Waterford Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

Waterford was officially recognized as the European City of Christmas 2024 by the International Jury of the European Capital of Christmas.

The International Jury stated, ‘The City of Waterford is an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics and represents values such as solidarity, which lies with the local communities as well as a strong commitment to its heritage as a hallmark of identity, material and above all immaterial and culture.’

Winterval, Ireland’s Christmas Festival, was created by Waterford City and County Council in partnership with local stakeholders in 2012 and is regarded as the country’s premier Christmas festival. 

Waterford Winterval 2024 runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 15 through December 23.

This article is taken from a podcast episode with Tommie Ryan, the festival director of Winterval in Waterford. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Ireland is relatively new to Christmas festivals and markets.

2018 marked the 7th year of Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas Festival.

Over 6 weeks of festivities, mainly on weekends.

Ireland’s Christmas Capital of Winterval runs 6 week and transforms the entire city of Waterford.

Waterford is a very walk able city, you could park in a single location and just meander through the city and its attractions in addition to the festival.

Winterval has over 60 events in 2018. View the events calendar. Illuminations, markets, events, and more.

Sproai (spree) Winter Wonderland is a new highlight this year.

Multiple Christmas markets within the festival, as well as plenty of tasty treats!

Learn more about the Waterford Greenway in Episode 43

Temple Bar & Dublin – lively fun in the capital city

Learn more about Temple Bar in Episode 60

Newgrange for winter solstice alignment

Hear more about Old Traditions that Survive in Modern Ireland in Episode 48

Jack Meade’s Bar for trad sessions

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 237

The post Waterford, Ireland’s European City of Christmas appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Ireland is a country known for stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The abundant rainfall that contributes to the country’s ’40 shades of green’ is also at least partially responsible for the lush gardens you’ll find across the country.

While the majority of public gardens seem to be concentrated in the ‘sunny southeast’, you can easily add a visit to a magnificent garden to any itinerary.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

While gardens may not be what most people plan their Ireland vacation around, chances are you’ll visit at least one.

And you should.

The combination of nature’s artistry and human design make visiting Irish gardens a truly spellbinding experience worth fitting into your itinerary.

These gardens are well-known and tend to be found on many Ireland itineraries.

Powerscourt Gardens

Nearly every day trip from Dublin to Wicklow includes the 47 acres of immaculate gardens on the Powerscourt Estate. And for good reason.

Everything you look for in a magnificent garden you’ll find here. Walled garden? Check. Japanese garden? Check. Immaculate lawns. Yep. Woodland pathways. You got it. Lake with a fountain? Yes – and it even has a grand stairway leading to the house. You’ll even find a tower, worthy of any fairytale, that you can climb.

Plan to spend a few hours here if you can. And before you leave grab lunch from Avoca to take to the Powerscourt Waterfall- the tallest in Ireland (separate entry fee).

Kylemore Abbey Walled Garden

It’s about a 15-minute speed-walk from stunning Kylemore Abbey in County Galway to the Victorian walled gardens that are nestled beneath the Black Stack Mountains. If you have the time, I highly recommend a more leisurely stroll. If you don’t want to walk a free shuttle is available.

The garden covers approximately 6 acres and is divided by a mountain stream. The eastern half of the garden is the formal flower garden, lush with blooms in all colors and sizes. Crossing the stream to the western half you enter the ‘kitchen garden’ with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees.

To fully explore Kylemore Abbey & Gardens allow 3 hours minimum. This will give you time to enjoy the tour and history of the house, walk along the lake to the miniature Gothic church, visit the gardens (where you might also see the Connemara ponies), and enjoy a well-earned treat in the Tea Rooms or the visitors centre.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

The Gardens at Blarney Castle

The Blarney Stone may be the first thing people think of when visiting Blarney Castle in County Cork, but I think the castle ruin dims in comparison to the estate’s extensive gardens.

With over 11 gardens ‘areas’ spread over 60 acres you’ll find plenty to explore. My personal favorites are the Poison Garden, which sits just beneath the castle’s famous stone. Harry Potter fans will recognize some of the plants here. The Rock Close is the oldest ‘garden’ on the estate, said to be an ancient druidic settlement.

