ABBEYS, CATHEDRALS, CHURCHES AND ROUND TOWERS.
The City and County are rich in early archaeological sites of interest. Recommended guide books are the County Guide, published by South East Tourism and, for additional reading, Harbison's Guide to National Monuments (second edition) 1992.
Ardmore
The Munster Bishop, St. Declan, founded the earliest Monastery here, it is believed prior to the arrival of St. Patrick. The nearby Round Tower - 95 feet high - and the richness of the
carvings on the 13th century "Cathedral" are unusual. Sir Walter Raleigh leased these buildings in 1591 for a short period. Ardmore is a recent winner of the proud title - Ireland's Tidiest Town.
Dungarvan
The Augustinian Abbey, Abbeyside. Originally build, circa 1290, by a group from Clare Priory in Suffolk. The Tower dates from the 15th Century.
Lismore
This Heritage Town contains a double monastery, founded by Saint Carthage in the seventh century.
Richard II visited here in 1171 and stayed for two days. The present Carthage Cathedral dates from 1633. The imposing avenue, the Church itself and the range of fine mediaeval tombs are of interest.
Mount Melleray Abbey
Youthful in church terms, it was founded only in 1832 in what was then a barren and forbidding landscape. The ancient and deep religious connections of the area are attested to by the presence at the abbey of no less than 5 ogham stones from nearby Kilgrovan.
Molana Abbey
Near Youghal, but in County Waterford, the Abbey is on the site of an island monastery, dating from the 6th century. The windows, of a especially fine, lancet construction, are a delight. It is said to be the last resting place of Raymond Le Gros who died in 1186.
Portlaw
The pioneering efforts of the builders of this worker's model village are marked by the fine Parish Church (1858) designed by J. J. McCarthy (after Pugin). South east of the village are
the remains of St. Munnu church with a fine romanesque doorway (restored 1987).
Stradbally
The remains of a mediaeval nave and chancel church are to be seen in this splendid and well presented village.
Waterford City
Christ Church Cathedral. Originally a Viking foundation, the present Church of Ireland edifice was designed by John Roberts in the 18th Century. Floodlit.
The 'French Church' was founded about 1240 by the Franciscans. King Richard the Second
received the submissions of Irish Chief''s here in 1395. Later it served as a hospital for a lengthy period.
Holy Trinity Cathedral in Barronstrand Street was also designed by John Roberts.
ANGLING
The Suir River offers a range of angling opportunities. Shore angling locations are widely available - as is some deep sea and coarse angling. For salmon angling, a State Licence is required, obtainable from most tackle
dealers. There is a range of licences to suit your requirements;
Trout angling or coarse angling does not require a State Licence. It is necessary to secure a Permit from the Angling Club on whose waters it is intended to fish. Waterford and other Tourist Offices will have details.The salmon angling season commences on February 1st. and trout on the 1st
of March. Both close on 30th September.
Game angling centres and contacts:
Ballyshunnock Reservoir, Co. Waterford
Contact: Carrolls Cross Inn, Ballyshunnock
Tel: (051) 294328
Bell Lake: Dunmore East Road, Co. Waterford
Contact Eileen Richardson
Tel: (051) 382117
Blackwater River
Ian Powell, Blackwater Lodge Fisheries, Upper Ballyduff.
Tel: (058) 60235
Knockaderry Reservoir Contact: Mr John Connelly, caretaker
Tel: (051) 384107
Nire Valley - Contact: Ms Eileen Ryan, Clonanav Farm
Tel: (052) 36141
DEEP SEA ANGLING
Dungarvan
Typically, a 10am departure from the quay and a 6pm return is to be expected - with perhaps some adjustment to allow for local tidal conditions. The
centre provides tackle hire and bait and will provide meals as required. A number of competitions are staged during the year.
Contact: Cormac P. Walsh, Gone Fishing, 42 Lower Main Street, Dungarvan.
Tel: (058) 43514; Fax (058) 43424.
