14 Best Things To Do In Waterford - Ireland's Oldest City

Learn about Greyfriars Church: The Holy Ghost Hospital

Next door to the Museum of Time is the semi-ruins of Greyfriars Church. It was once a monastic priory, which later became the Holy Ghost Hospital. What makes this landmark remarkable is its connection to Henry VIII and the fact that the occupants continued to offer daily prayers and altar blessings to the English king until the 1950s.

You can find some information about this strange ritual beside the ruins, but for a deeper insight, join the Viking Triangle Walking Tour.

Climb Reginald's Tower

One of Waterford's Viking-era landmarks is Reginald's Tower. It was first built in the 10th century by Vikings and then rebuilt in the 12th century by Anglo-Normans. In the 15th century, it was made taller by adding two extra floors. It has been in constant use for over 800 years in one form or another. Today, you can climb to the top of the tower for a view across the water.

Inside the tower, you will see some of Ireland's most significant Viking treasures, including the Kite Brooch and Viking Warrior’s sword.

Take part in the King of the Vikings Virtual Reality Experience

Pop on your virtual reality headset, enter a reconstructed Viking longhouse, and learn how the Vikings pillaged and plundered the ancient lands of Ireland before heading to England to reign over York.

Discover how Reginald defeated the Irish to build his watch tower and control Waterford.

See the incredible Dragonslayer sword

The Dragonslayer sword is a 23-metre-long, intricately carved wooden sculpture. It was carved from a single tree and is located outside the King of the Vikings Experience. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

The carvings tell the story of the Viking arrival in Ireland, the legendary union of Strongbow and Aoife, and Waterford's ties with the ancient town of York (Yorvik).

The Vikings believed that coloured stones embedded in their swords gave the holder magical powers.

See the Strongbow and Aoife Sculpture

Stop by Christ Church Cathedral to see the chair sculptures of Strongbow and Aoife. Their marriage changed the course of Ireland's history, and the well-worn bronze seats prove it is a popular spot for a photo opportunity!

Step inside the stunning Christ Church Cathedral

Standing on the spot of the 12th-century Viking church where the English warrior Strongbow married the Irish princess Aoife, Christ Church is one of Ireland's most important historical sites. Built in 1773, it features a beautiful interior painted in a subtle shade of yellow.

See the treasures inside the Bishop's Palace museum

The grey brick Bishops' Palace holds some fabulous treasures within its walls. Georgian and Victorian glass, silver, paintings, and furniture are all displayed in a series of rooms within the palace.

Visit the official Bishops' Palace Website for more information on pricing and opening hours.

Spot Waterford Walls Street Art

Never in a million years did I expect to see so much street art in Ireland's oldest city, yet here it is! Thanks to the annual Waterford Walls Festival, the city is now adorned with amazing murals depicting everything from animals and portraits to historic moments and whimsical creatures.

Most murals are assembled around the Viking Triangle. However, over the last few years, the artworks have expanded to other parts of Waterford. My two favourite pieces are 'The Old Lady on Henrietta Street' and 'The Owl on Peter Street'.

When you are in Waterford, don't miss out on some of the best street art in Europe.

Sip on a Guinness at The Gingerman

Sipping a pint of Guinness at The Gingerman is almost obligatory when you visit Waterford.

This historic pub, one of the oldest in the city, takes pride in serving authentic Irish dishes. The Guinness hotpot is a must-try when visiting Ireland.

Find the Gingerman Bar on 6 Arundel Lane.

See the beautiful craftsmanship on display in Waterford Crystal

Say the word Waterford, and you'll find that people associate it with the world-famous crystal factory and shop before thinking about the actual city. However, that's fine because Waterford's biggest tourist attraction has existed since 1783.

Visit the showrooms and see some of the world's most exquisite glassware on display. From glasses to vases and sculptures to jewellery, all made with the skill and expertise for which Waterford Crystal is famous.

You can book a Waterford Crystal Factory Tour to learn more about how crystal is made. However, be sure to book well in advance, as the venue gets quite busy, and walk-in tour bookings aren't always possible.

Shop at Waterford's artisan craft shops

Numerous artisanal jewellery, clothing, and souvenir shops are scattered throughout Waterford. Wander the colourful streets around the Viking Triangle and look out for products marked Made in Ireland for a real piece of Gaelic craftsmanship.

Cycle the Waterford Greenway

If it's a nice day, hire a bike and cycle the Waterford Greenway from the city to Dungarvan. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and cycle past vast fields, aqueducts, tunnels and lakes. It's one of Europe's most beautiful bike rides and a must if time permits.

Best Places To Stay In Waterford Old Town

If you plan to stay in Waterford for a few days, you will want to stay at a hotel. Use it as a base to visit other attractions, such as Waterford Brewery and Mount Congreve Gardens. Here are three beautiful four-star hotels in Waterford to check out:

Waterford Marina Hotel.

Granville Hotel.

Fitzwilton Hotel.

My final thoughts on visiting Waterford

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Waterford. Because it is compact, I could see most of its attractions in a day. It is an excellent destination for history lovers (of which I am one) eager to immerse themselves in the rich past of this ancient Irish city and discover how the Vikings once ruled the land over 1,000 years ago.

In addition to its history, Waterford feels like a city on the cusp of regeneration. I thought the street art gave the area a burst of colour, while the independent craft shops let me take home a little piece of Ireland's creativity.

So, is Waterford worth visiting? Yes, Waterford has a charm all of its own, and I would recommend a trip there when you visit Southern Ireland.

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