In our Irish county guide series, we share our top tips, tricks and picks when visiting each Irish county. First up, is Waterford.
Waterford celebrated it’s 111th birthday last year in 2025, marking it Ireland’s oldest city. For the history buffs, it is Ireland’s oldest city as it was established as a permanent, fortified Viking settlement in 914 AD, which it then went on to become a major trading hub, outdoing other Irish cities like Dublin or Cork.
Today, the town and wider county is still bustling with energy, excitement and culture. Save this useful guide if you’re planning a trip anytime soon.
Where to stay
Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate
At Mount Congreve you have three stay options – you can sleep under the stars in one of their off-grid bell tents, you can have a cosy cabin experience in one of their eco-friendly Forest Cabins or enjoy some luxury in one of their restored Gate Lodges and elegant Courtyard Suite. This spot is perfect whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with the family or if you have a fury friend in tow as there’s a room for every need. Forest cabins can sleep up to four people while a number of the Gate Lodges is dog friendly. Prices start from €300.
Cliff House Hotel
If you’re really looking to spoil yourself during your Waterford stay, Cliff House Hotel is the perfect place to do it. Regarded as one of the finest small luxury, five-star hotels in Ireland, Cliff House Hotel is a 39-room Irish seaside boutique hotel in the fishing village of Ardmore. You can expect incredible views as the hotel itself is located on a cliff on the south side of Ardmore Bay. Inside you can expect the same wow factor as you relax in the spa, retire to your luxurious bedroom and if you get peckish there’s a one Michelin-star restaurant downstairs too. Prices start from €289.
Fitzwilton Hotel
Experience Ireland’s oldest city the right way by staying in the hub of activity in the Fitzwilton Hotel. They’re the proud recipient of the Irish Hotel Awards’ City Hotel of the Year (Munster) 2025, and for good reason. Think of it as a home away from home, the hotel blends character and comfort with convenience. Located just a short walk from Waterford City Centre’s main shopping and cultural landmarks, it’s also a 5-minute cycle from the start of the Waterford Greenway and conveniently close to all major transport hubs. Prices start at €342.
The Hat Maker Boutique Hotel
Inn the heart of Dungarvan, you’ll find The Hat Maker Boutique Hotel. Opening their doors in 2025, this new local gem has a welcoming atmosphere and neighbourhood feel, celebrating the town’s heritage and creativity. Together with interior designer Anne Kirby, they have reimagined the space after spending months travelling Ireland and the UK, scouring antique markets for furniture and art to suit each room. Staying here is in experience in itself as each space its own unique voice. Think plush super-king beds dressed in soft Irish linens, characterful antique and contemporary finds, and Irish-sourced furniture give the rooms an eclectic, lived-in, maximalist elegance that feels both luxurious and warmly familiar. Prices start from €200.
Other accommodation includes:
Where to eat
Restaurants
Momo Restaurant (fresh and healthy cuisine)
UNioN Wine Bar and Kitchen (for a fancy affair)
East Pier (for fish and chips takeaway)
The Reg (for casual and set dining)
The Riverside Cottage (for a taste of home)
The Munster Room (for fine dining)
Mara (award winning fine dining)
AndChips (boujee fish and chips)
360 cookhouse (hearty food and cocktails)
The Tannery (2026 is your last chance to visit this iconic restaurant as it will shut its doors on 1 January 2027)
Coffee
Signal Box Coffee
Dún Artisan Bakery
Coach House Coffee
The Railway Cottage
Seagull Bakery
Pubs
Geoff’s Cafe Bar
J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer
Tully’s Bar
The Gingerman
Merrys Gastro Pub
What to do
The Waterford Greenway
What better way to see the county than cycling it? The route spans 46km and is achievable for all skill levels. Cycle along the coastline as you follow old railway lines from lively Waterford city, through the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and finishing up in the harbour town of Dungarvan. If you don’t fancy the cycle home you can grab the bus back to Waterford from Dungarvan town.
Take in the culture
If you find yourself in Waterford on a rainy afternoon which rules out most of the outdoor activities, there is plenty to do indoors in Waterford city. Home to some incredible museums, you can check out Waterford Treasure’s museums such as the Medieval Museum, the Irish Wake Museum, or the King Of The Vikings Museum. If the weather happens to clear up in the meantime, there are also walking tours for you to enjoy as you learn more about the city and wider county and its history.
Endorfin Sauna
Treat your tired muscles after a day cycling Waterford The Greenway at this Scandinavian mobile sauna, located on Dunabrattin Pier. 45 minutes slots start at €15. If sauna’s aren’t thing, you can float in a seaweed bath at Sólás Na Mara.
Anything else I should know?
Waterford City is accessible by public transport with a central bus station on the quay, regional bus services like Bus Éireann and JJ Kavanagh and a train station.
If you fancy giving The Greenway a go, you can rent a bike in Waterford from many different bike hire companies such as Dungarvan Greenway Bike Hire.
