From Wikitravel Shared

For other places with the same name, see Waterford (disambiguation).

Waterford is a city in Republic of Ireland famous for its crystal ware.

[edit] Understand

Any visit to the South East would be incomplete without a visit to the sunshine capital, Waterford City. Ireland's oldest city, founded by Viking invaders in the 9th century. In fact, Waterford is older than any of the major Nordic capitals of modern Europe, including Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. In recent years, a major archaeological endeavor has excavated nearly a fourth of the ancient Viking city, and some of the more striking finds from these excavations can be seen in the new Waterford Treasures at the Granary Museum..

[edit] Get in

Waterford City is located 65km (40 miles) west of Wexford, 53km (33 miles) west of Rosslare Harbour, 158km (98 miles) southwest of Dublin, 126km (78 miles) east of Cork, and 153km (95 miles) southeast of Shannon Airport. With a population of over 43,000, Waterford City is the main seaport of the southeast.

[edit] By air

Waterford airport is 6km south of the City. Aer Arann[1] have daily flights to London-Luton airport, as well as several times weekly flights to Birmingham and Manchester. There are also summer time flights to Lorient (Brittany). Waterford is also ideally located between Dublin and Cork and therefore has access to both airports for long distance flights.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By boat

The nearest ferrypoint to Waterford is in Rosslare. It is a short journey to Rosslare from Waterford. From Rosslare you can access Fishguard and Pembroke in Wales.

[edit] By train

Plunkett Railway Station is the main train station in Waterford. It is located on the the north side of the river. You can travel anywhere in Ireland on the rail network[2].

[edit] By bus

Bus Eireann[3] provide the State bus service in Ireland. The main Bus Terminal is located right in the heart of the city. Bus services can get you to all major locations in Ireland.

Local bus services are provided by both Bus Éireann and J.J Kavanagh & Sons Coaches[4].

[edit] By taxis

Taxis and Hackney Cabs are available in Waterford. Taxis can be hailed down in the street however hackney cabs must be booked from offices. Costs are measured by distance. Taxis have a metre. If you have to be somewhere at a particular time, it is wise to book in advance as offices can be quite busy.

[edit] By car

Vehicle Hire is readily available but advance reservation is recommended particularly during main holidays periods. As with rental anywhere, make sure you have a current driving license.

• Budget Southeast [5]

[edit] See

With its diverse range of attractions, Waterford City, County and sorounding areas of the South East appeals to a wide sector of the tourism pie with its numerous museums, architecture, historical sites and its endless variety of good restaurants, clubs, international cultural and social events, and even modern art galleries.

Coastal highlights south of Waterford include Dunmore East, a picturesque fishing village; Dungarvan, a major town with a fine harbor; Ardmore, an idyllic beach resort; and Passage East, a tiny seaport from which you can catch a ferry across the harbor and cut your driving time from Waterford to Wexford in half. Of all the coastal towns in County Waterford, Ardmore stands out as the perfect getaway. It has a beautiful and important early Christian site, a pristine Blue Flag beach, a stunning cliff walk, a fine craft shop, an excellent restaurant, comfortable seaside accommodations, and a quaint town recently named Ireland's tidiest. Portally Cove, near Dunmore East, is the home of Ireland's only Amish-Mennonite community.

In northwest County Waterford, the Comeragh Mountains provide many opportunities for beautiful walks, including the short trek to Mahon Falls. These mountains also have highly scenic roads for biking. Farther west, there's great fishing and bird-watching on the Blackwater estuary.

Waterford Crystal [6] is a famous export of this city. Glass is hand blown and hand cut in the Waterford Crystal factory situated about 10 minutes from the centre of the City. The factory tour is well worth it if you have an hour to spare. See the master craftsmen at work on one of the factory tours. Many famous designers have contributed to the collections ranging from glass tumblers to chandeliers. Tours of the factory run every 15-20 minutes.

Discover the Viking and Norman heritage of the city on one of the walking tours including a visit to the famous Reginald's Tower and the ancient city walls.

• The Waterford Treasures Museum [7] located on the quay holds thousands of artefacts from archaelogical digs that have uncovered Waterford's rich heritage and tell the story of one of Ireland's oldest cities.

