A day trip or an overnight stay in Waterford can be a great experience for all considering the offerings. Whether you are travelling as a couple, family or part of a group there is plenty to choose from. There are a few places, I would personally recommend if you are planning your time in Ireland’s oldest city.
The Greenway
The Greenway is a must, even if the weather doesn’t live up to the title of the “Sunny South East”. No matter what the weather is, the view will more than make up for it! This 45km walking and cycling track has become more and more popular since opening in 2017. It has long and short trails to choose from and bikes can be hired in Dungarvan or Waterford City. The Viking Hotel is the perfect base should you wish to stay a stones’ throw from the start of the Greenway in Waterford. The hotel offers secure storage of bikes should you bring your own and will provide you with a map of the Greenway to point you in the right direction.
The Viking Triangle Tour
The Viking Triangle Tour is great as a family activity as it takes you on a journey written by Liam Meagher, a local author from Waterford. The Viking Triangle is both highly entertaining and educational at the same time. It tells the story of Waterford in an interactive and fun way for visitors of all ages. The tour involves props, costumes, dancing, singing and promises plenty of craic! Due to its popularity, especially during peak times, we would advise booking this tour in advance.
Cafes and Bars
‘The Apple Market’ is known as Waterford’s Entertainment District and is home to a number of pubs and restaurants. The roof on the Apple Market has a mirror on one side and acts as a shelter for pedestrians while being a notable focal point. Geoffs is a must visit, its a well known café bar in the centre of the city with loads of character and is a favourite of locals. The café bar serves wholesome food in a nice relaxed atmosphere if you are looking for lunch, Geoffs won’t disappoint! Davy Macs is another popular pub located in the Apple market which has a lovely cosy gin bar and is certainly worth a look.
Shopping
City Square is the shopping centre located in the centre of Waterford City, so if you fancy a bit of retail therapy it is the place to go. You will find parking located along the quay and it is only a short walk to the shops. There is a fantastic range of high street shops to choose from with all the usual favourites such as Debenhams, Next, River Island, Wallis, Carraig Donn plus many more small independent boutiques.
Dining
There are some fantastic restaurants in Waterford if a tasty dinner with some good wine is your evening of choice. Bodega restaurant is in the heart of Waterford is a favourite of our staff members. A great menu at a reasonable price along with an extensive wine list make it a popular choice. It is always a plus that the restaurant uses local produce where possible. Our personal favourite is the Risotto of Fanci Fungi Wild Mushrooms. There is plenty choose from on the menu from fish dishes such as Kilmore Quay Crab Salad and other options such as O’Flynns Crispy Pork Belly. The atmosphere is one of a relaxed nature. If you are looking for good food and good wine of an evening in the centre of the city, it is certainly one to beat!
Entertainment
If you are looking for some entertainment where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a show then The Theatre Royal wont disappoint. Located on The Mall in Waterford, it offers some great shows to be enjoyed by all. It has a café bar and Theatre Bar that offers refreshments that you could enjoy before your show of choice. March 2018 is shaping up to be great in the entertainment stakes – with Foster and Allen on the 1st March, The Royal Moscow Ballet with The Sleeping Beauty on the 3rd March and Neil Delamere on the 10th March if comedy is more your thing.
If you can pack all of this into your 24 hours in Waterford, you certainly won’t leave disappointed. Viking Hotel Waterford offers a fantastic base for all of the activities listed above. Situated on the Cork Road, we are the perfect location to explore both Waterford County and City. Viking Hotel Waterford serves a fantastic array of food offering Carvery weekdays from 12.30-3pm and Sundays from 12.30-4pm. The A La Carte Menu is from 3pm on weekdays and Saturdays and from 4pm on Sundays. The Hotel has 98 bedrooms and offers ample parking and a short taxi ride from the centre of all the action. Contact us or view our special offers where you will find the best deals when you book directly with us.
