Waterford is a bustling, friendly city of 53,504 inhabitants located on the south coast of Ireland. It is the fifth-largest city in the country.
A thousand years of history can be seen in Waterford’s medieval streets. The popular tourist spot welcomes visitors from all over the world to learn about its Viking heritage and to take part in many of the cultural festivals held throughout the year (e..g Spraoi, Waterford Festival of Food, Waterford Walls Urban Art Festival, Imagine Arts Festival, Winterval etc.).
Waterford is famed for its beautiful location and proximity to stunning beaches and mountains.
With the Greenway cycle track linking the whole county, the city is also a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Although the city of Waterford has the relaxed feel of a small town, it is the administrative centre of Ireland’s southeast. It has a full complement of amenities and facilities, including the University Hospital and the third-level Waterford Institute of Technology, with over 10,000 students.
Waterford’s vibrant cultural centre ensures that students and visitors can choose from a wide range of restaurants, bars and cultural events where they can integrate and make new friends in Ireland’s oldest city.
Most popular tourist attractions and things to do and see in Waterford
- Activate – climbing, bowling and laser tag.
- Amusement Park in Tramore.
- Central Arts.
- Garter Lane Arts Centre.
- Goma Gallery of Modern Art.
- Kilbarry Park – sports park.
- Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore.
- Mount Congreve.
- The Great Escape (Escape room).
- Theatre Royal.
- Tramore Beach.
- Waterford Greenway (cycling path from Waterford to Dungarvan).
Most important events and festivals in Waterford
- Waterford Festival of Food, Dungarvan (April).
- Waterford City Artbeat/Summer in the city (June to August).
- Promenade Festival, Tramore (July to September).
- Spraoi International Street Arts Festival (August bank holiday weekend).
- Daytripper – music festival (one weekend in August).
- Waterford Walls (one weekend in August).
- Waterford Harvest Festival (one weekend in September).
- Culture Night (September).
- Imagine Arts Festival (October).
- Waterford Film Festival (November).
- Christmas Festival Winterval (mid-November to Christmas).
Most famous sights in Waterford
- Bishop’s Palace.
- Edmund Rice Heritage Centre.
- House of Waterford Crystal Tour.
- King of the Vikings.
- Medieval Museum.
- Reginald’s Tower.
- Viking Triangle.
- VR Viking experience in the heart of Waterford city.
Why Waterford is the best city to live and study English
- Waterford is the oldest Irish city embracing a vibrant social & cultural scene along with historical sites such as Bishop’s Palace, Medieval Museum and newly established The King of the Vikings.
- Waterford City is between Comeragh Mountains, with stunning beaches and coastlines offering the best from both sides – breathtaking nature and new lifestyle possibilities.