Not far from this is a circle of nine standing stones, two of which have fallen, known as the 7 sisters. The legend tells of a chieftan with 9 children – 2 sons and 7 daughters. Taking his sons on their first battle against a cattle raider, the sons were killed. Returning home with the bodies of his sons it is said he stopped at this spot and ordered his men to knock over two of the stones.

When visiting Blarney Castle & Gardens allow yourself a minimum of 2.5 hours – though I recommend a full morning or afternoon.

The Gardens at Muckross House

You’ll find Muckross House in the heart of Killarney National Park in County Kerry.

During the 1850s the gardens underwent extensive work for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. In the early 20th century the Bourne Vincent family expanded the gardens with the addition of the Sunken Garden, the Rock Garden and the Stream Garden. Today the gardens are most popular in the summer months when the rhododendrons are in riotous bloom.

You can drive to Muckross House or take a jaunting car tour of the national park that can take you to Muckross House.

Some of these gardens may be a bit off the tourist trail. But that’s definitely to your benefit as you may feel like you have them to yourself!

Lismore Castle Gardens

Though you can’t tour Lismore Castle in County Waterford (though you can rent it if you pockets are deep enough), the idyllic gardens are open to the public. We love the ‘hidden’ natural playground and the more natural trails away from the manicured formal garden.
Tip: just down the road is one of my favorite ‘hidden’ spots – Ballysaggartmore Towers. Be sure to wear your walking shoes!

Vandeleur Walled Garden

The tranquil oasis of Vandeleur Walled Garden near Kilrush in County Clare is known for its stunning rose collection and relaxing garden paths. A small hedge maze and a meditation path take your mind in different directions as you explore. This is a great spot to visit if you are using the Shannon Ferry as you cross from Clare to Kerry (or vice versa).

Irish National Stud & Gardens

Located in County Kildare on the route from Dublin to most points west, these gardens should be on your list, even if you’re not a ‘horsey type’. The magnificent Japanese Garden, often called the finest of their kind in Europe, is a soothing guide through the ‘Life of Man’, allowing you to choose your own path and teaching you a few life lessons along the way. St Fiachra’s garden named for the patron saint of gardeners has a more soothing, natural feel, a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Irish National Stud & Gardens feature in the free Horse Country itinerary!

The Gardens at Glenveagh Castle

Located in Glenveagh National Park in Donegal the castle gardens feature both a Victorian Garden and a walled garden. Surrounding this you have acres of ‘wild’ gardens with marked trails to explore. No cars are allowed in Glenveagh National Park so you can opt to walk, rent a bicycle, or take the shuttle to the castle. You can easily spend a few hours here wandering the gardens, touring the castle, and wandering the trails.

The Gardens at Bantry House

Bantry House in West Cork is surrounded by gardens. In front of the house, leading to the bay is the terraced garden with 14 round beds. Behind the house is an ornamental garden overlooked by 100 steps. Climbing to the top of these steps offers a dramatic view of Bantry Bay and an entrance to the woodlands. Beyond this is the walled garden which is slowly being restored.
Tip: You can stay in Bantry House!

Birr Castle Demense

If you want one garden the entire family will love, choose Birr Castle Demense. Beyond the formal gardens and terraces – including the world’s tallest box hedge – you’ll find woodland strolls, waterfalls, river walks, and the ‘Whirlpool Spiral’ of lime trees. In the middle of all of this is the world’s largest telescope (until the early 1900s) and Ireland’s largest treehouse. There is also a wonderful science museum. Birr Castle is still a private residence, but some summer dates do offer castle tours.

Glenarm Castle Gardens

Located along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, the gardens at Glenarm Castle include a formal walled garden with vibrant flower borders and more informal spots like the kitchen garden and herb garden. The walled garden is also home to seven rescued hedgehogs. While visiting you’ll also want to enjoy the woodland walk.
Tip: Glenarm Castle offers a few options to stay onsite, including ocean view pods and the Barbicon Gate.

The final two gardens aren’t full gardens but definitely deserve to be shared.

Garden of Remembrance

On a hill in Ringfinnan seemingly endless rows of trees overlook Kinsale, County Cork. Created by Kathleen Cait Murphy, a New York City nurse originally from Kinsale, the Garden of Remembrance is dedicated to the firefighters and their Chaplain, Father Michael Judge, who died during, and following, the attack on New York on September 11, 2001. Each tree includes information about one of the fallen heroes and many are adorned with personal items left by family and friends.

