Skip to content Skip to footer

Waterford

GUIDES

Waterford

One of Ireland’s oldest cities Waterford, was established by the Vikings in the 10th century.

Norman invaders arrived in the 12th century.

King Henry II of England landed in 1171, declaring Waterford a royal city. After the Protestant Reformation, Waterford remained a Catholic city and participated in the an independent Catholic government from 1642 to 1649 known as the Confederation of Kilkenny which Cromwell ended.

The 18th century was a prosperous time for the city evidence of which can still be seen in the architecture of the city today.

The world famous Waterford Crystal was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009.

The story of the city can be found in the Waterford Museum of Treasures, the Viking Triangle and the House of Waterford Crystal, all within close walking distance to where we dock.

WATERFORD

Explore the city.

Enjoy a ramble around the old town known as the Viking Triangle or explore the shops along the Quays, in City Square Shopping Centre, George’s Court Shopping Centre and Broad St, where you will find a mixture of well-known high street retailers, department stores and small independant boutiques catering for everyone.

A close-up of an intricately engraved glass showing a detailed image of a sailing ship with tall masts and sails. A tool is poised at the glass's surface, suggesting ongoing engraving work.
Three people at a food stall with various dishes and olive oil bottles. A woman and a man in red examine the dishes while another man in a green shirt stands behind the counter. Decorative blue flowers and bunting are in the background.
WATERFORD

House of Waterford Crystal.

Just a few minutes walk from where we dock is the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre.

See the whole process that goes into creating these spectacular pieces form blowing the hot molten glass to, shaping and sculpting the final piece. To book a tour visit: waterfordvisitorcentre.com

WATERFORD

The Viking Triangle.

Step back in time into Waterford’s old town where you will find lots of craft studios, small shops and cafés as well as the Medieval Museum, The Bishop’s Palace and Reginald’s Tower.

Immerse yourself in Viking times through the world’s first virtual reality Viking experience set in a purpose-built traditional Viking house.

For more information please see Waterford Viking Triangle – Visit Waterford

A group of cyclists rides down a paved country road lined with green trees and bushes. In the background, rolling hills under a partly cloudy blue sky are visible. The scene is bright and rural.
Aerial view of a town with historic architecture. A tall church steeple dominates the foreground, surrounded by colorful buildings. A river winds through the background, with green hills beyond. The scene is under an overcast sky.
WATERFORD

The Waterford Greenway.

The start of the Waterford Greenway, a dedicated 46 kilometre car-free route from Waterford City to Dungarvan town in West Waterford, is at Grattan Quay, less than 100m beyond Rice Bridge.

For more information, please see:

The Waterford Greenway – Visit Waterford Bicycle rental is available in the city from various providers.

Please see the following websites for more details:

The Premium Bike Hire

Company Waterford

Greenway Bike Hire

Logo of Ireland's Ancient East featuring an artistic spiral motif in warm orange and yellow tones next to the text "Ireland's Ancient East" in capital letters.