[edit] Buy

[edit] Eat

• Bodéga, 54 John Street, [8]. Located in the hub of Waterford's nightlife, this very fine bistro/wine bar offers a fabulous range of dishes prepared by their three French chefs. Seafood a speciality. This alternative, informal late-night wine bar has a truly Latin feel, with a full licence serving wines, beers & spirits. Awards include; Bridgestone 05, Guardian, Time Out...

• The Brasserie Arundel Square, Tel: 051 857774 For great service & great food in a relaxed informal atmosphere, the Brasserie is definitely the place. Located in the very heart of the city, take time to relax with friends over a good meal. Full range of wines & beers to compliment a delicious selection of dishes.

• The Cottage Bistro Cheekpoint, Tel: 051 380854 Email: [info@cottagebistro.com] Aidan and Marian McAlpin opened the Cottage Bistro in March 2003. It's reasonably priced menu and wine list, together with a light hearted atmosphere made it an initial hit with people from Waterford and abroad.Situated in the picturesque village of Cheekpoint, seven miles east of the historic city of Waterford. Cheekpoint is a small 17th century fishing village situated where the three rivers: the Suir, the Nore, and the Barrow meet. Open Tuesday to Saturday (6pm-9.45pm). All Bank Holiday Mondays. Sundays from June to August.

• The Dry Dock Bar at Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Tel: 051 873531 Web: [www.dooleys-hotel.ie] Conventiently located in the City Centre. Rich in character comfort and style. Enjoy the dining experience. Carvery Lunch served from 12.30 - 2.30pm followed by an a la Carte Menu until 8pm. Tradition Irish music on Monday and Wednesday nights during the summer. Irish stew on Wednesday nights until 8PM. Contact Dooley's Hotel 051-873531.

• Espresso Parnell Street, Tel: 051 874141 Web: [www.espresso.ie] Espresso is an Italian run Pizza / Pasta restaurant at Parnell Street in the heart of John’s Street Village. The menu is inexpensive and includes lots of Pasta, Homemade Burgers, Salads and probably the best Pizza in the country. The house wine comes by the litre and the beer comes by the pitcher. The style is informal, the music is loud and the prices are cheap. Espresso is open from Tuesday to Sunday for Lunch & Dinner. We also do Pizza & Pasta to take out.

• Haricots Wholeford restaurant 11 O'Connell St Tel: 051 841299 Haricots is a family run wholefood restaurant serving homemade meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes in warm, friendly & relaxed surroundings. Using only the finest ingredients. Haricots offers a menu which also caters for extra-dietary requirements, ie. neutron friendly, gluten free, etc. Open 9AM-8PM (last orders) Mon-Sat. Full menu served all day also morning coffees, afternoon teas, juices, homemade soups & desserts throughout the day.

• Jade Palace 4 The Mall Tel: 051 855611 Fine traditional Chinese restaurant in the heart of the city Wide variety of Chinese, Thai, European & Seafood dishes available. Relax & enjoy a splendid meal in the restaurant or alternatively enjoy the barfood menu in the fully licensed bar - Monday - Sunday from 5 - 8pm. Monday - Friday 12.30 - 2.30pm. Evening meals Monday - Saturday 5.00 - 11.30. Sunday 12.30 - 11.00pm.

• Kambo The Brasscock Centre, Dunmore Road, Tel: 051 870727 A delightful Thai restaurant serving the best Oriental dishes. All dishes freshly prepared to traditional recipes using only the best seafood, meats and vegetables. Excellent selection of wines & bottled beers. Book now for special occasions & dinner parties. Free Car Parking.

• Kong's Chinese Restaurant Glenville Centre, Dunmore East Rd. (behind StatOil Garage) Tel: 051 843082 A genuine Chinese experience in style & taste. Enjoy the authentic flavours and spices of oriental cuisine, in a cool and comfortable setting. A fine selection of wines & bottled beers. Open 12:30pm - 2:30pm and 5pm-12pm.

• L’Atmosphere Restaurant, 19 Henrietta St (Latmosphererestaurant@hotmail.com), [9]. In one French word - ‘Superb’! The atmosphere and prices are relaxed. But as you would expect with Arnaud & Patrice, two French chefs, the food is ‘par excellent’. At L’atmosphere it is all about good food & (...but of course) fine wines! Open Sunday for the dinner.