Dunbrody Abbey Hedge Maze

If you find yourself in County Wexford I highly recommend a stop to complete this hedge maze created of yew trees. In the centre is a tall viewing platform – terrific for yelling hints to those who are still trying to navigate the maze.
Before leaving be sure to visit Dunbrody Abbey, just across the road. This Cistercian Monastery has been standing 850 years.

Ireland’s magnificent gardens are a testament to the country’s natural beauty and rich history. From the grandeur of Powerscourt to the remote wildness of Glenveagh, each garden offers a unique experience that will leave you wishing you could recreate even a bit of that magnificence at home.

Whether you’re a green thumb or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, consider adding a couple of these gardens during your unforgettable trip to Ireland.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 196

The post Enchanting Gardens in Ireland – Amazing Irish Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Wondering about the best places to visit in Ireland in 2024?

And, if you are planning on visiting one of these tops spots, you’ve probably wondered if there are any secrets to having an amazing visit – and maybe avoiding the crowds (as much as possible).

The answers to your questions are below – based on my own experiences from over 20 years of traveling through Ireland.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

These are the top spots to visit in Ireland, as voted on in the Reader Travel Awards at the Irish Independent.

If you’re looking for more tips for visiting Ireland’s tops spots – as well as some amazing alternate attractions to consider- subscribe to the Traveling in Ireland Newsletter and receive Spectacular Alternates to Ireland’s ‘Must See’ Sights as a bonus!

See all the winners of the 2024 Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards

These top sites are popular for a reason. They deliver a terrific visitor experience that creates lasting memories.

But popularity has a downside. At some sites it is lack of tickets, at others it is overwhelming crowds.

Here’s how to have the best experience at the most popular spots in Ireland.

Guinness Storehouse

Always prebook your tickets. The wait here can be hours long – and you aren’t guaranteed entry. GetYourGuide – Viator – Guinness Storehouse

I personally prefer the final tour of the evening, but if you want to experience fewer people that may linger from earlier tours, choose the first two tours of the day.

Guinness Storehouse is easily reached via one of the Hop-on Hop-off buses and pairs well with a tour of Kilmainham Gaol.

Cliffs of Moher

If you’ve been listening to me for any amount of time you know that I advocate for people to visit the Cliffs before 10am or after 4pm to avoid the majority of tour buses.

You can also prebook your tickets on the Cliffs of Moher website to save money on earlier or later visits. These tickets give you full access to the visitor centre and experiences there.

Another option, if you are fit for an uphill hike and don’t want to explore the visitor’s centre, is to park at Guerin’s Path, just south of the cliffs (look for signs). This per-car parking spot is at the highest point of the Cliffs. You can walk down a bit of the cliff walk to the main Cliffs of Moher visitor’s area – just know that the hike back up can be challenging if you have mobility issues.

If you love a great hike be sure to book into a cliffs hike with Ollie’s Tours.

I do not – ever – recommend a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. This is an exceptionally long day with nearly 7.5 hours of driving (10 hours total trip on average) for a very short view of the cliffs and other locations. It’s just not worth it.

Waterford Greenway

I think the best way to explore the Waterford Greenway is on bike. We rented electric bikes from Waterford Greenway Bike Hire in Waterford and cycled to Dungarvin where the rental company picked us up and shuttled us back to Waterford. If you wanted a bit of a touring on your return to Waterford contact Bob McAuliffe at About Ireland Taxi Tours – he’ll arrange a great one-way tour for you.

If you have a car and want to drive the route near the greenway you can stop at trailheads along the greenway and explore on foot. A few highlights along the greenway to check out are Mount Congreve Gardens, the Durrow Viaduct, and the Copper Coast.

Dublin Zoo

Located in Dublin’s sprawling Phoenix Park, this is a terrific place to visit with young kids. If you can visit in mid to late afternoon to align with animal feeding that is a great way to see the animals be active. We just followed the feeder from cage to cage.

Phoenix Park can be accessed via Dublin bus, Hop-on Hop-off bus, and the Luas drops off nearby.
Learn more about How to get Around in Dublin

Spend some time in the park, as well. It’s a great place to wander on a nice day and you may even see the herd of deer.

Emerald Park

Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) is Ireland’s only amusement park.

If you are an amusement park fan, the park has an area for young kids as well as larger rides.

