Road tripping around Waterford gives you the freedom to see more of the county at your own pace. You are not tied to timetables. You can stop where you like, stay longer where it suits, and take in both the city and the coastline in one trip. If you are planning a short break or a longer stay, this guide will help you map out a simple and realistic route.
Start in Waterford City
Waterford City is a good base before you head out on the road. You can pick up coffee, fuel up, and get a feel for the area before driving further.
Key stops in the city:
- Waterford Treasures Museums A group of museums that cover Viking history, medieval life, and more. You can dip in and out depending on time.
- The Viking Triangle Compact and easy to walk. Good for a short wander before you start driving.
- Reginald’s Tower One of the most recognisable landmarks in the city.
Drive the Copper Coast
The Copper Coast is one of the strongest parts of any Waterford road trip. It stretches for around 25 kilometres and gives you a mix of cliffs, beaches, and small villages.
What to expect:
- Quiet roads and easy driving
- Plenty of places to pull in and stop
- Views that change quickly as you move along the coast
Top stops along the way:
- Tramore A busy seaside town with a long beach. Good for a walk or quick lunch.
- Annestown Beach Smaller and quieter. Worth stopping if you want a break from crowds.
- Bunmahon A former mining village. There is a beach and a short cliff walk.
Head towards Dungarvan
From the Copper Coast, continue towards Dungarvan. This town works well as a midpoint in your road trip.
Things to do in Dungarvan:
- Walk around the harbour
- Grab food in one of the local cafés or restaurants
- Take a short stroll along the Waterford Greenway
Dungarvan is a good place to pause and reset before continuing. If you are tight on time, you could turn back here. If not, keep going.
Explore the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway runs for around 46 kilometres from Waterford City to Dungarvan. You do not need to cycle the full route to enjoy it.
Options for your trip:
- Rent a bike and do a short section
- Walk part of the trail
- Stop at one of the access points for photos
Highlights include:
- Old railway bridges
- Tunnels cut through rock
- Views of countryside and coast
Visit Lismore
If you want to add something different, drive inland to Lismore. It is about 30 minutes from Dungarvan and gives you a quieter, more rural feel.
What to see:
- Lismore Castle
You can view the exterior and walk nearby gardens. - Local cafés and small shops
Good for a slower pace and a break from driving.
This stop works well if you want to mix coast with countryside.
Where to stay in Waterford
After a full day of road tripping around Waterford, you will want somewhere comfortable to return to The Viking Hotel Waterford. The hotel gives you a practical base just outside the city.
Why it works for a road trip:
- Easy access to main roads in and out of the city
- Free parking, which makes coming and going simple
- Spacious rooms where you can relax after a long drive
- On site dining, so you do not need to head back out again
You are close enough to the city to enjoy it, but far enough out to avoid traffic when starting your drive.
Sample one day route
If you want a simple plan, use this:
- Start in Waterford City for a short walk
- Drive to Tramore and stop for coffee
- Continue along the Copper Coast with 2 to 3 stops
- Arrive in Dungarvan for lunch
- Visit a section of the Waterford Greenway
- Optional detour to Lismore
- Return to Waterford in the evening
This keeps things realistic and avoids rushing.
Road tripping around Waterford is straightforward and worth doing. The distances are short, the roads are manageable, and there is enough variety to keep things interesting. You get coast, towns, and countryside all within a single day.
If you keep your plan flexible and give yourself time to stop, you will get more from the trip. Book the Viking Hotel Waterford as your base, and you can explore the county without overthinking it. Book direct for our best available rates!
