Family Fun in Waterford
Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46km cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which takes you from stunning Dungarvan all the way to the quays of Ireland's oldest city (Waterford). One of the best ways to explore the greenway is by bicycle and we are facilitated by The Greenway cycle tours and bike hire companies. Some of the attractions enroute are:
Dungarvan
Breath taking views across Dungarvan Bay traveling to the town centre.
Ballyvoile Tunnel
The Ballyvoile 400 metre brick-lined tunnel is as fresh as the day it was built and discreetly lit to keep it's magic.
Two Stone Viaducts
The Durrow 7 arch and Kilmacthomas 8 arch viaducts are engineering marvels.
Mount Congreve
These world famous gardens are directly accessible from the Greenway.
Waterford City Tours
A new relaxing and exciting new way to view the sights. The train leaves from Cathedral Square behind Bishops Palace every hour on the hour, it’s a 30 minutes fully narrated historical tour, taking in sights such as The Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower, The Worlds Longest Wooden Viking Sword, Grey Friars Gallery and many more.
Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a period carriage and take in the wonderful panoramic views of the River Suir. This family friendly railway runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir offering views of the world-famous Mount Congreve Gardens.
April & September Train Schedule
Monday to Saturday: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Sunday: 12noon, 1pm 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
May to August Summer Train Schedule
Monday to Saturday: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Sunday: 12noon, 1pm 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
Trains Depart on the Hour. See WSV Railway for more details.
Parks and Playgrounds
Waterford City has plenty of open spaces from the People’s Park in the centre of the City, to smaller parks scattered across the City which will be further enhanced by the opening of Waterford's Nature Park creating one of the largest urban parklands in the country. Please click here for details on the Waterford Nature Park.
There are a number of other public playgrounds in the City including the Railway Square Playground located on Manor Street. The community based project New Street Gardens adjacent to the main shopping area is a wonderful oasis right in the heart of the city. Close by in St John’s Lane is Wyse Park, known locally as the ‘little park’. Our newest community-led project is New Street Park. In Tramore, The All Aboard Inclusion Play Park enables disabled children to interact with able-bodied children which will positively impact on minimizing social isolation and help reduce barriers of discrimination. Please click here for more information on the All Aboard Inclusion Play Park.
Dunmore East
While the beautiful coves and beaches are sure to keep both young and old occupied, if you feel like trying something different visit the Dunmore East Adventure Centre which offers sailing, archery, rock climbing and kayaking. For younger children there is a lovely playground in the village park.
The harbour is one of the five designated National Fishery Harbours, and has the second highest figure for fish landings after Killybegs. In the summer months it is popular with visiting yachts which have a designated pontoon. A plan was developed in 2005 by Waterford County Council to expand the harbour to accommodate more recreational marine activities. However that plan appears to have been shelved due to lack of funding.
The first official woman crew member in a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Lifeboat was based at Dunmore East.
Comeragh Mountains / Mahon Falls
Mahon Falls is an 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains near Lemybrien, County Waterford. There is a car park close to the falls with a not too strenuous walk to get to them. The dramatic waterfall which is surrounded by breath taking beauty makes this a trip not to be missed. Did you know that we have a “Magic Road” here in Waterford? Well we do and it is magic! If you park your car at the bottom of the hill and take the handbrake off then the car will roll backwards! The road is in the Comeragh Mountains that leads you to the magnificent Mahon Falls. Is it the work of the little people? Can it be some mystical power of the ancient mountains? Is there some hidden power force that transcends all logic? You will have to go yourself and find out! It is free to visit 24 hours a day.
Mount Congreve
Located right next to The Greenway Manor, Mount Congreve House was built in about 1760 by the local architect John Roberts, who subsequently designed and built most of the 18th-century public buildings in Waterford, including both cathedrals. His client was John Congreve of Waterford, whose father the first Ambrose Congreve had played a prominent part in the development of the city until his early death in 1741. Mount Congreve gardens are open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 5.30pm. Last entry to the gardens at 4.30pm. See Mount Congreve for details.
The Woodland gardens at Mount Congreve were founded on the inspiration, generosity and encouragement of Mr. Lionel N. de Rothschild. He became arguably, the greatest landscaper of the 20th Century and one of the cleverest hybridists. He died in 1942. The original gardens at Mount Congreve had comprised of a simple terraced garden with woodland of ilexes and sweet chestnuts on the slopes falling down to the river. The Gardens are held in Trust for the State.
The original gardens at Mount Congreve had comprised of a simple terraced garden with woodland of ilexes and sweet chestnuts on the slopes falling down to the river. Ambrose Congreve began planting parts of these in his late teens but it was not until 1955 that he began to make large clearings in the woodlands to create the necessary conditions where his new plants would thrive. With the arrival of Mr. Herman Dool in the early sixties, the two men began the process that would lead to Mount Congreve’s recognition as one of the ‘Great Gardens of the World’. Up to the very last years of his life, Mr Congreve could be found in the gardens dispensing orders and advice relating to his beloved plants.
Lismore
The picturesque village of Lismore has lots to offer for families. Lismore Walks allow you to enjoy a guided historical walk of the town. Relax and unwind with a family friendly nature trail. Areas include: Lady Louisa's Walk, The Towers Lismore and The Riverside Walk. Kayak down the famous Blackwater River to Cappoquin under the safety of a trusted guide of Blackwater Adventures. Find a little spot to rest and enjoy a packed lunch. Collect a bike, helmet and map from Lismore Cycling Holiday to explore the region and complete your adventure. Delight in a family friendly train with Lismore Heritage Centre Adventure Pack. Fill out the questionnaire and claim your adventurer's prize. For more information see Discover Lismore.
Activate Waterford
Waterford City's newest and most innovative family recreation centre incorporating a children's soft play area, bowling, rock climbing and bouldering, an intimate state of the art 3D cinema, a cafe and lots more.
