Page 87 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
WATERFORD
TOP HIGHLIGHT
Waterford City
Waterford (Port Láirge) is Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Viking raiders in 914AD. It also has the distinction of being older than all of the north European capitals, except London and Paris. Throughout the medieval period and up to end of the 17th century, Waterford remained Ireland’s second city. Waterford is now famed throughout the world for its hand-cut crystal. It is a lively underestimated city, steeped in centuries of history that always manages to surprise the visitor.
Reginald’s Tower
Reginald’s Tower is the first in a trinity of museums that make up Waterford Treasures Museums. This remarkable 12th century building is the only monument in Ireland named in honour of a Viking. Situated at the apex of the Viking Triangle, it houses the treasures of Viking Waterford.
Medieval Museum
Located between Cathedral Square and the Bishop’s Palace, Waterford’s Medieval Museum, as the name suggests, tells the story of life in the city during the era, and incorporates several preserved medieval structures within its walls, not least the beautiful 13th century Chorister’s Hall and a 15th century wine vault. Carefully preserving several medieval structures within its walls, the museum is a tribute to medieval life in Waterford and takes visitors back to the great age of faith and chivalry.
Bishop’s Palace
The third in the trinity of museums that make up Waterford Treasures Museums is the Bishop’s Palace. The palace was built in 1743 by the renowned Anglo-Indian architect Richard Castle. It is located among a collection of remarkable 18th century buildings in the heart of the Viking Triangle and is immediately opposite the House of Waterford Crystal. This museum of 18th, 19th and 20th century Waterford is a must see.
Greyfriars Church
The ruins of Greyfriars are all that is left of the Franciscan Friary founded in
1241 – one of the earliest Franciscan foundations in Ireland. Of the original complex, only the nave, chancel and an aisle now remain. After the Dissolution, it was used for many years as a hospital for the people of Waterford. The site is now a
National Monument.
WATERFORD & SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY
The magic of rails golden age has been brought to life in Kilmeadan, Co Waterford. The Waterford & Suir Valley Railway is a voluntary community project set up to preserve and promote Waterford’s rich railway heritage. It opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 2003 to offer visitors a heritage railway experience on a section of the abandoned Waterford Cork Railway line. The railway is operated by volunteers and is now one of Waterford’s most popular tourist attraction.
Board the train at Kilmeadan Station, hear the whistle blow and take off on an exciting journey through the countryside, taking in panoramic views of the River Suir, get a glimpse in to Mount Congreve Gardens, make a wish as you pass through the Fairy Wood and on to Carriganore beside Waterford Greenway. The train journey travelling at 15km per hour lasts 40 minutes. Saturday’s trip is ten minutes longer. Come prepared with a jacket if you want to sit in the open carriages. Enclosed carriage seating also available. This is a fun experience for all ages and all facilities are suitable for wheelchairs. Choo Choo Fun Days are held each Wednesday and Sunday in June, July and August.
Bring your own picnic, there are in-door and out-door picnic tables available. Refreshments are available at Kilmeadan Station. Check out the website for details www.wsvrailway.ie
BUNMAHON
JN 12 (N25 AND R681) TOWARDS WATERFORD 26 min from exit
West of Tramore lies the spectacular coastal stretch known as the ‘Copper Coast’. Designated as a European Geopark, its name is derived from the area’s copper mining tradition. It boasts glorious views of towering cliffs, sandy coves and caves, and Bunmahon’s beach is a white jewel flanked by haunting cliffs. In the village heritage centre there is a wealth of material
relating to the life in the area. Bunmahon’s Geological Garden explains the volcanic and sedimentary rock that remains after two continents collided, creating what is now, Ireland.
DUNGARVAN
JN 12 (N25) TOWARDS WATERFORD
34 min from exit
Set around a large harbour and looking out to Helvick Head, this old market town retains so much of it old world charm. For centuries it was protected by an Anglo-Norman castle (circa 1185), the fascinating history of which is told in its 18th century barracks. The town flourished in the early 19th century when the fifth and sixth dukes of Devonshire modernised the centre. Waterford County Museum is located in the heart of Dungarvan and hosts a permanent display on the history of Waterford County and also runs occasional temporary exhibitions.
LISMORE
JN 12 (N25 AND N72) TOWARDS WATERFORD 53 min from exit
Beautifully situated on the banks of the River Blackwater, at the foot of the Knockmealdown mountains, Lismore was once a world-renowned seat of learning. The town’s showpiece is its castle, founded in 1185. It also boasts two spectacular cathedrals dedicated to St Carthage; the late 19th century Catholic cathedral and the Protestant Cathedral of St Carthage (1633), which has Gothic vaulting and a Pre- Raphelite stained glass window by artist Edward Burne-Jones. Lismore Heritage Centre is a must for all those wishing to learn of Lismore’s illustrious past, starting with the arrival of St. Carthage in 636 to the present.
WATERFORD GREENWAY: WATERFORD CITY- DUNGARVAN
Ireland’s longest off-road walking and cycling experience, the Waterford Greenway, offers a beautiful 46km off-road journey along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan. Among others, it takes in three dramatic viaducts, 11 bridges, a 400-metre tunnel and Copper Coast views for walkers and cyclists.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 85