BIRDS, WILDLIFE
Many coastline breeding colonies, especially around Dungarvan and Clonea - which is excellent for waders. The Colligan River at Dungarvan offer
a good number of waders, wild fowl and geese during Autumn and Winter.In Dunmore East, many noisy kittiwake nest in the steep cliffs overlooking the harbour. One of the very few urban locations offering good access and easy observation of these lively and colourful seabirds.
Nire Valley Area
Good shows of Dippers, great wagtails and kingfishers.
WATER SPORTS
Dunmore East
Dunmore East Adventure Centre, The HarbourTuition in windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling, Canadian canoeing, sailing, orienteering, archery and hillwalking.Open All year.
Tel: (051) 383783; Fax 051 383786
Tramore
Splashworld - Tramore's all water experience, offer bubble pool, river ride, wave
machine and waterslides. Session time two hours.Open Summer Season, daily 10am to 10pm.
Tel: (051) 390176#
BLUE FLAG BEACHES
The ultimate accolade for beaches which offer clear waters, superior environment and enjoyment. Blue Flag Status have been awarded by
the European Commission to the following County Waterford beaches, Clonea and Dunmore East's Councillors Strand and also their Main Strand,
CASTLE AND FORTS
Dungarvan
King John's Norman Castle. Part of the daily walking tour.
Dunhill Castle
A powerful, well sited fortress, the chief seat of the Baron of Dunhill. Taken by Cromwell in 1649, following a long and spirited defence.
Lismore Castle
Overlooking the River Blackwater, this is the Irish seat of the
Duke of Devonshire. The castle is not open to the public. See also Gardens.
Tel: (058) 54424.
Ballysaggartmore Towers
Imposing, Gothic style buildings near Lismore surrounded by pleasant
woodland walks and picnic areas. The small castle is not open to the public.
Strancally Castle.
A fine castellated mansion, built in the 1820's, located 10 km south of Cappoquin.
THE COUNTRYSIDE
Waterford County has a number of rural groups who have prepared local pamphlets, tourist trails, walks and other facilities to aid those who visit their locality.
Forest walks, hillwalking, cycling, equestrian centres, pitch and putt, golf driving ranges, clay pigeon shooting and open farms are all to be found. Ask at Tourist Offices for details of the full range of services on offer in each area.
CRAFT STUDIOS
Small
craft industries in Waterford cover many craft skills, from pottery and textiles to woodturning and crystal.
The owners of The Old Barn are producers of the 'Cousin Kate' range of beautifully painted traditional farm stools and hand made soaps.
Waterford Crystal invite visitors to tour their factory.
Factory Tours April to October, Mon to Sun 8.30 am to 4 pm.
Nov to March; Mon to Fri, 9am to 3.15pm
The Waterford Tourist Office will be happy to provide you with tickets for the Factory tours. There is an admission Charge.
Gallery Display area:
April to October;
Monday to Sunday, 8.30am to 6pm
November to March
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Admission free.
Tel: 05173311
Dunabrattin, Annestown
Waterford Woodcraft, a centre for woodturning for nearly 20 years. Demonstrations and tuition by request.
Contact: Bruce and Heather MacDonald
Tel: 051 396110
Waterford Studio Workshops
Eight craft studios in the area bounded by Dungarvan, Lismore and Ardmore - scenic West Waterford - are of interest. Their craft products include crystal, wooden and
ceramic dolls, decorative earthenware tableware, pottery, handpainted plasterwork, silk scarves, framed paintings and hand cut, painted timber mobiles. Ask for separate brochure giving more details and opening times.
CYCLING
In the Barony of Gaultier four 'themed' routes have been
developed - Gaultier Heritage Circuit, The Coastal Circuit,
By Hook and by Crook Circuit, The Dolmen and Druid Circuit.
Contact: Cariosa Donlon Tel: (051) 382677.
Raleigh Rent-a-bike scheme is operated by Wrights Cycle Depot,19/20 Henrietta Street, Waterford City.
Tel: ( 051) 74411 Fax: (051) 73440
ENTERTAINMENTS
Youghal
Perks Entertainment Centre - more than 40,000 square feet of INDOOR FUN caters
for all ages in all types of weather. Bowling, Laserworld, Arcade, Kids play area, funfair rides.
