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Waterford
Accommodation Guide:
Bed & Breakfast Guide.
Campsite Guide.
Caravan Parks Guide.
Farmhouse Guide.
Guesthouse Guide.
Hotel Guide to Waterford.
Hostels Guide.
Waterford Equestrian centres.

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Introducing Waterford and its Landscape

Waterford can be divided, in terms of character and atmosphere, into several remarkably different experiences.

There is the Viking/Norman City of Waterford, with its colour, distinctly medieval flavour and riverside bustle.  Old walls contain a history which is at once fierce and inspiring, while the modern city offers sophisticated fashion stores and boutiques, great restaurants and a night life to satisfy every taste.

The peninsulas each side of the country, capped by Brownstown Head in the east and Helvic Head in the west, have the same breezy, invigorating atmosphere and charming fishing villages, but are quite different in character.  The distinctly Celtic and Irish speaking area in the west will introduce the visitor to a unique taste of old Irish culture in a wonderfully wild landscape.  The eastern peninsula is more reminiscent of Norman and English influences, with it wood-clad hills and sheltered coves.

The Comeragh/Monavullagh range of mountains, together with the Knockmealdowns, convey a remoteness which encourages exploration; yet they are immediately accessible both in terms of their height and the time taken to get there from any part of the country.  Her, nature is allowed full expression in a marvellously unspoiled environment.

The coast between the two peninsulas shows yet another aspect of this remarkably beautiful and varied country.  The vibrant, modern, fun packed resort of Tranmore sits next to Brownstown Head and contrasts with the coastal cliffs and quiet coves which stretch westwards, culminating in the broad and glorious sweep of Dungarvan Bay, contained by Helvic Head in the west.

Two beautiful rivers, the Suir and the Blackwater, give yet another colour to this rainbow of fabulous experiences.  Each forge an elegant path through valleys adorned with castles and wooded hills, ensuring visual excitement along their respective courses.  Both are renowned angling rivers, where wild game and coarse fish offer a rewarding pursuit to visiting anglers.

The incredibly diverse landscape is remarkable when one considers that the country is just 82km from east to west and 44km, north to south.  Here is Ireland in microcosm.  The visitor can savour a range of landscape experiences without having to travel huge distances, leaving time to pause often and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the people.

Historic River Valleys

The river valleys of the Sunny South-East are repositories for fascinating historic sites of national importance.  It is easy to evoke the past on these water highways where ancient forts, castles and great houses preside over strategic crossings and the hinterland is largely undisturbed and unspoiled.

The valleys of the Nire, Suit and the Blackwater are featured on three of the tours in this book.  Further east in the region is the wonderful richness and many visitor attractions in the valleys of the Nore, Barrow and Slaney.

These major river valleys of the south-east provide an historical record combined with a host of visual and sporting attractions which will delight visitors to the countries of Waterford, South Tipperary, Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow.

Waterford for Action

It will become obvious through the pages of this book that Waterford is a paradise for all those who love sport and the great outdoors.  The country is blessed with a glorious environment where every sport can be enjoyed against a superb natural backdrop.

Water Sports

The magnificent beach at the popular resort of  Tramore, is complemented by fine sandy beaches, four of which Counsellor's Strand (Dunmore East), Bunmahon, Cloonea and Ardmore have won EU Blue Flag status. Other beaches and coves include Passage East, Woodstown, Fornaght Strand,    Kilfarassy, Annestown and Stradbally.  There is an adventure centre in Dunmore East.

Angling

The Waterford coastline and river estuaries provide excellent shore angling, whiles fully equipped sea angling boats are available on charter at Dunmore East and Dungarvan.

Game anglers will find the just rewarding along the Suir, Anner Clodiagh, Lingaun, Blackwater, Nire, Tar and Colligan rivers.  Five small Lakes in Comeraghs, and Glenahiry Lake, accessible from the Nire Valley, hold stocks of brown trout.  Bay Lough, near Clogheen and the reservoirs at Ballyshonock (near Kilmacthomas) and Knockaderry (near The Sweep, off Waterford-Cork road) also hold brown trout.  Cappoquin, a noted game angling centre, is also an excellent centre for the keen coarse angler.  Roach and dace fishing is good all year round on the River Blackwater.  Other species available include eel, perch, pike and tench.  Dromana Lake, near Villierstown, hold small rudd and tench.

Golf

Waterford has an embarrassment of riches in this ever-growing sport.  The 18 hole and 9 hole courses listed here are featured in the tours which follow and are complemented by par 3 and pitch and putt facilities.  Golf courses around Waterford City include Waterford Golf Club, Waterford Municipal Golf Course, Waterford Castle Golf & Country Club and Faithlegg Golf Club.  Golf Courses around Dungarvan are Dungarvan Golf Club, West Waterford Golf Club and Gold Coast & Leisure Hotel and Villas.  Tramore Golf Club and Dunmore East Golf & Country Club are also featured in this guide, as is Lismore's 9-hole course.

Golf on the Sunshine Circuit

The South-East Region has a total of 27, 18 hole golf clubs where both the serious and casual golfer can find enjoyment and a real challenge.  Year round golf is possible on most courses.

Equestrian

Enjoy the countryside, mountains, Valleys and beaches from the back of a horse.  The following equestrian centres are featured in this guide.  Centres near Waterford City are Pallas Equestrian Centre, Woodstown; Laketour Stables, Tramore; Callaghane Riding Centre, Callagane; Kilotteran Equestrian Centre, Kilotteran.  Other centres round the country are: Melody's Riding Stables, Ballymacarby; The Village Stables, Clonea (Power), Colligan Equestrian Centre, near Dungarvan, Finisk Valley Riding Centre, near Cappoquin.

Walking

Way-marked long-distance trails, mountain walks, old tow paths, forest trails, beaches, coastal walks, long or short, they're all here in Waterford.

Guided Walks are conducted from Checkpoint, Dungarvan and Ballymacarbry and there is a popular city walk in Waterford.

Nature

The Comeragh Mountains, the river valleys and the coast are havens for wildlife.  Flora thrives in the soft climate of the area and the clean environment encourages the growth of many wild flowers and shrubs.

Sailing

Pleasure craft may avail of a new 40 berth marina at Adelphi Quay in the heart of Waterford City or along the coast at the ports of Dunmore East and Dungarvan.

Horse Racing

The sport of kings and many, many Irish people.  Regular meetings are held at Tranmore in January, March and August and in Clonmel in February, March, May, June, September, November and December.

Greyhound Racing

Another Irish Passion.  Meetings are held weekly, twice weekly or three times a week, depending on season, in Waterford and Clonmel.

Tennis

There are tennis facilities available for visitors in Dungarvan, Dunmore East, Tramore and at a number of locations in Waterford City. 

Activity Festivals

See under Festivals & Events for activity-related festivals.