Waterford City

See Also: Waterford City Map

Ireland's oldest tourist destination, founded by the vikings in 914AD.

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. A walled city of Viking origins, it retains much of it's medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion.

The House of Waterford Crystal: Waterford is the home of Waterford Crystal, the world-famous hand-crafted, cut glass product. The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is home to the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world and the guided tours offer access to all areas of traditional crystal production.

Waterford Museum of Treasures comprises three magnificent museums chronicling over one thousand years of history. It is both a treasury of gold, bronze, silver, crystal and historical documents and a treasure trail that takes you through 1000 years of Ireland's oldest city. The Treasures of Viking Waterford in Reginald's Tower - the Chorister's Hall will open in 2012 and house the Medieval Treasures, and the recently renovated Georgian Bishop's Palace tells the story from 1700 to 1970.

The parameters of the 10th century settlement can be clearly identified in The Viking Triangle. Reginald's Tower is the oldest civic urban building in Ireland. The elegant Chamber of Commerce building, Christ Church Cathedral, the City Hall and the Bishop's Palace are prime examples of beautiful 18th century architecture.

Ecclesiastical landmarks include St. Patrick's Churches, Black Friars, St. Olave's Church and Greyfriars - .
The Church Of Ireland Christ Church Cathedral, and the Catholic Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity were both designed by Waterford architect John Roberts (1714 - 1796).

The Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre commemorates the founder of the Christian Brothers, Edmund Ignatius Rice.

The Granville Hotel was the home of the 18th century patriot, Thomas Francis Meagher before passing to the great transport entrepreneur, Carlo Bianconi.

Festivals and The Arts

Waterford has a long theatrical and musical tradition, which centres on the historic Theatre Royal. One of the finest 19th Century theatres in the world it is home to some of the Municipal Art Collection, including work by Sir Jacob Epstein, George Campbell, Evie Hone, Harry Kernoff, and Sean Keating.

Greyfriars Municipal Art Gallery is located within the Viking Triangle. The Gothic Revival former Methodist Church is home to the Municipal Collection. Exhibitions include work by Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, Charles Lamb and Louis Le Brocquy, and the gallery also hosts national and international temporary exhibitions.

Kite Design Studios is a unique visitor attraction, with on-site designers and craftspeople working in situ, selling high-end craft and art.

Garter Lane Arts Centre, has both theatre and gallery spaces host visiting groups and arts exhibitions. It is home to the Red Kettle Theatre Company.

SOMA art gallery is run by artists as a place for people to congregate, show and see new and up-coming artists and their work.

Waterford is home to an eclectic exhibition of 240 paintings, sculptures, tapestries, sketches and wall hangings from Pauline Bewick's renowned Seven Ages Collection in the Walton ICT Building on WIT’s Cork Road Campus.

The Index Gallery public art space is centrally located in the foyer of award winning building Central Library on Lady Lane. This listed 1904 Carnegie Building was extensively renovated and extended in 2004 and was part of the Irish Architecture Foundation’s “Lives of Spaces” exhibition in 2008 at the Venice Biennale.

Waterford Tourist Services conduct guided walking tours of the city.

Waterford's internationally reknowned SPRAOI festival takes place each August bank holiday weekend.

The IMAGINE Arts Festival is held on the October holiday weekend, followed by the Waterford Film Festival in early November.

A Galley Cruising Restaurant operates from The Quay.