Welcome to County Waterford Hotels Guide
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Waterford is the largest town in the southeast of Ireland and offers the most important seaport. Waterford city was founded by Viking invaders in the ninth century and much of what visitors see and do is attributed to the Viking heritage. Reginald's Tower in the city of Waterford was built by a Viking governor in 1003 and is now a museum.
One theory of the origin of the famous expression "by hook or by crook" is that it came from the Tower of Hook on the Wexford side of Waterford and Crooke Castle on the Waterford shore near Passage East. The meaning of "by hook or by crook" is relentless measures to achieve a desired outcome.
Waterford is most famous for its crystal and its associated factory on the outskirts of the city. Most visitors take the tour of the factory and watch the fascinating process of making crystal from start to finish. At the end of your tour you can enjoy browsing through an impressive selection of pieces at the Waterford Crystal Gallery on site.
In and around Waterford County is popular for tourists and families every year. Dunmore East has great swimming beaches and a hugely popular Adventure Centre teaching surfing, kayaking, canoeing and rock-climbing. Another beach haunt is Tramore which actually translates as "big beach". Tramore has enviable surf possibilities and a popular amusement park, race course and golf course. Finally, a trip to Ardmore where Saint Declan arrived in the 4th century is interesting and has many historic sights to view.
Waterford city can be viewed from cruises on the River Suir or by foot with perhaps a guided tour such as Waterford Tourist Services' "Walking Tours of Historic Waterford" which leave daily from the Waterford Treasures Museum. The Waterford Arts Centre and the Garter Lane Arts Centre offer special events and exhibitions. For a more varied look at Waterford's history a trip to the Waterford Treasures at the Granary is very informative and entertaining. Visitors may wish to just browse the shops or take in a few old-fashioned pubs and The Quays and the corner of John and Parnell Street are popular haunts.
Please click on the Munster map below to find out more information about nearby Irish counties.
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