Historic Sites

No matter which of the touring routes you take, your day will be filled with fascinating and exciting options.

From Pre-History right through to the present day, Waterford presents ancient monuments, castles, churches, stately homes, lovely gardens and imaginatively designed Visitor Centres.

Towers, Castles, Norman Forts and Motte & Baileys, and Period Houses.
Ecclesiastical Sites, Abbeys, Cathedrals, Churches.

In Waterford City the major historic sites are: Reginald's Tower, (9th c.);
The City Walls, (10th c.),
Christ Church Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, (18th c.),
St. Olave's Church, (rebuilt 1734),
St. Patrick's Churches (18th c.), Waterford Chamber Building (1795),
Bishop's Palace (1741),
City Hall (1783),
Waterford Courthouse (1849).

The award-winning museum Waterford Treasures at the Granary www.waterfordtreasures.com has a superb collection of historic and archaeological artefacts, houses the Tourist Office, an exhibition gallery, theatre, gift shop and award-winning café, popular with both locals and tourists.

In 2004 the 9th century Woodstown Viking longphort was discovered during excavations in advance of the city bypass. Located on the bank of the River Suir, the site has been declared a National monument and can be seen from the new N25 Waterford City bypass. The Waterford and Suir Valley Railway runs through the site.

West Waterford

Dungarvan

In Dungarvan the principal historic attractions include: - St. Mary's Church (1828), Dungarvan Museum, The Market House (17th c.), St. Garvan's Church, Dungarvan Castle (12th c.), Friary House (1871), Town Hall (1870s), St. Augustine Church (1873), St. Mary's Parish Church (early 19th c.) and the Augustinian Abbey. Field monuments in the Dungarvan area include a Norman Motte & Bailey.

The historic sites on the Lismore & The Vee Drive are Lismore Castle with its Contemporary Art Gallery and Gardens, St. Carthage's Cathedral, St. Carthage's Parish Church, Lismore Hotel and The Library, all in Lismore.
Cappoquin House in Cappoquin and Mount Mellary Abbey, outside Cappoquin.

Ardmore Round Tower & Cathedral is a famous ecclesiastical site in Ardmore founded by St. Declan. Dromana House (17th century) and Dromana Gate near Villierstown are other major attractions in West Waterford.

Mothel Abbey (13th c.) near Rathgormack is a noted historic site. As are Ormond Castle & Manor House, (16th c.) and Old Carrick Bridge.

Dungarvan & The Coast Drive has the historic sites of Stradbally Medieval Church and Dunhill Castle, near Dunhill.

Molana Abbey (12th c.) near Glendine, Mount Mellary Abbey, Tourin House & Gardens near Cappoquin and Ballyduff Castle, near Ballyduff, are the main attractions on the lovely Blackwater Valley Scenic Drive.

East Waterford

On the East Waterford Gaultier Coast Drive. Historic sites include Waterford Castle in Waterford City, Geneva Barracks near Woodstown, Dunmore East Castle (12th c.) in Dunmore East and the 19th century navigation towers at Brownstown Head.

The Suir Valley Drive boasts the elegant Ormond Castle & Manor House, (16th c.) and Old Carrick Bridge, both in Carrick-on-Suir and historic sites in Clonmel: West Gate; Wesleyan Chapel (1843); SS Peter & Paul Church (1814); the Main Guard (1647); Franciscan Friary (12th c.); Town Hall, (1881);and the Courthouse (1802).

Houses & Gardens

Curraghmore Estate, Portlaw, is the home of Marquis of Waterford since the 12th century.
A primeval forest, shell house and medieval bridge are features on the lovely walks.

Cappoquin House & Gardens is an 18th century Georgian mansion with fine informal gardens overlooking the River Blackwater. Open April to July, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm. Open all year for tours by appointment. Closed Sunday. Tel: +353 58 54290

Dromana House & Gardens, Villierstown, have a 17th century house overlooking a wild and wonderful garden.

Mount Congreve Gardens, Kilmeaden. This large plantman's garden within woodlands contains every plant that can possibly be grown in Waterford. Delightful walled garden contains an elegant Georgian greenhouse. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm. Conducted tours, for groups only, by appointment. Tel: +353 51 384115

Glenleigh Gardens, Clogheen, contains many exotic plants.

Tourin House & Gardens are contained on a 17th century estate 3 miles south of Cappoquin. The gardens celebrate the riotous colours of nature in their plant, shrub and tree displays. Open February to June and September to November.
Tel:+ 353 58 54405

Sion Hill House & Gardens, Ferry Bank, Waterford. 4 acre mature woodland garden overlooking the River Suir - many rare trees and shrubs - presently being restored to its 1870 plans. Tel: +353 (0)51 851558.