Explore the Oldest City in Ireland, from the winding streets of the Viking district to spectacular beaches along the Copper Coast, Waterford is steeped in history and brimming with stunning seascapes and mountain vistas. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure you’re after or a culturally rich experience, you’ll find it on a holiday in Waterford.
Here is just a small selection of some of the many tourist attractions to be found within easy reach of Ashleigh House.
These exquisite gardens are situated only a short distance from Ashleigh B&B. A beautiful eighty acre garden consisting of extensively planted woodland, 2000 different rhododendrons, magnolia walks, a Camellia collection and a Georgian green house.
The Old Railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan is a spectacular 46 km off road cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature across eleven bridges, three tall viaducts and a long atmospheric tunnel, all the way from the river to the sea.
Along this route is the site of a 9 th Century Viking Settlement, the world renouned gardens at Mount Congreve, a famine workhouse, old railway stations, numerous coffee/tea stops, and a heritage railway steam train that still runs along part of the track.
You can access the Greenway at two points near to Ashleigh House, Killoteran Greenway Car Park, and WIT West Campus where you can also rent bikes at Greenway Waterford Bike Hire.
Recently voted Irish Museum of the year. This striking new building reveals the story of Waterford through the Middle Ages and visitors are wowed as they go underneath the new building into centuries old vaults. On display are the magnificent Cloth of Gold vestments the only complete pre-reformation set to survive in Europe. Also on display is the Great Charter Roll which was viewed by Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Ireland.
Christ Church Cathedral has been at the heart of Waterford City since the 10th Century when the Vikings built the first church on the site. The restored and refurbished cathedral is a magnificent 18th Century building designed by John Roberts. The building is steeped in the heritage and history of Waterford with medieval tombs, memorial wall plaques, and beautiful stucco plasterwork ceiling, and is home to the famous Elliott Jones organ.
Visitors can take a Factory Tour which gives an up close and personal insight of traditional crystal production. Feel the heat of the furnaces and marvel at the skills of our master craftsmen. Indulge your passion for the world’s most famous crystal in the opulent Retail Store which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal. . Marvel at the luxury pieces commissioned especially for celebrities and dignitaries.
The walking tours of Waterford operate from mid-March to mid-October and feature a walking tour of one hour duration that includes two cathedrals, four national monuments and a gallery of rogues and rascals, delivered in a witty, entertaining style by Jack Burtchaell.
The oldest urban civic building in the country, dating from the beginning of the 13th century, it was here that Strongbow met Aoife, whose subsequent marriage was to change the course of Irish History. At various stages in its rich history it was used as a mint, a prison and a military store and is now home to a major new exhibition of Waterford Treasures that using a superb collection of historic and archaeological artefacts tells the story of Waterford’s Viking heritage.
Discover the story of rail at Ireland’s longest narrow gauge railway. Waterford Suir Valley Railway brings the rails golden age to life in Kilmeadan, County Waterford.
Your journey begins at Kilmeadan Station opened in 1878,. When the whistle blows, set off on your journey through Waterford’s Suir Valley. An area only accessible by train and Waterford Greenway.
Take in the panoramic views of the River Suir, watch out for the Cormorants as they fish in the river, get a glimpse in to Mount Congreve gardens, and journey on to Carriganore where the merchants of Waterford are said to have hidden their treasures from Cromwell’s soldiers.
There is outdoor seating at Kilmeadan Station and home baked treats with coffee or a creamy 99 ice cream available at the Whistlestop café.
It extends along the County Waterford coastline from Tramore to Dungarvan for 25 km of spectacular coastline consisting of beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. It is named after the 19th century copper mines that lie at the heart of this spectacular stretch of cliffs. The Geological and Mining Heritage Exhibition at the Visitor Centre is suitable for all ages. Lovely café also located in this beautiful restored church. Refer to the website for opening times and details.
The story of Lismore, dating from 636 AD, is told in a multi-lingual, audiovisual presentation. Exhibition galleries include a room dedicated to the life and works of Scientist Robert Boyle.
Five minutes from the beach in Tramore is Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens an homage to the life of local writer, Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. Each garden contains elements of the style and planting traditions of the countries that played a part in Hearn’s life, including an American Garden, a Greek Garden and a Victorian Garden, representing his childhood summers in Tramore. The Japanese Tea Garden is influenced by traditional Japanese strolling gardens. Visit any time during opening hours for a self-guided tour or book a guided tour in advance.
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