Additionally you’ll find a zoo, petting farm, fun Lemur Woods and zoo talks, a couple playgrounds and splash park, a fairy forest and a steam train.

Emerald Park is approximately 45 minutes from Dublin.

Killarney National Park

Covering over 25,000 acres of mountains, woods, moors, lakes and rivers in County Kerry, Killarney National Park is a wonderful natural playground. It also includes a stunning manor house, terrific abbey ruin, and fabulous Ross Castle.

A great way to get an overview of Killarney National Park is with a jaunting cart tour. You can queue for a jaunting cart in Killarney near the park entrance. The jarvey will entrance you with stories as you ride through the park to Ross Castle.

The national park is easy to cycle and you’ll also find boat tours and walking tours.

While the pathways near Muckross House and at the entrance from Killarney town can be busy, there are plenty of remote spots where you can feel like the only person around.

Titanic Belfast

This is the most popular tourist attraction in Belfast so you want to be sure to prebook your timed tickets.

If you don’t want to take the guided tour in the building you can still explore the exterior areas, including the dry dock areas of the Titanic and Olympic.

I really like to do an early tour here and follow with a Black Taxi tour of the Peace Walls and murals – the taxi can pick you up at Titanic Belfast and drop you wherever you wish.

Giant’s Causeway

My favorite way to visit the Giant’s Causeway is to arrive before the visitor’s centre opens or after it closes to avoid the heaviest crowds. You can’t park at the visitor’s centre, but there are a few parking spots nearby that only cost a few pounds.

It’s a steep walk down to the causeway – and back up – but if you visit during visitor’s centre open hours there is a bus that is £1 or €1 per ride (up or down).

For those who enjoy a good hike you can follow the path from the famed stones along the coast for a bit, before needing to ascend steps up the side of the cliff. The views here are terrific. If you don’t want to climb those steps you can also access this path near the upper bus parking.

Kilmainham Gaol

Is it a bit morbid to visit a place where so many people were treated brutally, starved, and executed?

Probably. But these stories, and the ties to the 2016 Easter Rising, draw thousands of visitors to Dublin’s notorious jail each year.

While you *might* get lucky and find same-day tickets, your best option is to prebook your tickets 28 days in advance as close to midnight Irish time as possible for best availability.

Kilmainham Gaol is an OPW Heritage site, so if you plan to purchase a card when you arrive (can be purchased on site or at Dublin Castle in the city centre) be sure to scroll down the booking page and choose One Year OPW Heritage Card to place a zero cost booking.

Pair this with a visit to Guinness Storehouse (if it’s on your itinerary), visiting the jail first. Give yourself at least 30 minutes after your tour to visit the museum and exhibitions.

Spike Island, Cobh

Spike Island, off the coast of Cobh in County Cork, is known as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’ but before that it was home to a 7th century monestery and a Cromwellian prison.

Construction of the star-shaped fortress began in 1779 and the famine era prison, the largest in the world in the 1850s, was built in 1847. The island retained a prison through 1985. From 1938 through 1985 the island was the Irish Army and Navy base.

The ferry to reach Spike Island takes 12 minutes and you will be met by a guide for the first 45 minutes of your visit. After that you are welcome to explore using the map you were provided with your ticket. You can also self-guide for your entire island visit.

The thing to remember about this tour is that your return boat is 3.5 hours later, so you need to be sure you have plenty of time in your itinerary. I prefer the noon sailing. It offers plenty of time to arrive and depart Cobh.

If you are staying nearby – and you like a spooky experience – see if the After Dark tour is available.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 195

The post Ireland’s Top 10 Visitor Attractions in 2024 (and expert tips for visiting) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.)

In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

At least 120 round towers are thought to have existed in Ireland. Today about 20 towers survive in complete condition.

The monastic settlement of Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains, is a popular day trip from Dublin. The round tower stands tall in the ‘valley of the two lakes’, almost presiding over the cemetery, churches, and cathedral. There is quite a lot to see and do here, including some wonderful walks around the lake and along mountain paths.

Clonmacnoise was a major centre of learning and trade from the 8th to 12th centuries, located at one of the most important crossroads of ancient Ireland. You’ll find two round towers here, though one is missing a top. Clonmacnoise also has 3 high crosses; the Cross of Scriptures is 13 feet tall and absolutely magnificent.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster until 1101 when it was donated to the church by the reigning king. The round tower is the oldest structure on the site. The sight of the magnificent castle structure atop the stony outcropping and reigning over the surrounding farmland is one that will leave you in awe.

