Attractions
House of Waterford (Crystal)
Since its foundation by the Penrose family in 1783, Waterford has represented the finest level of quality and craftsmanship. Founded in Ireland in the city of Waterford, Waterford crystal has become an icon of Irish lifestyle. Discover our heritage and craft by visiting House of Waterford's unique factory tour and retail experience where you can stand alongside master craftspeople and explore Waterford's flagship store.
Mount Congreve Gardens
Nestled in County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is celebrated as one of the Great Gardens of the World. Featuring plants from every continent, these breathtaking gardens promise beauty in every season. Explore the estate's rich history, home to six generations of the Congreve family, & 18th-century Mount Congreve House by architect John Roberts. Stay in serene accommodations blending natural beauty with quiet luxury, including off-grid bell tents, eco-friendly Forest Cabins, & elegant Gate Lodges or the Courtyard Suite, all featuring FOXFORD bedding for a peaceful retreat. Relax at the Stables Café with fresh, locally sourced meals, & browse the FOXFORD gift shop for unique, estate-inspired gifts. Just 10km from Waterford & on Waterford Greenway, Mount Congreve Gardens offers world-class gardens, family-friendly facilities like a woodland playground, & a haven for nature lovers. As featured in The New York Times & Condé Nast Traveller.
Waterford Treasures & The Viking Triangle
Step back into medieval Waterford as you begin your tour at the 13th-century Choristers' Hall and 15th-century Wine Vault, where you'll be wowed by some of the greatest treasures of medieval Ireland, including the magnificent Great Charter Roll—viewed by HM King Charles III and the Queen Consort—and the stunning 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments. This journey unfolds in the Waterford Viking Triangle, the cultural and historic heart of Ireland's oldest city, where Vikings first settled in 914 A.D. A tranquil place of narrow streets, historic architecture, and atmospheric public spaces, it offers over 1,000 years of history in just 1,000 paces, inviting you to explore three world-class museums (Viking, Medieval, and Georgian), nine national monuments—including a 13th-century underground wine vault—the home of Waterford Crystal, and an array of craft studios, cafés, and excellent gift shops in this compact and authentically charming location.
Reginald’s Tower
For over 800 years, this tower—once described as ‘a massive hinge of stone connecting the two outstretched wings of the city’—has stood in continuous use, never falling into ruin. Originally the site of a Viking fort, it was the Anglo-Normans who built the stone structure as the strongest point in Waterford’s medieval walls, later serving as a mint under King John and a store for weapons, gunpowder, and cannons throughout the city’s turbulent history. Today, visitors can climb the spiral stairs past the remains of a 19th-century prison cell and Viking artefacts to reach two floors of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, which showcase the city’s thrilling Viking heritage.
Get Active in Ireland's Ancient East with a River Cruise
Experience Ireland’s Ancient East where vibrant history and modern life meet. Enjoy memorable food experiences, wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns and explore the gorgeous gardens of this scenic region.
