Uncover the Viking past of Waterford city
Begin your trip to Waterford city by taking a step back in time to the age of the Vikings, who first settled in the county during the 800s. Experience what life was like in Ireland’s oldest city at King of the Vikings, the world’s first Viking-based virtual reality experience.
Just around the corner is the Waterford Medieval Museum, where you can easily keep your little ones busy for an afternoon. Inside the 13th-century building are treasures and works of art, complete with costumed tour guides to spark your family’s interest in Waterford’s storied history.
Afterwards, take a ten-minute drive across the city to Grow HQ, a flagship café from the Grow It Yourself movement that’s all about reconnecting people with where their food comes from. It’s a hands-on, plot-to-plate experience where kids can see how food is grown, harvested and turned into something delicious. Watch the chefs cook using organic, seasonal ingredients from the attached garden and see them transformed into fresh and nutritious dishes that even kids will enjoy.
See the sights on the Waterford Greenway
Make your way back into the city and bring the family on an adventure along the Waterford Greenway, Ireland’s longest greenway. The 46km trail starts just a few minutes walk from the train station and winds its way along the banks of the River Suir, and along the stunning coast to the harbourside town of Dungarvan.
Teenagers may want to cycle the entire route, stopping off at the trailside attractions like the mysterious Durrow Tunnels and the historic Suir Valley Railway. If you’ve got a young family and want a shorter cycle, set off on the 7.5km to Mount Congreve Gardens. Let the kids explore the picture-perfect gardens and discover its colourful flowers and buzzing wildlife.
You can bring your own bike or rent bikes for all ages, as well as trailers and all the protective gear that you might want from Waterford Greenway Bike Hire at the start of the Greenway. Once you’ve finished your cycle, turn back around for the return journey, stay overnight in Dungarvan or catch a bus back to Waterford city.
Have a perfect seaside day in Tramore
No family trip to Waterford is complete without spending some time in lively Tramore, just a 20-minute drive from Waterford city. Make some memories with the little ones on the Blue Flag awarded Tramore Beach. Build sandcastles on the golden strand as the sun begins to set behind the grassy sand dunes before taking a stroll along the promenade with a bag of fresh fish and chips.
Adventurous families can head to Oceanics Surf School or Tramore Surf School for surf lessons with one of their qualified coaches. The waves in Tramore are gentle and dependable, making it a fantastic place to catch your first wave.
Amusements have long been a seaside favourite for the whole family, so, spend some time at Tramore Amusement Park on the promenade for some exciting fairground rides. There’s fun for all ages as the children take a spin on the waltzer, hold on tight on the rollercoaster and whoosh down the mega slides. During the winter or the rare rainy day, you can still have a blast with indoor mini-golf and bowling at Pirate’s Adventure Play Centre.
Round off your day in Tramore with a visit to The Vee Café in the heart of town. Enjoy a contemporary Irish meal in their modern, child-friendly dining room where half portions are available for the kids.
Take the time to see Dunmore East
Waterford has no shortage of stunning, family-friendly beaches, but if you have the time it’s well worth visiting the fishing village of Dunmore East, just 20km southeast of Waterford city. Pack a picnic and have a memorable day in the calm coves of Dunmore East Beach – the kids will love searching for small sea life in the rock pools.
For an action-packed day, bring the whole family to Dunmore East Adventure Centre for some fun on the water. See if you can master the giant stand-up paddle board or try your hand at completing Wibit Wipeout, an inflatable obstacle course on the water. Finish off the day with a meal at Azzurro, a family-friendly restaurant that whips up tasty Italian and Mediterranean meals for the whole clan.
If you have some extra time...
Take the family on a self-guided tour from Tramore to Dungarvan along The Copper Coast, and discover the deserted coves and rugged cliffs of this UNESCO Geopark. Make your way along the coastline and stop off at the beautiful viewpoints to snap some unbeatable family photos.
Whether you're travelling with kids or not, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the Crystal County. Get even more inspiration for your next visit to Waterford.
