Waterford Port Guide

Located on the Hook Peninsula in Ireland’s Ancient East, the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse is the world’s oldest operational lighthouse marking Waterford Harbour. Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the purpose-built facility, which includes a visitor center with a gift shop, art workshop, exhibits, and a café.

Waterford was founded by Vikings on this river, which you will explore on a guided tour that brings Norse history to life. Sail past Reginald's Tower, Ireland’s oldest civic building, Malcolmson's shipyard, Canada Street where emigrants boarded for Newfoundland, and Waterford Castle before returning through the estuary.

Ireland’s first Wake Museum explores life and death by detailing traditions and superstitions from early Christian times to the 20th century.

The Bishop’s Palace is a magnificent Georgian residence where guests can enjoy a reenactor-led tour with the Housekeeper or Butler while the Bishop is away. Explore house secrets and luxurious surroundings featuring ornate gilt furniture and art.

The Irish Museum of Time in Waterford's Viking Triangle is set in a Gothic-style church and showcases the world's oldest Irish-made timepieces and international collections. Marvel at grandfather clocks, table clocks, and watches while exploring the history and craftsmanship of horology.

Join expert guides on the Epic Walking Tour for a fun, interactive journey covering 1,000 years of Waterford’s history in 1,000 paces. Popular with families, this tour of Ireland's oldest city offers numerous photo opportunities and stories ranging from the Vikings to the Victorians.

This award-winning museum is the only one in Europe built over two National monuments, the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault. See the Cloth of Gold vestments hidden from Cromwell for 120 years and the Great Charter Roll viewed by Queen Elizabeth II.

The House of Waterford Crystal features a manufacturing facility with a new continuous melt tank, a visitor center, and a retail outlet. Factory tours use audiovisual materials and interaction with craftsmen to teach historical and contemporary production techniques.

Located in Tramore, County Waterford, these Japanese Gardens reflect the life and global wanderings of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo). Follow his life journey through the Victorian Garden and on to the American and Greek sections.

These specialist tailor-made tours for groups of up to seven people allow friends, families, or corporate groups to design their own itineraries. Experience the best of Ireland by combining must-see destinations with off-the-beaten-track recommendations for a memorable experience.

Experience the world’s first Viking 3D virtual reality adventure inside a replica Viking house, which is suitable for visitors over age eight. Learn the city's Viking history and perhaps meet a real-life Viking or two during this memorable experience.

Led by an expert English-speaking local guide, this interactive tour explores Waterford's top ten highlights, including Reginald's Tower, the Bishop's Palace, and the 10th-century Viking Quarter. Discover the history of Ireland’s oldest city, which was founded by Vikings in AD 914, on this engaging exploration.

Known as the Marble City for its black marble, Kilkenny features a castle founded after the Norman conquest and rebuilt to suit its inhabitants' needs. This tour visits the castle and the city center's Medieval Mile to see Rothe House and Gardens.

The Irish Silver Museum in Waterford offers an intimate collection of silver treasures created by virtuoso craftsmen over a millennium. Explore Ireland's rich heritage from the Vikings to the Victorians through this rare opportunity to step back in time.

This journey begins at the Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings, to explore its historical roles and the ruins of its Celtic Cathedral. The tour then visits Kilkenny, the "Marble City" famous for its distinctive black marble and its people.