Day 1 in Waterford

Welcome to Waterford! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Waterford and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

You will most likely start your day pretty late, so let`s keep things light! Start your sightseeing right in the city centre by heading for The Viking Triangle. This area, once completely surrounded by defensive walls originally built by the Vikings, was a thriving settlement as early as 10th century. You can learn more about the Vikings and their impact on Waterford when you visit Reginald`s Tower, an 11th century defensive tower which now houses the collections of Treasures of Viking Waterford. End the day by taking in a show at Theatre Royal Waterford, the oldest continuously-operating theatre in the country, but not before you take time to pay respects to Luke Wadding, one of Ireland`s foremost religious and historical figures, by visiting his statue.

Day 2 in Waterford

Start your day at the Clock Tower, one of Waterford`s most recognizable landmarks. Another quintessential Waterford landmark is the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, which is the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in the Republic of Ireland. Take a look at two of the remaining defensive towers which once made up the extensive city walls of Medieval Waterford: Beach Tower and Double Tower.

Spend the early afternoon enjoying a picnic lunch at The People`s Park, the largest public park in the city, and follow up by people-watching at a nearby cycling trail or at the park`s new skateboarding area. Finally, wind down the afternoon with a drive out to Mount Congreve, a mansion featuring such amenities as a sprawling grounds, featuring an award-winning garden and lots of unique trees and plants.

Day 3 in Waterford

Wake up bright and early so you can be first in line at the House of Waterford Crystal. You will be able to see how Waterford crystal is hand-crafted and the process a crystal piece goes through before sale (the attached gift shop is the largest Waterford crystal retailer in the world!).

Learn all about the `Treasures of Medieval Waterford` and the `Treasures of Georgian Waterford` at the Medieval Museum and the Bishop`s Palace, respectively. In the first museum, tourists will be able to learn about Waterford`s history to the end of the 17th century, and the second museum starts where it left off, showcasing Waterford`s history from the years 1700 to roughly 1975.

Christ Church Cathedral, the city`s leading house of worship for adherents of the Church of Ireland, is a formidable Georgian structure sitting on land which has been devoted to churches for nearly 1,000 years. For the art lover in all of us, visit the old Methodist church, which has since been converted into a museum called the Greyfriars Municipal Art Gallery, a celebration of Irish art.

Additional Days in Waterford

The Ardmore High Cross, a very important site for Catholics (dating from the 300s), is located about 45 miles southwest of Waterford in the village of Ardmore, near the line with County Cork. St. Declan brought the word of Jesus Christ to Ireland before St. Patrick, and not only was it alleged that St. Declan preached to villagers here, he is also said to have been buried here. The 98-foot round tower is one of the few pieces left intact (apart from the cross itself). Travelers can spend hours walking through the ruins, which include a church and a cathedral.

About 40 miles west-southwest of Waterford sits Lismore Castle. Still owned by the Duke of Devonshire and his family, the Gothic reconstruction from the 19th century is the latest renovation for a building which dates from 1185. One of the most popular castles to serve as a tourist attraction in the Republic of Ireland, Lismore Castle consists of a west wing which is now an art gallery, as well as public gardens, one walled and one sprawling. It is possible to tour the castle interior on certain days but only with large groups; ask if such an arrangement is possible before you go.

Approximately 25 miles west of Waterford, Mahon Falls drops free-flowing water from the River Mahon 250 feet down into the Mahon River Valley, away from the Comeragh Mountains` plateau. For those of you who love nature, the Mahon Falls area is a delight. Hiking trails abound in the adjacent Comeragh Mountains, and whitewater rafters and kayakers from all over the world come to Mahon Falls to try their hand at the rapids. For those who love the outdoors, scenic Mahon Falls is an Irish treasure you`ll remember forever.

Your Last Day in Waterford

Depart your hotel for the airport that will take you home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.