DK Travel : Dublin : Around Waterford : Places of interest

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.
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.
Passage East

A small, enjoyable ferry runs to-and-fro across Waterford Harbour from this unassuming waterside village. Its peaceful, scenic setting and handful of painted cottages make a pleasant break while waiting for the boat. It was at this spot that the Normans arrived in Ireland in 1170 and their sturdy stone tower still stands guard over the harbour.
Reginald’s Tower

The circular stone fortification built 1,000 years ago by Ragnvald, son of Sygtrygg, was part of the original Viking ramparts and still dominates the quayside. Over the centuries it provided a base for other invaders, including Strongbow, Henry II, King John and Richard II, as well as doing time as a prison. Today it houses an art gallery and a museum of Waterford history.
Waterford City Centre

Surviving sections of Waterford’s city walls show clearly the limits of the original Viking settlement, also bordered on one side by the River Suir. Today that waterfront, with its lively and attractive quays, is the focal point of the town. The 18th-century City Hall houses important local memorabilia, and hosts the Waterford Show, an entertainment about the town’s history.
Waterford Crystal Factory

Most visitors to Waterford come specifically to see its famous glassworks – and buy whatever they can afford of its renowned “crystal”. First opened in 1783, closed in 1851 and reopened in 1947, the factory has always used the same production methods, every item being individually hand-crafted. A 40-minute tour and a film show off the astonishing skill of the glassblowers and cutters, while the Crystal Gallery displays an array of what is made.
Waterford Treasures at the Granary Museum

This old stone grainstore has been cleverly and attractively converted to house an extraordinary interactive museum revealing Waterford’s impressive Viking and Norman history. It gets in the mood with an invader’s-eye view from a wave-tossed Viking ship. Kids love it, and there’s a lot that is just for fun, but the more serious-minded can ignore the wizardry and focus on the archaeological finds.