Enjoy history with a modern twist in Waterford
With its inestimable wealth of history, a trip to Waterford can often feel like you’re being transported back in time.But the city, and wider county, cannot be accused of being stuck in the past — as there are a number of innovative attractions that
With its inestimable wealth of history, a trip to Waterford can often feel like you’re being transported back in time.
But the city, and wider county, cannot be accused of being stuck in the past — as there are a number of innovative attractions that will keep you rooted in our more modern times, as I discovered on a recent visit with my wife and two children. One of these activities, which perfectly combines the classical with the contemporary, takes place in picturesque Lismore.
The centrepiece of the town is the imposing Lismore Castle, a medieval monolith which sits on a steep hill and is the private Irish residence of English nobleman the Duke of Devonshire (who boasts the rather splendid name of Peregrine Cavendish).
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Overlooking the Blackwater River below, the castle would almost remind you of Hogwarts — and maybe that’s why Lismore Heritage Centre in the town has embraced the pop culture phenomenon that is Harry Potter, hosting the Alohomora Escape Room based on the boy wizard.
It was our first time trying out an escape room — where you are locked in and have to solve a series of clues in a race against time in order to find your way out again — and it was a spellbinding experience for all.
The theme certainly helped to keep our younger sleuths, aged seven and 10, entertained throughout — just don’t ask us if we needed any assistance with the trickier bits!
Another modern twist can be found in the virtual reality King Of The Vikings experience, which is located within the famed Viking Triangle of Waterford city.
Here, we headed to a replica Viking hut built in the ruins of a 13th-century friary and donned some snazzy VR headsets before being transported into a long-ago world where we learned how the feared Norsemen took to their longships and made their way here. Effortlessly combining education and technology, it will be a surefire hit with the younger generation.
Waterford city isn’t short of traditional museums either — after all, there are 1,000 years of history packed into its streets.
The Medieval Museum houses some of Ireland’s greatest treasures from the era, while there are also some more quirky offerings to enjoy such as the Museum of Time and, for the morbidly curious, the Wake Museum. A Freedom Pass can be booked here which includes access to five museum experiences along with an EPIC walking tour.
A trip to Waterford also wouldn’t be complete without taking in some of the beautiful scenery the county has to offer.
One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a bike and heading out on the Waterford Greenway, which stretches for 46km from Waterford City to the seaside town of Dungarvan, which is where we set off.
Unfortunately, some heavy rain stopped us from getting too far, but on clearer days you will be able to cross towering viaducts and soak in the sights of the majestic Comeragh Mountains and the beaches of the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark, among others.
You can also indulge in a rather different mode of transport while on the Greenway’s route — swapping cycle tracks for train tracks by taking a seat on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway.
Boarding at the charming Kilmeaden Station, the 40-minute journey on Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge railway boasts panoramic views of the River Suir, while there’s also a treasure hunt for the kids with lots of things to keep an eye out for.
And if you’re a nature lover, it would be remiss to leave without a visit to the spectacular Mount Congreve Gardens, also in Kilmeaden.
Home to one of the largest private collections of plants in the world, and featuring flora from every continent, the gardens spread out over 70 acres so make sure to bring your walking boots — though there are plenty of different walks catering to all fitness levels.
So when you next come to Waterford, keep in mind that there are plenty of attractions and events going on that are looking to the future — and the rest is history.
WHERE TO STAY: We stayed at the Round Tower Hotel in the lovely seaside village of Ardmore. With comfortable and spacious family rooms, it’s a great base from which to explore nearby Dungarvan and the rest of the county.
WHERE TO EAT: Merry’s Gastropub and 360 Cookhouse, both in Dungarvan, serve up fantastic locally sourced food. Make sure to try a pint of Dungarvan Brewing Company’s craft beer as well. The Stables Cafe at Mount Congreve is a great spot to revive your spirits after a long walk or work up the appetite for another one.
BIKE HIRE: The Greenway Man at the Park Hotel, Dungarvan is a great, friendly service.
MORE INFO: See Waterford Treasures or Visit Waterford for further inspiration.
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