Tramore
An extensive fun park is located along the beach front. It features a wide range of attractions, including the big dipper, bumpers, miniature car racing and a boating lake.
Laserworld
An electronic laser tig game in a unique Celtic maze with special effects such as
wind machines, forked lightening, mines and music. The whole game is monitored by computer. Game duration 20 mins.
Open April 3th to May 31st., daily, 10am to 6pm.
June 1st to August 31st. daily 10am - 10pm.
September 1st to October 31st. daily 10am - 6pm.
Rest of year, weekends only.
Tel: (051) 386565.
EQUESTRIAN
The County's race-course is at Tramore. Events are held throughout the year. The county offers a wide choice of horse riding facilities suitable for every rider, novice or experienced, regardless of age. Trekking and trail riding over farmland, forest and mountain is available as are cross country courses designed to please the more
experienced rider.
A variety of training courses are available and inclusive holiday arrangements are offered by some establishments. Some schools provide holidays for unaccompanied children.
The Premises listed have been approved by AIRE - The Association of
Irish Riding Establishments.
Ballymacarbry
Melody's Riding Stables, near Clonmel in the Nire Valley.
Open 17th March - 2 Nov.
Contact: Patrick Melody. Tel: (052) 36147.
Cappoquin
Finisk Valley Riding Centre, Kilmolash Bridge
Open All year
Contact: Theresa White
Tel: (024) 96257
Dungarvan
Colligan Equestrian Centre
Open: All year,
Contact: John or Louise Moloney
Tel: (058) 68261
Tramore
Lake Tour Stables, Carrigavantry,
Open All year
Contact: Pat Flavin. Tel: (051) 381958.
Waterford City
Callaghane Riding and Trekking Centre, Dunmore Road,
Open: All year Contact: June McGrath.
Tel: (051) 382154 Mobile (088) 525922.
Kilotteran Equitation Centre near Waterford City
Open All year. Contact: Joan O'Mahony
Tel: (051) 384158.
EXHIBITIONS AND MUSEUMS
Museums vary from the spectacular, sophisticated interpretative centres to local, voluntary managed establishments where the emphasis is on local
artefacts and traditions.
Dungarvan
Located in the 17th century Market House, in Lower Main Street, the museum traces the development of Dungarvan from the Ice Age through the Norman, mediaeval and Georgian periods. It features a maritime display and a historic photographic collection.
Open: All year, Mon to Fri, afternoons only.
Admission Free.
Tel: (058) 41231.
Lismore
The Heritage Centre. The story of historic Lismore, founded in 636AD, is presented in a multi-medium format, with an entertaining cinematic presentation.
Open May to Sept Mon to Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat & Sun 2.30pm - 5.30pm.
Oct, Sun 2.30pm - 5.30pm.
Tel: (058) 54975.
Touraneena
Heritage Farm Centre, Ballynamult (off the R672)
Depicting Irish Rural Life during the 19th Century. Open Farm.
Open May to Sept, daily, 10am - 7.30pm
Tel: (058) 47353
Waterford City
The City's Heritage Centre, Greyfriars, is a well presented interpretation of the Viking and Norman settlement of Waterford.
Open: April, May & Oct Mon - Fri 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm. Sat 10am - 1.pm.
June to Sept, Mon to Fri, 10am - 8pm. Sat 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Tel: (051) 71227
Reginald's Tower dated, by some from 1003AD and the oldest civic building in Ireland, houses the City's Civic and Maritime Museum. The many exhibits include the colourful regalia of the Corporation.
Open April, May & Oct, Mon to Fri 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm. Sat 10am - 1pm
June to Sept, Mon to Fri, 10am - 8pm. Sat 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm. ,
Tel: (051) 73501.
FIELD AND OTHER MONUMENTS
A megalithic tomb in a spectacular coastal setting with far-reaching views of the coastline to Hook Head (Wexford) and beyond is only a short walk from the Old Barn.
