Waterford Introduction
Perched on the southern banks of the River Suir, Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and was once one of the most vital harbours in Europe. It's an important part of the Irish Ancient East, with centuries-old buildings offering a glimpse into the country's medieval past. Nature doesn't take a backseat here – the Waterford Greenway offers great vantage points of the beautiful coastline and gently rolling green fields. Waterford is also home to world-famous glassware and the annual summertime Spraoi Festival, when crowds throng the streets to enjoy outdoor music and parades.
Hotels in Waterford
The city offers a good selection of hotels that fit every taste and budget. If you're seeking high-end accommodation, you can expect luxury hotels in Waterford to provide you with amenities to make for a comfortable holiday. Upscale 4-star lodgings range from a 17th-century castle hotel with opulently furnished guestrooms, a leafy garden with deer roaming about and a golf course, to more modern establishments offering a selection of adjoining rooms, elegant restaurants and bars, and in some cases, indoor pools and full-service spas. If you're on a tight budget and don't mind basic accommodations, you can choose from discount Waterford hotels and guesthouses where the perks can include free Wi-Fi and outdoor areas for barbecues.
Where to stay in Waterford
Waterford provides a good number of places to stay, each featuring something interesting to see and do. The Merchants Quay area, west of the city centre, is one such place. Here you'll find some of Waterford's most iconic hotels, situated within easy reach of pubs and taverns where you can feast on seafood pie and down a glass of Irish whiskey. Or try the Viking Triangle area, home to some of Waterford's historic landmarks and cultural attractions and within walking distance of the trendy shops and boutiques of John Robert Square. There are also a few hotels in the Ballytruckle area, close to casual dining spots and grocery shops.
Things to see in Waterford
Waterford isn't just Ireland's oldest city, it's also where you can find the country's oldest urban civic building:
Reginald's Tower. Also known as the Dundory Tower and the Ring Tower, it's believed to be the first Irish building to use mortar. At various points in its long history, the tower has functioned as a mint, a prison and a military storehouse.
Christ Church Cathedral is another notable historical landmark. Described as one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the country, it's the site of the 1170 wedding of Richard de Clare (Strongbow), who led the Norman forces invading Ireland, and Aoife, daughter of the Leinster king Dermot McMurrough. No visit to Waterford is complete without stopping by the
House of Waterford Crystal. This gleaming, modern building in the heart of the city belies a centuries-old tradition that continues to produce some of the world's best crystalware.
How to get to Waterford
Waterford Airport, a mere 15-minute drive from the city centre, receives travellers flying in from a select number of UK cities. Farther away are the international airports of Dublin (158 kilometres), Shannon (153 kilometres) and Cork (126 kilometres). Car hire isn't available at Wexford Airport, but if you book a car with a rental agency beforehand, you'll be picked up at the airport upon your arrival. Alternatively, you can take a taxi outside the terminal or use Bus Éireann's services, whose Waterford City bus terminal is located on the quayside. Waterford is also connected by Irish Rail's services to major cities in Ireland.
