Begin at Waterford Bus Station (Plunkett Station), a central hub near the quay, with a modern facade that nods to the city’s bustling trade history. Head north (5-minute walk) to The Quay, Waterford’s vibrant waterfront along the River Suir. Pop into The Gingerman on Arundel Square, just off The Quay, for a quick coffee or artisan scone, its cosy, retro vibe and local brews are a perfect start.
Stroll east (10 minutes) to The Viking Triangle, the historic heart of Waterford, founded by Vikings in 914. Visit the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre on The Mall, where you can see artisans craft sparkling glassware, a nod to the city’s 18th-century legacy. For a cheap, hearty lunch, head to The Reg on The Mall, a lively pub known for its fresh fish and chips or creamy chowder. Arrive by 12:30 PM to beat the crowds, as it’s a no-reservations hotspot with a 19th-century ambiance.
Continue north (5 minutes) to Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest civic building, a 13th-century stone fortress housing a small Viking museum. A quick visit (entry €5, under 10 minutes) offers a glimpse of Waterford’s Norse roots.
. The tower’s riverside setting, with views of the Suir, adds a scenic touch.
Head west (10-minute walk) along Barronstrand Street to John Street and Geoff’s Bar, a beloved local haunt since 1981 with a quirky, traditional vibe. Grab a pint or a quick bite like their signature loaded potato skins in a no-bookings setting. Its warm, wood-panelled interior feels straight out of Waterford’s storied past.
Walk south (10 minutes) to O’Connell Street and the Christ Church Cathedral, an 18th-century Georgian masterpiece with elegant arches and stained glass. A brief stop (donations appreciated) offers a serene moment. The nearby Medieval Museum, part of the Viking Triangle, is worth a glance for its 13th-century choristers’ hall.
Continue west (10-minute walk) to John’s River and Carter’s Chocolate Café on High Street for a hot chocolate or coffee, served in a charming setting with views of the city’s historic lanes. Browse the nearby Book Centre, a quirky independent shop, for a touch of local culture.
End your tour (10-minute walk) at the House of Waterford Crystal or the nearby Bishop’s Palace, a Georgian treasure housing a museum of 18th-century artefacts, from glassware to silver. Its rich exhibits provide a cultural capstone. If time allows, grab a classic 99 ice cream cone from a vendor like The Coffee Dock on The Quay to enjoy by the river’s edge.
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Population of towns in county Waterford
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
.How the county got its name
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Waterford:
Ireland’s county Waterford is steeped in Viking and medieval history, with Waterford City’s Reginald’s Tower and Viking Triangle showcasing ancient artefacts. The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark, offers dramatic coastal walks, while the Lismore Castle gardens provide serene beauty. Other attractions include the beaches of Tramore and historic Dunmore East. Waterford is Ireland’s 21st largest county by size (1,838 square km) and 20th largest by population (127,363). Population peaked at 196,187 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 71,439 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Waterford is Ireland’s ninth most visited tourist county with around 225,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching –– Camping –Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