Many visitors make the pilgrimage to Kells in County Meath as that is where the Book of Kells was held until 1654, before it was presented to Trinity College in 1661 (where you can see it today). The round tower, though still standing, has lost its cap. Five high crosses, in various states, are also here.

Articles like this highlight a few great options — but they’re just a small part of what Ireland offers.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you understand how to combine them into a trip that feels balanced and easy to navigate.

If your itinerary doesn’t take you near any of those popular spots there are plenty more round towers to visit. These are some of my favorites.

Rattoo round tower in County Kerry was the first round tower I saw in Ireland. In 2002 I was following the route that would become the Wild Atlantic Way when I saw the cone in the distance. As I drove the road became more narrow, finally becoming a path. And there it stood. I had it all to myself… It was magical. The Rattoo round tower is the only complete round tower in Kerry and also has a sheela na gig.

Ardmore, County Waterford, is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland, founded by St. Declan in the 5th century. Rising from a hill overlooking the town below, the round tower dates to the 12th century. The round tower marks the end of the cliff walk, which begins at the beach, following the coast past St. Declan’s Stone, up the (steep) hill past the Cliff House Hotel (amazing spot to stay), and then to the holy well and the ruined church, before continuing along the cliffs to the cathedral and church yard.

You’re likely to pass near Kilmacdough Monestery in County Galway if you are driving between Galway city and the Cliffs of Moher. The round tower is noted as the tallest standing round tower in Ireland.

Scattery Island, in the Shannon Estuary , is owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is (obviously) only reachable by boat. Scattery Island Tours offers daily sailings during the season. The round tower on Scattery is unique as the door is at ground level. The island also has seven small churches, a holy well, a lighthouse, and an artillery battery.

The round tower at Turlough Abbey in County Mayo appears rather short and squat when compared to other towers. This abbey is one of few that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII and, later, Oliver Cromwell. If you visit the National Museum of Ireland Country Life in Castlebar the round tower can be seen from there and makes a nice addition to your visit.

A round tower, locally known as The Steeple, still remains from an ancient monastic settlement in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Nearby is a ‘witches stone’, the story being that a witch, upset by the construction of the tower, climbed to the top and jumped off, landing on the stone and leaving the impression of her knee and elbow. Legend says that one hollow never runs dry.

The Ireland Travel Compass brings together hundreds of places across the country and helps you turn ideas like these into a trip that fits your time and travel style.

The round tower at Glasnevin Cemetery, built in 1855 to commemorate Irish political leader Daniel O’Connell can be climbed, but it is not quite as impressive as scaling an ancient round tower.

Just west of Dublin Kildare Cathedral, also known as St. Brigid’s Cathedral, was built on the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey said to have been founded by Saint Brigid. The round tower can be climbed – be sure to note the Romanesque decoration around the doorway -and do visit the cathedral which also has a sheela-na-gig.

St. Canice’s Cathedral, at the opposite end of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile from Kilkenny Castle, has a climbable tower which was built in the 9th century. The Cathedral is Early Gothic in design and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland, St. Patrick’s in Dublin is longer. Purchase your tickets to climb the 100 foot tower inside the cathedral.

Devenish Island in County Fermanagh had two round towers, though one remains intact and can be scaled. This is the only high tower you can climb that still retains a conical cap. The base of the cap has a decorative cornice with a carved head above each of the 4 rectangular windows, Commercial boat tours of Lower Lough Erne can take you to the island, which also has multiple church ruins and an intricate high cross.

Traveling in Ireland Episode 193

The post Round Towers – Amazing Ireland Experiences appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

I had the opportunity to speak with Sean Egan, a master engraver with over 35 years of experience. A trained artist at the former Waterford Crystal, Sean now runs Sean Egan Art Glass in the Bishop’s Palace Museum, located in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle.

See also: Waterford Travel Tips with Clodagh Fitzgerald

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Sean Egan, owner and artist at Sean Eagan Art Glass. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Today has been really low key.

We had a relaxing morning at Faithlegg then rambled our way along Waterford’s Copper Coast, before arriving in Cork city.

We joined a guided tour of the Cork Gaol before checking into The Kinglsley for the night.

