Mairead Robinson explores the multitude attractions of Waterford City and County
Boat in Waterford’s Viking Triangle.
Like many of us, a holiday at home – now known as a ‘staycation’ – is increasingly attractive as opposed to the prospect of delays, baggage restrictions, endless queues and organizing passports and boarding passes. Leaving aside the weather, I feel that a holiday at home is a much more attractive option when looking for a break, a treat, a family adventure or indeed a solo experience. And I have always held that the standard of hotels in this country is often far superior to many popular holiday destinations. Along with some of the best known parts of Ireland, I have recently discovered and enjoyed some of the many attractions that Waterford – both city and county – have to offer. And this includes treats for the children, the whole family and indeed couples and groups of friends. So lets start with the smallies – ever a fan of granny/grandchild adventures, there is lots to choose from here. From the amazing Escape Room at Lismore Heritage Centre for starters. This is so much fun that kids of all ages will love it, and I must admit the adults too! Another fun activity for the children is the Suir Valley Railway in Kilmeaden where the young ones especially will love the colourful heritage train. The forty minute journey is a wonderful way to enjoy the area in comfort. And from Lismore and Kilmeaden, it is back to the city for the really exciting Viking Experience. The EPIC walking tour of the city includes access to the award-winning Waterford Treasures Museums. The tour of the Viking Triangle visits six national monuments that date from 1190 to 1783. It is an all weather guided tour that really does appeal to and fascinate all the family, from the kids to the history buffs and everybody in between. Of course as well as Vikings, the city is also famous for Waterford Crystal, and the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is certainly worth a visit. But for all the family, particularly those who love gardens, those at Mount Congreve are really spectacular, and definitely worth a visit.
What is extra exciting for us foodies, is the addition of Jean-Baptiste Dubois as the Head Chef. Jean-Baptiste has a deep passion for sustainable cooking and he is looking forward to making the most of everything grown in the Mount Congreve Gardens.
But back to the gardens – right now carpets of snowdrops and crocuses sit around the feet of the great oaks at the bell gate lawn and winter flowering plants such as Daphnes, Sarococcas and Mahonias also offer a beautiful fragrance all around the house and down the fragrant walk. Already early Camellias are out in the upper woods and the main path will soon be followed by the magnolias along the river walk. Rhododendrons are already out and about now the entire garden will be a blaze of spring colours. And so we have the most beautiful gardens and wonderful food prepared using all the vegetables grown in the gardens.
Another really exciting aspect of the opening of Mount Congreve Gardens is the really beautiful new forest accommodation with the opening of the unique eco-cabins and their exclusive hot tubs which are now in situ and also the gate lodges situated across Mount Congreve Gardens. www.mountcongreve.com
The restoration of the Georgian Glasshouse is also scheduled for this summer. The eco-cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway, especially for those who really like to get back to nature. But they are also wonderfully exciting for the children, who adore the idea of camping – all be it with warmth and comfort! In fact, we reckon the eco-cabins are among the best accommodation on offer in Waterford, and certainly the most fun.
A recent addition to the city’s attractions, The Waterford Clock Museum is proving very popular
Having said that, for those who want to stay in the city and visit all the treasures of this Viking city including the Bishops Palace, Irish Museum of Time, the Medieval Museum and the Irish Silver Museum – not forgetting the fabulous Wake Museum and the King of the Vikings award-winning Virtual Reality Adventure – we found the very best place to stay for your visit is the lovely Granville Hotel – www.granvillehotel.ie It is situated right in the centre of Ireland’s oldest city, complimentary parking across the road, and everything is within walking distance.
And finally, after loving Mount Congreve gardens, a spin out to the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens outside Tramore is highly recommended. The gardens reflect the life and extensive wanderings of
Irish/Greek writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) who grew up in Ireland, and whose life’s journey embraced several parts of the world. The gardens pay homage to the fame he attained in Japan through his incomparable literary descriptions of the people, customs and culture of Japan.
Without doubt, if you have not visited Waterford before, you will be charmed by how much there is to see and enjoy there, and like ourselves, you will wonder how it was that you never visited Ireland’s oldest city before.
