Waterford Key Attractions

Waterford is one of Irelands oldest cities, founded by the Vikings in 900. As a result of the long and rich history, the city has a wealth of historic attractions as well as lots of charm and an atmospheric appeal.

Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre

Since its origins with the citys first factory in 1783, Waterford Crystal has been the iconic craft that has put the city into the mind of the world, and the Visitor's Centre is the premier place to discover its history and beauty. The centre maintains the worlds largest display of Waterford Crystal including famous designs such as those by Marquis by Waterford, Stuart Crystal, Rosenthal, Wedgwood and John Rocha at Waterford. The centre also offers a tour of the production process as well as an overview of the evolution of glassmaking.

Waterford Treasures at the Granary

This museum details the citys history through modern exhibits utilising colour and sound to illustrate Waterfords days as a Viking outpost up to the 19th century. Also, dont forget to visit the exhibition gallery and its top-class restaurant.

Christ Church Cathedral

This impressive cathedral in the centre of Waterford City has been hailed as Irelands finest 18th century ecclesiastical building. The site earlier housed a medieval church and then a Gothic-styled one. Today, the church is still a primary place of worship for Waterford. It is also a first-class musical venue renowned for its acoustics, and international musical acts have recently played in the church. Its famous pipe organ is in restoration. Visitors who wish to contribute to the restoration can have their name engraved on it.

Reginalds Tower

Standing over to protect the Quays of Waterford, Reginalds Tower is the oldest urban civic building in Ireland and a strategic landmark of Waterford. The original tower was a Viking garrison that dated back to the 10th century, and the current wide, circular structure was made in the early 13th century with a second phase added in the 15th century. It is said that after losing the Battle of the Boyne, Englands King James II climbed atop Reginalds Tower to gaze back at his kingdom before his exile in France. The tower was also formerly a mint, prison, military store and a home to Waterfords chief constable.

Faithlegg Forest Walk

A variety of flora and fauna can be spotted on the Faithlegg Forest Walk, which covers Minawn Hill, a landscape from where you can see Waterford City to the south and the west; the Suir, Nore and Barrow rivers to the north; and Passage East to the east. This area is home to foxes, badgers, rabbits and several types of songbirds as well as geological forms that date back 450 million years.

Walking Tours of Waterford City

For a colourful inside look into Waterford Citys past, take a one-hour walking tour with a seasoned storyteller. Tours are available to take you through the major sights including two cathedrals and four national monuments. The ambulatory historian Jack Burtchaell, is the 2002 national recipient of the Irish Touring Guide Award.

Waterford Municipal Art Gallery

Housed in an early 19th century church that blends and crosses Victorian and Gothic revival style, this gallery was formerly the home of the Waterford Methodists. It now holds the Municipal Art Collection, with works from eminent Irish artists such as Louis Le Brocquy, Charles Lamb and Jack B Yeats.