Ireland · WATERFORD TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 waterford tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Tour the House of Waterford Crystal for about 50 minutes with a guide such as Amy or Mary. Watch mold making, blowing, cutting, sculpting, and engraving in the working factory, then browse 12,000 square feet of crystal displays and stop at the café.
“You get a great tour of the Warerford master crystal craftsman working inside the factory making more historical and beautiful creations. Great Tour!”
Join a small guided tour of Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford, led by guides such as John, Noel, Jason, Paul, or Tracey. In about 45 minutes, you will climb 115 steps, hear stories of keepers and medieval history, and step onto the balcony for wide sea views. The ticket also covers the visitor center, café, exhibits, and shop.
“Noel was. Wonderful guide who made us feel comfortable straight away. He is very good with children and included them in the tour. A beautiful experience !”
At the House of Waterford in Waterford City, an English-speaking guide takes you through the history room, mold room, blowing room, cutting department, sculpting and engraving stages. Watch craftspeople at work, ask questions, then browse the world’s largest Waterford crystal shop.
“Informative, kudos to the individuals who have made this challenging field their life career.”
Follow a local guide through Waterford’s Viking Triangle in about 45 minutes. See a Viking tower and longboat, enter the Bishop’s Palace reception hall, hear 1,000 years of city history, and possibly visit the cathedral. Guides such as Teresa, Jamie, Anna, and Deirdre have been praised for clear storytelling and humor.
“Jamie, our guide was knowledgeable and engaging. Just the right amount of information to be interesting without feeling overloaded”
Visit Waterford’s Medieval Museum in the Viking Triangle, built over two national monuments. See rare Cloth of Gold vestments, Henry VIII’s Cap of Maintenance, and the Great Charter Roll. Choose a guided visit or a multimedia guide in English, French, or German.
“Interesting museum. we just misread and were expecting it to be a museum about the Waterford crystal.”
Step inside Waterford’s 15th-century Almshouse for a 45-minute guided tour of Irish wakes, mourning customs, folklore, and funerary objects. Guides such as Tobie and Deirdre bring the subject to life with clear storytelling and humor. Expect realistic images and frank discussion of death, illness, and injury.
“So many interesting and fascinating facts, Deirdre our guide was very knowledgeable and her delivery was perfect, the house is a little gem and it’s hard to believe the amount of history in a regular house, also it is very very old, amazing.”
Board Captain Andy’s small Viking-style boat at Clyde Wharf for a relaxed cruise on the Suir. Guides such as Jonathan, Johnny, and Steve share stories of Reginald’s Tower, Little Island, Waterford Castle, Grannagh Castle, and Mount Congreve. Expect English commentary, tea, snacks, and a private-group feel.
“Warm welcome aboard.. interesting historical information about the area and Little Island. An enjoyable afternoon cruise with a much appreciated cup of tea and biscuits!”
Step into Waterford’s eighteenth-century Bishop’s Palace for about an hour. Choose a self-guided visit or join the Housekeeper for an hourly reenactor-led tour, subject to availability. Look for the 1789 Penrose Decanter, the oldest surviving Waterford glass, and Napoleon’s Mourning Cross.
“The museum is absolutely beautiful!! It was fun learning about all of the different stories in each room. The gift shop was great too!!”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Anna, Deirdre, Jamie, or Laura for a 45-minute walk through Waterford’s Viking Triangle. Start at Bishop’s Palace, then see Reginald’s Tower, Greyfriars Friary, Georgian buildings, and political landmarks. It is family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and runs in all weather.
“We found that Deirdra was exceptionally knowledgeable and responsive to a wide range of questions, including personal ancestral questions. We are so very happy that we included this tour on our visit to Waterford!”
Spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring Mount Congreve Gardens in South East Ireland. Walk through 16km of woodlands and paths, then stop at the Stables Café or Secret Garden Gift Shop. This English-language admission ticket suits independent visitors who want a flexible garden visit rather than a guided tour.
“We went mid week in November, the weather was good and the gardens were quiet and atmospheric. The visit was topped of at a lovely cafe and gift shop”
Meet James at Kavanaghs Bar in Freshford for a lively introduction to hurling, Ireland’s ancient and famously fast field sport. Learn the game’s story and basic rules in the pub, then head to the village green to practice striking, hand passing, solo running, and hand striking with supplied gear.
“This was such a great experience! We were interested in learning more about the sport of Hurling and James, our Guide is just the right person! He’s extremely knowledgeable, passionate and an excellent player himself! He gave us the history of the game as well as the basic fundamentals before taking us out to the local field! After we went back to his pub and enjoyed a pint! A great experience all the way around!”
Join Lorraine of Gallivanting Tours for a gentle 2.5-hour walk through ancient Courtown Woods. You’ll learn about edible and medicinal plants, Celtic festivals, tree communication, bush skills, folklore, and woodland landmarks including a 5th-century High Cross and Iron Age road.
“Lorraine is an amazing guide, the experience was wonderful, she has such a wealth of knowledge. My sister came with me for company and kept saying thank you for bringing her. We loved every minute. I will be back. Thanks Lorainne.”
Visit Waterford’s Medieval Museum for a 45-minute self-guided or available guided tour. See the 1270 Choristers Hall, 1440 wine vault, Great Charter Roll, and rare cloth-of-gold vestments in the heart of the Viking Triangle.
“We paid for a guide and never saw one we paid for a guided tour and did not receive one . I would like a refund less the cost of admission to the museum”
You’ll collect a fitted bike and helmet in Waterford, Kilmacthomas, or Dungarvan, then follow the 29-mile Waterford Greenway by yourself. Maps, route advice, breakdown assistance, and a return shuttle are included. Expect peaceful countryside, old railway bridges, viaducts, and views toward the Comeragh Mountains.
“The shop is small, the number of bikes very liimited (there was only one women bike and it was actually too small). In the beginning they havn't found our booking and send us to other shop. So, we realized that this shop is s kind of chip copy of another, larger bike shop. We Read more”
At Lismore Heritage Centre, a local guide leads you through the castle story from the 12th century to today. You will see 360-degree views of rooms normally closed to the public, meet historic characters through augmented reality, and ask questions before returning to the centre.
“Excellent family outing. We visited in a rainy morning and the staff were so helpful and enthusiastic that we easily decided to do the VR experience.”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