• La Bohème 2 George’s St., Tel: 051 875645 Be transported in time and enjoy innovative French Food in the vaulted elegance of this beautiful restaurant, carved from the cellars of one of the oldest houses in Georgian Waterford. 7 Course Tasting Menu a Speciality. [Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 5.30-10.30pm; Saturday 6- 10.30pm; 3 Course Table d’Hote Menu Monday-Friday from 5.30-7pm for ?28 per person.] Proprietors: Eric and Christine Theze.

• La Palma - Ristorante Italiano 20 The Mall, Tel: 051 879823 Visit La Palma’s striking new location at No. 20 The Mall in a beautifully restored Georgian building. Set over two levels La Palma now offers a private dining room & Cocktail Bar with an enclosed heated Terrace. Bridgestone Recommended. Open for lunch Monday - Friday 12.30 to 2.30pm & dinner Monday - Saturday from 5.30pm. Closed Sundays.

• Savannah Steak House 8 Mary St., Tel: 051 875880 Savannah is one of Waterford’s first Specialist Steak Houses, located in Mary Street, (by the Guinness Brewery), it offers an a La Carte menu with a wide choice of flamed grilled Steaks to suit everyone’s taste, as well as a fine selection of seafood. Savannah Steak House is a stylish African/Savannah themed restaurant with a comfortable setting and friendly atmosphere. The Restaurant can seat up to 68 people, and caters for large & small parties with bar & wine licence. A visit to Savannah Steak House is highly recommended. Booking advisable. Children & Vegetarian menus available. [Mon-Sun 5.30-10pm; Lunch: Sun 12.30-3pm; Early Bird Menu: 5.30-7pm (Mon-Thurs)]

• 'The Wine Vault High Street, Tel: 051 853444 Web: [10] The ideal combination of wonderfully prepared fresh food, superb wine in the perfect setting; a beautifully restored 18th century bonded warehouse and wine vault. Find an excellent selection of quality meat and vegetarian dishes as well as freshly caught seafood offered daily. The warm cheerful restaurant makes a perfect setting for a fun relaxing meal. For quieter romantic dinners, a candlelit table in the historic wine vault below can be arranged.

• Zaks at Athenaeum House Hotel Christendom, Ferrybank, Tel: 051 833999 Athenaeum's signature restaurant Zaks, overlooking Waterford city, offers superb cuisine in chic & elegant surroundings. An ideal venue for entertaining friends, associates or simply a get away from the stress of everyday life. Zaks is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner with music from their resident pianist every Saturday night.

[edit] Drink

Waterford has a vibrant nightlife boasting many fine pubs, nightclubs and music venues. Around The Applemarket and John st. is where most of the nightlife is to be found.

• International DJ's and bands regularly play in Ten on John st.

• The Forum in the Glen and The Bowery beside Reginald's Tower hold regular electro and indie club nights. The Forum also regualarly holds many live acts, theatre productions and plays.

• Oxegen and Ruby's are two night clubs situated on the corner of Parnell st. and John st. these play the usual nightclub music and are populated by the younger mainly student crowd.

[edit] Sleep

• Waterford Castle, [11]
• Dunbrody Country House, [12]
• Marlfield House, [13]
• Whites hotel, [14]
• Whitford House Hotel, [15]

[edit] Get out

• The Comeragh Mountains are one of Ireland's best kept secrets. Here you will find hill walks of all kinds with spectacular views, hidden lakes, pretty valleys, wild waterfalls and rocky crags. Some of the larger tracks are suitable for mountain biking. Powers the Pot camp site high in the Comeragh Mountains is good for camping or caravanning. They also do wonderful home cooked meals in their little bar.
• Dunmore East is a working fishing village about 10 miles from Waterford City. With views across to Hook head, the scenery can be breathtaking. Dunmore East was recently (2005) home to one of the main events of the 2005 Tall Ships Race. The start of the race was hosted by Waterford City, with the bay around Dunmore East holding over 50 antique tall ships. Well worth a visit to anyone who goes to the south-east of Ireland.
• The coast of Waterford is scenic and varied and is still very unspoiled. There are cliffs, sandy beaches and sea-caves. The stretch between the towns of Tramore and Dungarvan is called the Copper Coast. See the Copper Coast geopark website at [16].
• Tramore, Clonea and Armore are known for their fine, long sandy beaches.
• The beaches at Bonmahon, Clonea, and Dunmore East have Blue flag status

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