You are invited to contact the owners of the Old Barn for directions
Comprehensive details are to be found in the reference section of local libraries. Recommended guide is Sean P O Riordain's, Antiquities of the Irish Country Side. Some of the more significant Field Monuments are:Dromana Gate
Hindu-Gothic gatelodge on the road to quaint Villerstown, built in the 19th Century to
mark the marriage of a popular local landlord and MP.Ogham Stones of note are to be found in Drumlohan and also at KilteraPortal dolmens, of which County Waterford has a significant number, notably at Ballynageeragh, Gaulstown, Harristown and a very fine example at Knockeen. There is a fine gallery-grave at Matthewstown.
GARDENS AND PARKS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Cappoquin
Cappoquin House Gardens. Open April to July, Mon to Sat, 9am - 1pm Closed Sunday. Open All year for tours by prior arrangement.
Contact: Sir Richard Keane. Estate Office Tel: (058) 54275 or (058) 54004.
Tourin House and Gardens. 3 miles south of Cappoquin.
Open Feb. to June and in Sept. Daily, 9.30am - 3.30pm.
Contract Andrea Jameson. Tel: (058) 54405.
Lismore
Lismore Castle Gardens
Open May 10th - Sept 10th . Every day except from 1.45pm - 4.45pm.
Tel: (058) 54424.
Portlaw
Curraghmore House Gardens. Landscaped Gardens with a remarkable Shell House, decorated by the Countess of Tyrone in 1754.
Open Easter to Oct, Thu and public holidays only.
Tel: (051) 387101 Fax 051 387481.
Stradbally
Carrigahilla Gardens. Ten interlinking areas within a 3 acre garden. Gardening related courses held. Open All year. daily,
Tel: & Fax (051) 293127
Waterford City
Mount Congreve Gardens, Kilmeadan. Large plantman's garden within woodlands.
Delightful walled garden contains an elegant Georgian greenhouse. Conducted
tours, for groups only, by prior appointment. Admission œ250 for groups up
to 13 persons, Tel: (051) 384115
GOLF
One of the primary attractions of the South East Region. Waterford's golf courses
offer a delightful mix of links and park courses. The golf guidebook "The Sunshine Circuit," available free from Tourist Offices gives details of 27 golf courses in the Region.
Dungarvan (Coolcormack) 18 hole (058) 43216
Dungarvan (Gold Coast) 18 hole (058) 42416
Dungarvan (Knocknagranagh) 18 hole (058) 41605
Dunmore East 9 hole (051) 383151
Tramore 18 hole (051) 386170
Waterford 18 hole (051) 76748
Waterford Castle 18 hole (051) 71633
Waterford Faithlegg 18 hole (051) 382241
A number of driving ranges, par three courses, together with pitch and
putt clubs complete the wide range of facilities for the golfer in the
region.
GOLF DRIVING RANGES
Dungarvan
Gold Coast Golf Driving Range
Open All year, daily
Tel: (058) 44318
Tramore
Newtown Driving Range, Newtown.
Open All year, daily, 8am - 10pm.
Contact: Brigid Bolster Tel: (051) 381322
Waterford City
Old Court Driving Range, Kilotteran near Waterford City.
Open daily, 9am - 10pm.
Contact: Tom Keanan and Anne Russell
Tel: (051) 54939
GREYHOUND RACING
Youghal Stadium, twice weekly racing. Usually Tuesday and Friday. (024) 92305/92355
Kilcohan Park, Waterford City
Twice weekly on Tue & Sat at 8pm
Admission - inclusive of race card
Tel: (051) 74531
| | | GENEALOGICAL CENTRE
Waterford Heritage Survey, Jenkins Lane, Waterford.
Offers a family research service for Waterford City and County.
Open June/Sept. Mon - Fri 9am - 1.15pm and 1.45pm - 5pm.
Other months Mon - Thurs same hours and Fri 9am - 2pm only.
Contact: Mr Julian Walton.
Tel: (051) 73711
GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Dungarvan
Guided walking tours of historic Dungarvan, including 12th Century King John's Castle. Starting from Dungarvan Tourist Office, daily at 11 am and 3 pm, one hour duration..
