Wake up to some Déise fun
Pictured in Tramore taking a ‘Dive Into Waterford’ is Bobby Brett, age 8, Hugh Cowman, age 5, Daisy McCann, age 4, Elise Marsh, age 8, Freya Marsh, age 11 and Melody Marsh, age 5. Photo: Patrick Browne
As the summer draws to a close, Visit Waterford has launched a campaign to let families know about the many fun attractions within the Déise.
Whether families are opting to 'staycation' or go on fun day trips, Waterford has a lot to offer to keep everyone happy.
As part of the 'Wake up to Waterford Family Fun', families can enjoy a 40-minute scenic journey on a narrow gauge railway along the banks of the River Suir aboard a heritage mini train at Waterford Suir Valley Railway.
Wild With Walshe Tours offer guided tours and experiences from gardening to coastal heritage, natural history and foraging walks with local historian and field ecologist Alan Walshe.
There are similar tour experiences on offer in Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan with Stíofán from Steps Back Thru Time, offering local stories and heritage.
Expert hiker Mario from Muddyboots will guide you through the Knockmealdown or Comeragh Mountains, knowing every trail off the beaten track.
Splashworld in Tramore is open to provide an exciting and safe water experience for all ages with fun slides and a wave machine in the pool.
Waterford is famous for its array of walking and hiking trails, from scenic garden trails, majestic mountain hikes, coastal and cliff walks and woodland trails.
Speaking of nature, there are an embarrassment of beautiful gardens in the Déise, like Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, the stunning 70 acres of Mount Congreve Gardens, the majestic Lismore Castle Gardens and Arts Centre and the incredible Curraghmore Estate and Gardens.
Ardmore Mini Farm has 16 acres of farm with over 250 animals, including many rare breeds, and a café with large indoor soft play areas.
In Waterford city, visitors of all ages can enjoy Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, where they can step back 1,000 years in time.
Off the coast, Waterford’s majestic River Suir can be explored by boat with a variety of tours and excursions from By Hook or By Crook Boat Tours, The Barrow Princess & Cailín Dèise or Osprey River Cruises.
For art lovers, the Joan Clancy Gallery offers a chance discover a beautiful art gallery in the Gaeltacht area of An Rinn, that exhibits the best in Irish painting from new, emerging and established artists.
To plan your own Waterford adventure, go to visitwaterford.com
