24 Hours In: Wonderful County Waterford

James Fenton

It’s been said before that ‘Ireland would be a grand little country if you could only roof it.’

Disregarding the weather aspect, we feel it’s grand enough as it is and as for the size, sure that only means you can see most of it in no time at all.

Today we’re going to focus our attentions on spending 24 hours in Ireland’s oldest city, the historic and beautiful south east haven that is Waterford.

9am: Wake up to amazing views over gorgeous Dunmore East, a fishing town about a 20-minute drive away from Waterford city centre.

This AirBnB is the perfect base to start and end your adventure.

10am: Once you’ve been suitably fed, make your way to nearby Woodstown Beach where a slow and steady stroll in the sand will cure whatever ails ya.

Grab a tea or coffee at the Saratoga Bar and watch the ocean waves come and go.

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11.30am: Get back in the car and head to Tramore to set your surf on. Hire a wet suit and get a lesson at Tramore Surf School (if you need it).

1.30pm Head over to Ardmore and grab lunch at the spectacular Cliff House Hotel which, like the name suggests, is built into an actual cliff face.

Popular for weddings and honeymoons, be sure to put your name down for a stay in the future.

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3pm Head into the city and prepare for an Irish history lesson like none you experienced in primary or secondary school.

Start by wandering the narrow streets of Waterford’s Viking Triangle where you’ll feast your eyes on the historic Reginald’s Tower which was built upon the site of a Viking fort.

Today it houses the Viking Museum where you’ll learn everything you need to know about the role the Norse seafarers played in the history of Waterford and Ireland.

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4pm Move over to the House Of Waterford Crystal and take a guided tour of the home of one of Ireland’s most famous exports.

5.30pm By now you’ll have worked up quite a hunger and there’s no better way to fix that than tapas.

Satisfy your taste buds at the delectable Olive Tree restaurant in the Viking Triangle.

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7pm These summer evenings are perfect for a post-dinner drive. Head off in search of the mystical Metal Man of Tramore, which towers over the Tramore coastline and is said to keep those at sea safe from harm.

Speaking of the Metal Man, you’ll be now have worked up quite a thirst. Time to head back to the bustling pubs of Dunmore East.

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8.30pm Once you’ve got yourself dolled up for a night out, head down to The Strand Bar which has perhaps the most scenic outdoor drinking area in the country.

Ask for a pint of local favourite Metalman, a pale ale named after the aforementioned figure.

When you’re finished soaking up the sunset, pop into The Spinnaker a couple of doors down and see if they’ve any live music out the back. It can turn into quite the session.

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10pm Happen to be in Dunmore on a Tuesday? Round off your evening with the weekly trad session at Powers Bar overlooking the bay.

9am Shake off the last of your sleep with a fry up and a coffee at the cheerful Bay Cafe before waving a reluctant goodbye to Dunmore East. You’ll be sure to visit again.

“it’s a beautiful day” (@U2) the Bay café @DiscoverDunmore #Waterford 19/9/16 pic.twitter.com/Fad28z1iB5

— FiachraÓCéilleachair (@FiachraOCr) September 19, 2016

10.30am It’d be rude to just head straight home. Round off your trip with a saunter around the grounds of Lismore Castle which has been standing since 1185.