All Waterford Tours & Excursions in 2026

Get away from the hustle and bustle, and immerse yourself in nature, with a visit to County Waterford’s Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. Named in honor of the Irish journalist Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who spent many years in Japan, the gardens trace the story of his life: from its classic Victorian Garden up to the traditional Japanese Gardens. Secure your admission in advance, and choose between a self-guided or guided tour.

Go behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of the time and work that goes into crystal making on this tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory. Your guide explains the step-by-step process of crystal making, as you wander the rooms where different techniques are used along the way. Meet a few of the high-end crystal makers, and visit the retail store where you can explore one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals.

If you're keen to understand Irish history beyond the modern day, then a visit to Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum is a must. As Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum, it houses artefacts you simply won't find anywhere else. Marvel at some of Europe’s rarest medieval treasures, and gain a deeper insight into a fascinating period of time. As you explore, enjoy an immersive and engaging experience you won't get from a history book alone.

Discover the grandeur of Georgian Waterford, and keep the whole family entertained, with a visit to the Bishop’s Palace Museum. Explore centuries of history through remarkable 18th- to 20th-century treasures—including Napoleon Bonaparte’s mourning cross, sparkling Waterford crystal, elegant period furniture, rare paintings, and exquisite silver and glassware. Trace the city’s story from the 1700s through to the late 20th century, including powerful local moments like the War of Independence. Join the housekeeper (or butler) on a lively reenactor tour and uncover the secrets of the household. Or, take your time on a self-guided tour and soak up the lavish surroundings

Follow in the wake of lighthouse-keepers through the centuries with admission to the Hook Lighthouse on southeast Ireland’s Hook Peninsula. Travel independently to the building — a beacon for Waterford Harbour for over 800 years — and the world’s oldest working lighthouse. Then, enjoy a tour of the medieval tower: climbing the well-trodden stairs, hearing about past keepers, and admiring panoramic views from the balcony. Includes entry to the visitor center with its exhibits, shops, and café.

Step inside a reconstructed Viking house for a virtual reality experience that is the first of its kind. Located in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, this immersive adventure transports you back over 1,000 years to when the Norse first settled Ireland’s oldest city. Explore daily life through cutting-edge 3D technology, meet costumed characters, and discover Viking history from inside an authentic timber house built within the ruins of a 13th-century friary.

This private tour takes you to several of Waterford’s most famous attractions, including Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House and Garden, Kyteler’s Inn, the House of Waterford Crystal, and more. This is a private tour, and you’ll have your own personal guide and transport. No need to hassle with groups, and you can tour at your own pace.

Learn about Waterford City’s history, heritage, and archaeology during this small-group walking tour. Explore the city on foot to see top landmarks including the House of Waterford Crystal, Reginald’s Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Clock Tower. Hear stories about Waterford’s Viking history and wander through the 10th-century Viking quarter. Maximize time in Waterford City with a guided stroll.

Survive an apocalypse in Waterford today with Zombie Scavengers! An app will provide you with a list of items needed to survive the zombies. Find these items in any order you'd like and perform fun zombie themed challenges for points. Come up with a system to get the most points in order to survive the zombie apocalypse. Your friendly remote host will help you throughout the game via chat. Get enough points to survive the zombie apocalypse in Waterford today!

Explore Ireland’s sacred funerary traditions at the country’s first Wake Museum on this unique small-group tour. Whilst most museum tours offer a broad perspective on a country’s history and culture, this guided experience delves deep into Irish wake traditions with expert interpretation of their origin, meaning, and context. Discover superstitions, ceremonies, and customs from early Christian times through to the current day.

With tranquility and peace being the order of the day for some adventurers, The Irish Experience offers you the chance to Experience the Beautiful Southern Sunset along the visually stunning coastline of The Hook Peninsula in Ireland's Ancient East. This stunning natural area around The Hook Peninsula in County Wexford is very much steeped in jaw dropping history, with a rich heritage and diverse wildlife, all this surrounded by natural sea cliffs, caves, hidden coves and beaches. Your guide will see that he brings the area to life with his local knowledge! This beautiful set is framed for you by the stunning evening sunset • 3 hour (2.5 hours on the water approx) sunset escape from the riggers of real life • Fully Guided Sunset Experience • Local Guide  • Small Group Experience  • Snack and Drink Included

