Planning a break and looking for the best things to do in Waterford? Ireland’s oldest city offers historic attractions, coastal villages, walking routes, gardens and family activities. Book the Into the Blue package at The Viking Hotel Waterford and you can explore the county knowing your accommodation, breakfast and evening meal are taken care of.
The Viking Hotel Waterford is located just outside Waterford City, close to the N25 and M9. Free parking makes it easy to head into the city, follow the coast or plan a day trip through the countryside.
Here are some of the top things to do during your next visit to Waterford.
Book the Into the Blue Package
The Into the Blue package gives you a practical base for exploring Waterford. You can spend the day visiting local attractions before returning to The Viking Hotel Waterford for dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep.
The package includes:
- Overnight accommodation for two people
- A full Irish breakfast the following morning
- A two course evening meal
- Complimentary late checkout
Late checkout gives you more time to enjoy breakfast and prepare for another day of sightseeing. You can take a slower morning, revisit the city centre or fit in one final walk before travelling home.
With your accommodation and dining included, you can focus on planning the places you want to visit.
Explore the Viking Triangle
The Viking Triangle is a good place to begin your visit. This historic area of Waterford City brings together museums, landmarks, cafés and public spaces within a compact part of the city centre.
Reginald’s Tower is one of Waterford’s best known buildings. It has played an important role in the city’s history and remains a key part of Waterford’s Viking story.
Nearby, the Medieval Museum houses collections connected to Waterford’s past. You can also visit the Irish Museum of Time, the Irish Silver Museum and the Irish Wake Museum.
You do not need to visit every museum in one day. Choose the attractions that interest you most and leave time to walk through the surrounding streets, stop for coffee and enjoy the city at your own pace.
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal
The House of Waterford Crystal is one of the city’s main visitor attractions. The factory tour takes you through the different stages involved in making Waterford Crystal.
You can watch craftspeople shape, cut and finish pieces using skills that have been passed down through generations. The tour offers a closer look at the work behind the finished designs.
After the tour, browse the retail store or continue exploring the nearby Viking Triangle. Its city centre location makes it easy to combine both areas during one morning or afternoon.
Walk or Cycle the Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway runs for 46 km between Waterford City and Dungarvan. The route follows a former railway line through countryside, villages, tunnels and coastal areas.
You do not have to complete the entire route. Choose a shorter section based on your time and fitness level. Local providers offer standard bikes, electric bikes and family options.
Popular points along the route include:
- Mount Congreve Gardens
- Kilmeaden
- Kilmacthomas
- Ballyvoyle Tunnel
- Durrow Viaduct
- Dungarvan
The nearest Greenway access point to The Viking Hotel Waterford is at the SETU Arena, around 2.5 km from the hotel. Guests bringing their own bikes can use the hotel’s secure bike storage.
Return to the hotel after your cycle, freshen up and enjoy the evening meal included in the Into the Blue package.
Spend the Day in Tramore
Tramore is around 15 km from The Viking Hotel Waterford. The town has a long sandy beach, a promenade, cafés and activities for visitors of all ages.
You can walk along the beach, book a surf lesson or enjoy lunch near the sea. Families can visit the amusements, while couples may prefer a quieter coastal walk.
Irish coastal weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket even during summer. On warmer days, pack sun cream and water.
Tramore also works well as a shorter afternoon trip. You can spend a few hours by the sea and still return to the hotel in time for dinner at The Wooden Pestle.
Explore the Copper Coast
The Copper Coast runs between Tramore and Dungarvan. It offers coastal scenery, beaches, cliffs and small villages.
Plan a few stops rather than trying to cover the full route at once. Annestown, Bunmahon and Stradbally are good places to stop for a walk or a break near the water.
You will also find quieter beaches along the route. Follow local safety signs and check conditions before swimming or walking near cliff edges.
The Copper Coast suits visitors who enjoy road trips and want to see more of County Waterford beyond the city centre.
Visit Dunmore East
Dunmore East is a fishing village around 20 km from The Viking Hotel Waterford. Its harbour, beaches and coastal walks make it suitable for a half day or full day trip.
Walk through the village, follow one of the coastal paths or stop for lunch. Seasonal activities may include kayaking, sailing and other water based options.
Summer evenings give you more daylight, so you can visit Dunmore East later in the day before returning to Waterford.
Walk Through Mount Congreve Gardens
Mount Congreve Gardens is a short drive from The Viking Hotel Waterford and is located beside the Waterford Greenway.
The estate includes woodland paths, planted gardens and a restored walled garden. You can choose a short walk or spend several hours exploring the grounds.
There is also a café where you can stop before or after your visit. Combining the gardens with a section of the Greenway can create a full day outdoors without having to travel between several locations.
Explore the Comeragh Mountains
The Comeragh Mountains offer walking routes, open scenery and picnic spots. Mahon Falls is one of the most popular places to visit.
The walk from the car park is manageable for many visitors and offers views across the surrounding mountains. Wear suitable footwear and bring layers, as conditions can change quickly.
You can combine Mahon Falls with a drive towards Dungarvan. Stop for lunch, walk around the town and return to The Viking Hotel Waterford through the countryside.
Dine at The Wooden Pestle
The Into the Blue package includes an evening meal, giving you a simple way to finish your day.
Return to The Viking Hotel Waterford, settle into your room and enjoy dinner at The Wooden Pestle. You will not need to organise another drive or look for somewhere to eat after a full day out.
The Wooden Pestle offers a relaxed setting for couples, families and groups of friends. After dinner, enjoy a drink or head back to your newly renovated room for the night.
Benefits of Staying at The Viking Hotel Waterford
Staying at The Viking Hotel Waterford makes it easier to explore different parts of the county during one break.
Guests can enjoy:
- Newly renovated rooms
- Free onsite parking
- Complimentary WiFi
- Easy access to the N25 and M9
- Onsite dining at The Wooden Pestle
- A location close to the city, coast and countryside
The Into the Blue package brings the main parts of your break together. You can explore Waterford during the day, return for dinner and enjoy breakfast before checking out.
Book your stay at The Viking Hotel Waterford and start planning the Waterford attractions, coastal drives and outdoor activities you want to experience
