Self Catering Holiday Homes & Cottages in Waterford

County Waterford is situated in Ireland’s Sunny South East, one of six counties in the province of Munster. It shares a border with Cork to the west, Tipperary to the north, Kilkenny to the northeast and Wexford to the east. The county's northern boundary follows the River Suir, Ireland’s third longest river at 184 km through the city of Waterford. The River Suir and Blackwater River are famous for fishing making Waterford a great base for a fishing holiday in Ireland.

Dungarvan is the county town situated on the south coast of Ireland. And to the west of Dungarvan is the Déise Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking region comprising the areas of Ring and Old Parish offering an authentic Irish experience for visitors. From Dungarvan Harbour hop on an offshore charter and go deep sea fishing, whale, dolphin & seal watching. Or hire bikes locally and explore the wonderful old railway line from Dungarvan to Waterford City, The Waterford Greenway.

The Waterford Greenway

The picturesque Waterford Greenway hugs the coastline as it follows old railway lines from lively Waterford City, through the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and onto the pretty harbour town of Dungarvan. You can walk part of the way, cycle in both directions or cycle one way and get the bus back to Waterford from Dungarvan. With plenty of pit-stops and trailside attractions along the way, exploring the 46km route really is a perfect short break.

Spend your next self-catering holiday hiking, cycling, exploring, learning and dining in Waterford, discover an ancient city with an abundance of historical sites and a magnificent coastline of unspoiled golden beaches. Waterford county has a gentle, lush landscape of pastureland, valleys and mountain ranges, bordered by a delightful coastline of sandy beaches with high dunes. A county steeped in history evidenced by the castles, old forts, period houses and cathedrals situated far and wide around this region.

Explore Ireland’s Oldest City

Waterford city was founded by Vikings in 914 A.D and is Ireland’s oldest city. The Waterford Viking Triangle is part of the cultural and heritage area in the city. View the cities 1000-year-old Viking walls which once surrounded this coast city. Reginald’s Tower is a historic tower and is located at the eastern end of the city quay. The tower is an important landmark in Waterford and an important remnant of its medieval urban defence system. Other historic sites of interest include Bishop’s Palace and the Medieval Museum.

Waterford is well-known for Waterford Crystal, a legacy of the city's former glass making industry. Glass was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009. Waterford Crystal is one of the few companies today which still practises the ancient craft of mould making. Go on a factory tour and see the blowing room, watch as they transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes with brilliant skill.

Walking & Hiking in Waterford

There are a variety of walking and hiking trails in Waterford, making this county a popular destination for a hill walking holiday in Ireland. There are two mountain ranges, the Knockmealdown Mountains and the Comeragh Mountains. The highest point in the county is Knockmealdown at 794 m. There are a wide-range of walks in and around these mountains with a variety of trails, forestry tracks and mountain climbs. The Comeragh Mountains stretch from the coast near Dungarvan and inland as far as Clonmel. You’ll be treated to magnificent views on a clear day, providing a memorable holiday experience.

Visit the Nire valley presenting a variety of walks of different lengths. Located in the heart of North West Waterford most people start their venture from the car park which is well signposted from Ballymacarbry.

Along the coast of Waterford there are a collection of coastal and waymarked routes. Follow the self-guided Copper Coast trail and walking cards available from The Copper Coast Geopark Centre in Bunmahon or from our holiday accommodation in Ardmore go on a self-guided walk along the coast. On route visit the round tower and cathedral then venture on the 5km green route that starts at the monastic site and goes on to circle the cliff walk or take the shorter red route which takes 20 minutes to complete. If you are feeling adventures continue along St. Declan’s Way, an ancient pilgrim path running for 94km through Cappoquin all the way to Cashel in Tipperary.

Waterford Beaches & Cooper Coast

There are over 30 beaches along Waterford's volcanic coastline. Discover hidden gems like Goats Island 5km west of Ardmore, here you will find a lovely little sheltered cove. The glorious blue flag beaches that dot the Waterford coast make this county a firm favourite holiday destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Many of the counties beach have a variety of water sports available and if you fancy learning to surf Tramore Beach is a great place to start!

A large stretch of this coastline, known as the Copper Coast has been designated as a UNESCO Geopark, a place of great geological importance. This designated area extends for some 25 km from Kilfarrasy in the east to Stradbally in the west. Explore the Copper Coast by booking a kayaking tour and see seals, sea stacks, arches, caves, tunnels, blowholes and caverns.

We have a selection of holiday homes and seaside cottages available in Waterford. Stay in the quaint and charming fishing villages of Dunmore East or Ardmore or stay in the vibrant seaside town of Dungarvan.