We are going to start our great journey visiting Rock of Cashel known as well as Cashel of the Kings. You will find out about the different roles Rock Cashel has played through history. This is a fantastic site which is home to the ruins of a great Celtic Cathedral. Our next stop will be Kilkenny known as the Marble city because of its distinctive black marble. Do you know people from Kilkenny are often referred to as “cats” … We will visit as self guide Cahir castle, one of Ireland´s largest castle Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile with narrow streetscapes, its well -preserved historical buildings and landmarks. An easily walkable city worth visiting

Discover Ireland's rich heritage through silver at the Irish Silver Museum in Waterford. The Irish Silver Museum is an intimate and personal collection of silver treasures from Ireland. From the Vikings to the Victorians, your collection has been created by Ireland’s virtuoso craftsmen over the course of a millennium. The collection offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating story of Ireland through its magnificent silver treasures. Highlights include the Waterford Kite Brooch, a sword granted to the city by Edward IV, silver owned by Jonathan Swift, and commemorative pieces from Ireland's significant military conflicts. Some of these objects in the museum feature the names and arms of their owners or unusual decorations and features – but all of them tell a story. This intimate museum offers a self-guided experience, allowing you to delve into the stories behind each piece at your own pace.

Choose your own itinerary on this private, customized tour of the Southeast from Waterford. You and your private group will enjoy personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions as you travel via air-conditioned transportation.

Waterford was founded by Vikings. They chose this river for a reason, and once you're on the water you'll see exactly why. Sail past Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland, past Malcolmson's shipyard, down Canada Street where emigrants once boarded for Newfoundland, and out to Waterford Castle before turning back through the estuary. Your guide brings it all to life, the Norse settlers who built the city, the Normans who took it, Cromwell's siege, the quieter stories from two World Wars that most visitors never hear. Highlights - Reginald's Tower, Ireland's oldest civic building - Malcolmson's Neptune Shipyard - Canada Street, where emigrants boarded for Newfoundland - Waterford Castle and Little Island - Viking, Norman, Cromwellian and World War history - Wildlife and biodiversity of the River Suir Estuary

Discover the rich history of horology at the Irish Museum of Time, nestled in Waterford's Viking Triangle. This captivating museum, set within a stunning Gothic-style church, showcases the world's oldest Irish-made timepieces alongside exquisite international collections. Marvel at remarkable grandfather clocks, table clocks, and watches while exploring the craftsmanship of timepiece makers from the 17th century onward. Don't miss the new Black Forest cuckoo clock exhibit, featuring hundreds of unique pieces that highlight the artistry and engineering of this iconic craft.

Take a boat tour to see Hook Lighthouse from the Sea! We will take you on a breath-taking guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford Coastline, where you will enjoy tales of Vikings and smugglers as well as meeting first hand some of the marine life that we share the coast with.If you are lucky, you will see dolphins and seals, and plenty of sea birds. The Waterford and Wexford coast is steeped in Maritime History, you will hear where the term 'By Hook or by Crooke' came from, how in 1645 Irish rebels fought and sank the flagship of the English Navy, still lying today beneath the sands. Visit a sea cave where ancient people brought the bones of their dead to enable their passage to the other world, and to top your tour off, some high speed manoeuvres in our Rigid Inflatable Boat - 'Vadrefjord' Boat tour - approximately 1 hour on the water, a safety brief is mandatory prior to boarding. Arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to allow for equipment allocation and safety brief.

* 1.5 hours All-In of fun-filled Family Kayaking Adventures! * Young Family Friendly – Your small kids (from age 5) are sure to have a fantastic time! * Discover the rugged coast of Baginbun Bay, including sea caves and hidden sandy coves. * It is a beautiful, sheltered location & a truly magical family experience that you won’t forget! * Challenge you family and kids to get out of their comfort zone and into their adventure zone. They will thank you later! * Fully guided with expert kayaking guides who will bring the stunning surroundings to life! * Be comfortable in the fact that you will only be joined by other like-minded families with children. * Small Groups for the best experience we can deliver!

Indulge in a personalized luxury chauffeur experience across Ireland. Led by expert guide Aiden O’Byrne, explore iconic sites like the Rock of Cashel and Glendalough, with tailored itineraries that reflect your interests. Enjoy seamless travel in premium BMW and Mercedes sedans, ensuring comfort and elegance throughout your journey. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a golf lover, or a foodie, this tour offers unique culinary experiences and access to Ireland’s finest attractions. - Bespoke chauffeur-driven experiences across Ireland - Discover historic landmarks like the Rock of Cashel and Glendalough - Enjoy premium accommodations and local dining recommendations - Maximum 6 guests for a personalized and intimate tour atmosphere