Group rates available.
Tel: (058) 41741
Waterford City
Burtchaell Tours from the Granville Hotel, The Quay.
March to Sept daily 12pm and 2pm
Tel: (051) 73711 Fax: (051) 50645.
HERITAGE TOWNS
Lismore has been specially designated by Bord Failte as a Heritage Town, theme Ecclesiastical, in recognition of it's "history and the depth of the mediaeval, historic buildings, vistas and attributes it projects"
HISTORIC AND NOTABLE BUILDINGS
Waterford City
Chamber of Commerce Building, George Street, A fine example of Georgian
architecture. Open daily.
OPEN FARMS
Cappagh
Castle Farm, Off the N72,
Signposted Farm Walk / Drive, tea and scones served in the Cellar.
Tel: (058) 68049
SCENIC AREAS
The whole County, with it's mixture of sea views, mountains and river valleys, provide a delightful range
of scenic areas and vista among which the following examples are of particular note;
Dungarvan
Splendid views of the sea and distant mountains as you decend into the
town from the Youghal Road.
Mahon Falls
The tumbling Mahon River, in the Comeragh Mountains, lie at the end of a sensitively developed footpath, signposted, off the N25 at Leamybrien.
The Vee
A spectacular scenic route connecting picturesque West Waterford with South Tipperary over the
Knockmealdown Mountains.
SIGNPOSTED CAR ROUTES
Watch out for many distinctively signposted touring routes. They range through scenic, historic and always interesting countryside. They include:
Barony of Gaultier Drive
Blackwater River Drive
Comeragh Drive
Dromana Drive
Knockmealdown Mountains Drive
Nire Valley Drive
The Vee Mountain Drive
Waterford Coast Road
THEATRE
Frequent live theatre in Waterford City Hall including the well received 'Waterford Show' during May to Sept. Programme and other details are obtainable at Tourist Offices. Also;
The Forum Theatre, The Glen, Waterford. Tel: (051) 71111
Garter Lane Theatre, O'Connell Street, Waterford, Tel: (051) 55038 theatre Royal, The Mall, Waterford. Tel: (051) 74402
Waterford Regional Technical College Theatre, Cork Road, (051) 79534
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
Make a practise of dropping into the local Tourist Iinformation Office on arrival in any town or location. They will provide information, maps, guide books, postcards and stamps. They will be pleased to arrange accommodation and other service bookings for you. Availing of the full range of services they offer will add greatly to your enjoyment of each location.
Waterford City Tourist Office is
the Headquarters of the Regional Tourist Authority. The office is currently the proud holder of the Title Ireland's Best Tourist Office.
Tourist Offices in County Waterford are at
Dungarvan, Priory Street, Open All year
Tel: (058) 41741
Tramore,
Railway Square.
Mid June to August, Mon to Sat 10am to 6 pm
Tel: (051) 381572
Waterford City
41 The Quay
Open, Jan to March, Mon to Fri, 9am to 1pm, 2pm - 5pm
April to Sept, Mon to Sat, 9am - 6pm, Sun, 11am to 5pm
Tel: (051) 75823
Waterford Crystal Factory
Open: April to Oct, daily, 8.30am to 5.50pm
Tel: ( 051) 73311
WALKING
Established walks in County Waterford include:
Ann Valley Walk. Coastal walk along the picturesque Waterford coastline to include Annestown and Boatstrand.
Barony of Gaultier Walking Circuits (East Waterford) includes
Dunmore East Woodland Circuit
The Minnaun to Faithlegg circuit
Passage East, Woodstown, Kilkea Circuit
Contact: Cariosa Donlan Tel: (051) 382677.
Munster Way (60K) Details from Clonavan Parker (052) 36141
Nire Valley guided walks. Details from Michael Desmond (052) 36238.
Nire Valley Walks - Details from Eileen Ryan (052) 36141.
The Pilgrim Way, an ancient, sometime curiously marked, trackway from Ardmore to Cashel is both scenic and
historic with an origin said to be associated with Saint Patrick himself.
Details from (024) 94152 or 9 44 44
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