Waterford

Day 1: The Viking Triangle and medieval heart

Begin in Ireland’s oldest city where everything is within an easy stroll. Today is about atmosphere as much as artefacts—stone towers, quiet cloisters, and lanes that still follow Viking lines. If you’re here in peak season, prebook tickets and aim for an early start.

• Morning: Start at Reginald’s Tower on the Quays; arrive for opening to avoid queues and enjoy river-lit photos from the top. Note the tight spiral stairs (not wheelchair accessible) and that entry is free on OPW First Wednesdays; afterwards, stroll the Quays for classic skyline views.
• Midday: Dive into the Medieval Museum for the Choristers’ Hall, Mayor’s Wine Vault, the Great Charter Roll and the cloth-of-gold vestments; then step next door to the Bishop’s Palace for Georgian elegance. The “Freedom of Waterford” ticket covers both and saves money—break for lunch around Cathedral Square.
• Afternoon: Visit Christ Church Cathedral (ask about the medieval crypt and surviving Norman pillar) and then follow surviving city walls via Spring Garden Alley to the French, Double and Beach Towers (best angles from Jenkins’ Lane). Slip into the roofless French Church (Greyfriars) for a quiet pause—treat it respectfully as consecrated ground.
• Evening: Join the Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle or book the immersive King of the Vikings VR (reserve ahead in summer). Finish with golden-hour photos of Reginald’s Tower from Rice Bridge, then dinner by the river and a relaxed “stroll the quays” like the locals.

Day 2: Hidden gems, timepieces and living heritage

Slow the pace and trace subtler stories woven through lanes and squares. You’ll find small ruins tucked in everyday streets, superb clocks in a Gothic church, and viewpoints that reward patience and good light. If it’s wet, this is a great museum day.

• Morning: Explore the Irish Museum of Time on Greyfriars Street—an exceptional collection in a beautifully repurposed church. Wander to St Olaf’s Church tower on St Olaf’s Street (a rare pre-Norman remnant) and look for metal “murage” lines in pavements marking excavated medieval buildings.
• Midday: Meander the lanes of the Viking Triangle (Bakehouse Lane, Apple Market) and along Henrietta Street for handsome Georgian frontages; grab lunch at a café tucked off the main streets. Ask museum staff about any pop-up talks or short themed tours running that day.
• Afternoon: Walk more of the city walls from behind the Bishop’s Palace; spot blue plaques and integrated wall fragments in modern buildings. Loop back via The Mall to see Luke Wadding’s statue, then head to the Quays for long riverscape shots—clouds and reflections are best in late light.
• Evening: In summer, check for Spraoi events and outdoor music; in winter, Winterval lights transform the historic core. Settle into a pub for trad music or a contemporary bistro; if crowds are heavy, book later seatings (after 20:00) for a calmer experience.

Day 3: Day trip to Ardmore and Dungarvan

Venture into County Waterford to complete the story beyond the city walls. Early Christian monasteries and a Norman coastal stronghold show how faith, trade and defence shaped the region. A car offers flexibility, but public transport plus short taxis can work.

• Morning: Drive to Ardmore (about 1 hour) for the monastic site: the superb round tower, Romanesque cathedral with carved panels, Ogham stones and St Declan’s Oratory. If weather allows, take a short section of the cliff walk for sea views before heading west.
• Midday: Continue to Dungarvan for lunch on the square or by the harbour; try local seafood when in season. Factor in a leisurely hour to simply watch the working bay—light and tide change the scene quickly.
• Afternoon: Visit Dungarvan Castle (OPW; check seasonal hours) to see its rare polygonal shell keep and harbour-facing defences. Browse the waterfront and, if you’re driving, take the scenic route back via bayside pull-ins for photos; otherwise return to Waterford by late afternoon.
• Evening: Back in the city, toast your final night with a walk through softly lit Cathedral Square and the Viking Triangle. Book a late table and, if you’ve an extra hour, pop back to the French Church for night photography—stone textures glow under warm lighting.

Tips that help across all days:

• Book popular experiences (King of the Vikings VR, guided Epic Tour) in advance June–August; off-season offers quieter museums and moody, atmospheric photos.
• Surfaces are often cobbled and slippery when wet; wear sturdy shoes. Reginald’s Tower has narrow stairs; the Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace have lifts.
• Consider the “Freedom of Waterford” ticket for best value, and remember OPW First Wednesday free entry applies at Reginald’s Tower.

By Air

• Dublin Airport (DUB): ~170 km; 2–2.5 hrs by car via M50/M9. Direct coaches to Waterford (typically 2.5–3.5 hrs) operated by Expressway, JJ Kavanagh & Sons, and Dublin Coach.
• Cork Airport (ORK): ~120–130 km; 1.5–2 hrs by car via N25. Coach options via Cork city (usually 2.5–3 hrs with a change).
• Shannon Airport (SNN): ~170–190 km; 2.5–3 hrs by car via N24/M8. Coach options via Limerick (about 3.5–4.5 hrs with changes).
• Waterford Airport: no scheduled passenger flights.

By Train

• Irish Rail runs direct services between Dublin Heuston and Waterford Plunkett (about 2h15–2h30; roughly every 2 hours).
• Waterford–Limerick Junction line (via Clonmel) operates limited daily services, with onward connections for Cork, Limerick and Galway.
• Waterford Plunkett Station is on the north bank of the River Suir, about a 10–15 minute walk to the city centre across Rice Bridge.

By Bus

• Main stop: Waterford Bus Station on The Quay (plus central roadside stops).
• Frequent direct coaches to/from Dublin city and Dublin Airport (typically 2.5–3.5 hrs) by Expressway (Route 4), JJ Kavanagh & Sons and Dublin Coach.
• Regional links with Cork, Wexford/Rosslare, Kilkenny and Limerick (Bus Éireann and others). Typical times: Cork 2–2.5 hrs; Kilkenny 45–60 mins; Rosslare 1.5–2 hrs.

By Car

• From Dublin: M50/M9 via Carlow and Kilkenny (about 2–2.5 hrs).
• From Cork: N25 eastbound (about 1.5–2 hrs).
• From Limerick: N24 via Tipperary/Clonmel (about 2–2.5 hrs).
• Note: the N25 Waterford Bypass includes a tolled section.

By Ferry

• Rosslare Europort (services from Britain and France) is about 1–1.5 hrs by car via N25. Bus links operate between Rosslare/Wexford and Waterford.