 6 attractions in Waterford

#1

House of Waterford Crystal

star-52,274
Waterford Crystal, the prestigious brand behind New York City’s Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball and the chandeliers at Westminster Abbey, was founded back in 1783. These days, the public can visit the main crystal factory complex to observe skilled craftsmen blowing the molten crystal or browse a collection of dazzling crystal pieces.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Bishop's Palace

star-593
Set inside an elegant Georgian mansion, Bishop’s Palace covers the history of Waterford from 1700-1970. Its collections include many rare and precious objects, including the only surviving mourning cross of the 12 commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother, and the Penrose Decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Viking Triangle

star-5106
Viking walls once marked the boundary of this historic district of Waterford. Though the walls no longer stand, the past still echoes loudly, with centuries-old landmarks such as the 13th-century Reginald’s Tower and attractions including the Medieval Museum painting an evocative picture of Waterford in times gone by.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

star-5158
Though it’s housed in a modern building, Waterford’s Medieval Museum encompasses two historic sites: the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and a 15th-century wine cellar. Rare artifacts, including 15th-century cloth-of-gold vestments and medieval-era records, reveal fascinating details about life in the port city during the Middle Ages.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Hook Lighthouse

star-5321
Built more than 800 years ago, Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. Picturesquely perched on Hook Head, at the tip of Hook Peninsula, the squat black-and-white-striped structure marks the eastern entrance to Waterford Harbour. Explore the tower and learn about the history of the lighthouse.More
Tours & Tickets
#6
Loftus Hall

Loftus Hall

star-00
Situated on an isolated peninsula overlooking the Celtic Sea, this large manor house has served as a private family residence, a Catholic school and convent, and a hotel. Now open to the public, Loftus Hall has a reputation as one of Ireland’s most haunted sights—local lore suggests the devil himself made a call here in the 18th century.More

Explore Waterford by interest

Top activities in Waterford

Skip the Line: Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum Admission Ticket

star-4.5
71
From
$10.92
House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour

House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour

star-4.5
2125
From
$19.11
Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle

Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle

star-4.5
87
From
$10.92
Full day Private Tour from Waterford

Full day Private Tour from Waterford

star-4.5
12
From
$600.58
per group
Skip the Line: Hook Lighthouse Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour

Skip the Line: Hook Lighthouse Entrance Ticket and Guided Tour

star-5
313
From
$13.10
Skip the Line: Bishop's Palace Museum Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Bishop's Palace Museum Admission Ticket

star-5
6
From
$10.92
Irelands Ancient East Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours & Bike Hire

Irelands Ancient East Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours & Bike Hire

star-3.5
13
From
$29.12
Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens Admission Ticket and Tour

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens Admission Ticket and Tour

star-4.5
53
From
$7.64
Private Transfer from Waterford Airport (WAT) to Belfast Airport (BFS)

Private Transfer from Waterford Airport (WAT) to Belfast Airport (BFS)

From
$648.63
per group
Waterford City To Dublin Airport Private Luxury Car Transfer

Waterford City To Dublin Airport Private Luxury Car Transfer

From
$709.78
per group
Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Waterford, Ireland, IE

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Waterford, Ireland, IE

From
$9.83
Tramore County Waterford To Dublin Airport Dublin City Private Car Transfer

Tramore County Waterford To Dublin Airport Dublin City Private Car Transfer

From
$709.78
per group
Waterford Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

Waterford Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

From
$19.66
per group
Waterford City Top 10 Highlights Walking Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Waterford City Top 10 Highlights Walking Tour

From
$26.21
Rock Cashel Kilkenny & Smithwick’s Experience Semi Private Tour.
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Rock Cashel Kilkenny & Smithwick’s Experience Semi Private Tour.

star-3.5
4
From
$202.01
Waterford, Kilkenny and House of Waterford Crystal

Waterford, Kilkenny and House of Waterford Crystal

star-4
7
From
$225.72
Osprey Viking Cruises

Osprey Viking Cruises

star-5
19
From
$43.68
Non Electric Scooters

Non Electric Scooters

star-1
1
From
$10.09
See all Waterford tours

All about Waterford

When to visit

The most popular time of year to visit Waterford is summer when international visitors arrive in Ireland to explore the countryside. While June, July, and Aug. provide the greatest chance for sunny days on the Waterford beaches, visitors looking to avoid the crowds may prefer the quieter spring and fall. Waterford also has a busy festival schedule with annual events including All Together Now, an August music festival, and the Harvest Festival, a September food festival.

Getting around

Waterford City is easily explored by foot, but visitors should be prepared to climb some urban hills. To easily explore County Waterford and its many beaches, a rental car is necessary. Some visitors also choose to rent a bike for a cycling excursion along the Waterford Greenway. Trains and buses connect Waterford to the capital city of Dublin.

Traveler tips

Visitors who are interested in Waterford’s history may want to check out the Freedom of Waterford Pass, which includes entry to several sites for one fee. Don’t miss getting outside the city for a walk or bike ride along the Waterford Greenway, a former rail line that includes historic viaducts and tunnels, and is now a scenic, car-free coastal trail.

Attractions
6
Tours
18
Reviews
2,714
EN
7f424978-b677-4f3e-8ab9-fe2876eb7b78
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is Waterford Ireland worth visiting?

Yes, Waterford is worth visiting. Both Waterford City and County Waterford offer many things to do for visitors including visiting historic sites, exploring the coastline, and shopping. One of the main attractions in the port city of Waterford is the House of Waterford Crystal for factory tours and afternoon tea.

...More
What is Waterford Ireland known for?

A port city founded by Vikings, Waterford City is known as the home of Waterford Crystal. There are many things to do in Waterford, including visiting a medieval museum, botanical garden, and historic sites like Reginald’s Tower. The coastal Waterford Greenway is known for hiking and biking.

...More
What is the main town in Waterford?

The largest town in County Waterford is Waterford City, founded by Vikings. Additional main towns in the county include Dungarvan and Tramore. The county is also known for its natural beauty, which visitors can discover at places like the Waterford Greenway, a former rail line turned hiking and biking trail.

...More
What is there to do between Dublin and Waterford?

There are many things to do between Dublin and Waterford including sightseeing in County Wicklow, visiting the monastic ruins at Glendalough, and exploring the city of Kilkenny. County Waterford is also a destination for its nature and attractions like the Waterford Greenway, a former rail line turned biking trail.

...More
How far is Waterford from the beach?

County Waterford in Ireland is a coastal county with many beaches. From Waterford City, Bunmahon Beach is about a 30-minute drive and Tramore Beach 20 minutes—both among the county's best. Waterford City also offers access to beaches including Woodstown Beach and Kilfarrasy Beach, which are popular for walks and picnics.

...More
How far is Waterford from Dublin?

Waterford City is about a 2-hour drive from Dublin. Travelers can choose from several driving routes, including a slightly longer coastal scenic route. You can also take a train or bus from Dublin to Waterford. Many visitors travel to Waterford on a guided day trip from Dublin with transportation.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Waterford?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Waterford?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Waterford?
A:
Check out things to do near Waterford:

More Tours in Waterford