DK Travel : Dublin : Around Waterford

Green and hilly county waterford is exposed to the Atlantic to the south, the beautiful Blackwater and Suir rivers penetrate far inland, while Waterford City stands by an excellent natural harbour. All these factors made this corner of the southeast almost too welcoming to outsiders – Waterford City (Vadrafjord in Norse), founded in AD 853, is thought to be the oldest surviving Viking town in Europe. Later, Normans also chose this spot for their first Irish settlement – in few other places can Celtic, Norse and Norman relics be found so close to one another. In modern times, Waterford has been staunchly patriotic and proud of its heritage – it even has a smallGaeltacht (Irish-speaking district) around the village of Rinn.

Page
1
2

Ardmore

Modern Ardmore is a popular little beach resort, but the hill behind is the site of St Declan’s 5th-century monastery, probably the oldest in Ireland. Its many evocative remains (mostly dating from the 12th century) include St Declan’s Cathedral, a fine example of a high cross, and an impressive, 30-m (100-ft) round tower.
Bianconi

This award-winning hotel restaurant serves the best of contemporary, Italian-influenced cuisine and has an excellent wine list.
Dunbrody Country House

Owner Kevin Dundon is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest cooks, and the restaurant of this fine country house hotel is elegant, with outstanding food and an excellent wine list.
Dunmore East

A working fishing harbour with brightly coloured boats, and cottages set among woods, this attractive village makes a favourite outing for a drink, lunch or a waterfront stroll. Many of the cottages are available for holiday lets. Nearby sandy coves include the popular Lady’s Cove beach, and there are several enjoyable marked walks and hikes.
Hook Peninsula

The peaceful “Ring of Hook” headland lies beside the broad Waterford Harbour, with long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and many relics of the past. At the northeast corner, ruined Tintern Abbey – with beautiful grounds and a little stone bridge – was founded in 1200 and, although much altered, remains atmospheric. The peninsula’s wild tip, where there has been a lighthouse since the 5th century, is beloved of bird-watchers.

Hook Peninsula
Jerpoint Abbey

One of Ireland’s best examples of a Cistercian monastery, the restored chapterhouse and part of the cloisters of 12th-century Jerpoint stand grandly among its ruins in a peaceful countryside setting. The Jerpoint community quickly established itself as a great centre of culture and learning, and was very prosperous at the time of the Dissolution in 1540. Many fine pieces of stone-carving can be seen, and there is a useful Interpretative Centre.
John F Kennedy Park and Arboretum

Some 4,500 international species of trees and shrubs – all carefully labelled – grow in this delightful 600-acre arboretum, created in memory of the former US president. Just below the arboretum stands the humble thatched cottage where the president’s great-grandfather was born.
Lady Helen Dining Room

One of the region’s more sophisticated restaurants serves an imaginative menu with international influences. The restaurant has two AA rosettes.
Loughman’s

A good choice for those on a budget, this friendly café has a wide choice of vegetarian dishes and Irish and European favourites.
Ocean Hotel

This excellent restaurant has won awards for its menu, which is strong on freshly caught local seafood.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70