Sean, who worked for Waterford Crystal for many years, continues to create beautiful glass pieces using copper and diamond wheels. After the factory closed in 2009, Sean opened his own business during the Irish recession. His work includes engraving prestigious trophies and unique pieces like a 9/11 tribute, which was displayed in New York.

Sean’s studio offers visitors a chance to watch him work, and his creations range from high-end trophies to affordable, handcrafted glass ornaments. These ornaments, often bought by visitors, are a popular and accessible way to bring home a piece of Irish craftsmanship.

In the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle lies the Bishop’s Palace Museum, home to Sean Egan’s workshop. Sean, a former engraver at Waterford Crystal for over 35 years, now operates independently under the banner Sean Egan Art Glass. His workspace within the museum offers visitors a firsthand look at the intricate craft of glass engraving. Sean describes himself as an artist who brings glass to life using copper and diamond wheels, carving intricate designs into glass. Reflecting on his journey, Sean shared how the closure of the Waterford Crystal factory in 2009 led him to start his own business during Ireland’s recession. He saw this challenge as an opportunity to rise above adversity and continue his craft.

Once employing thousands, Waterford Crystal now operates with just around 50 employees, producing a fraction of its former output. Despite this, the brand remains synonymous with Irish craftsmanship, and Sean continues to uphold its legacy. During his tenure, he engraved prestigious trophies, including those for the Players Championship and gifts for world leaders like Presidents Obama and Trump.

One of Sean’s most notable works is a glass piece commemorating 9/11. Inspired by an iconic photograph of a judge being carried out by New York City workers, Sean created this tribute despite initial opposition. The piece garnered significant attention and is now on display at the Waterford Crystal factory as a powerful symbol of solidarity and remembrance.

Glass engraving is a meticulous craft that requires both technical skill and artistic vision. Sean explained the process, which involves sketching a design, outlining it with a tool akin to a dentist’s drill, and then carving it deeply using copper and diamond wheels. The result is an optical illusion where light and shadow bring the design to life.

Achieving mastery in this art takes years—Sean’s own journey began at age 15 with a 10-year apprenticeship. His passion remains as vibrant as ever, drawing inspiration from everyday scenes, whether it’s a bird in flight or a tree swaying in the wind.

Sean’s studio offers something unique: affordable, handcrafted glass pieces. Among his most popular items are Christmas ornaments, designed to be both beautiful and easy to transport. These ornaments, he noted, are often cherished souvenirs for visitors wanting to take home a piece of authentic Irish artistry.

After meeting Sean, I explored the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark known for its scenic beauty and mining history. The drive featured stops like the Mahon Falls and the Waterford Greenway, a beautiful path for biking or walking. My day ended in Cork City, where I toured the Cork City Gaol and stayed at the Kingsley Hotel along the River Lee.

Sean Egan welcomes visitors to his studio, typically from Monday to Friday, though he’s known to accommodate weekend visits for special groups. His workshop, located at the Bishop’s Palace Museum, is part of the broader Waterford Treasures experience, which includes five museums accessible with a single ticket. Whether you’re captivated by history, art, or both, a visit to Sean’s workshop and the surrounding Viking Triangle is sure to be a highlight.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 170

The post Waterford Art Glass appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

The best Waterford travel tips from a Failte Ireland Certified guide- from Waterford city to the ‘hidden’ countryside.

Though the name is synonymous with crystal, Waterford – both the city and the county – have so many experiences to offer the visitor who ventures off the tourist trail.

Clodagh FitzGerald is a Failte Ireland certified guide who was born and raised in Waterford.

Check out Clodagh’s Kinsale tips here!

When you think of Waterford the first thing that comes to mind is crystal. Though the original factory is no longer in Waterford, you can still visit the stunning showroom and visitor centre in the heart of the city. Skilled artisans spend years learning their craft, be it blowing, cutting, or engraving the stunning pieces that are known worldwide.

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and the Viking Triangle, where Waterford ‘began’, is a perfect place to begin your explorations of the city.

It’s very easy to park your car and explore the city on foot. This makes it very easy to explore the city with little advance planning – you can just enjoy the city as it appears before you.

Reginald’s Tower, once a mint and a prison, is now a museum and part of the museum group known as Waterford Treasures, along with the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace.

A replica longboat is just around the corner, as is a 23 foot long carved ‘Viking Slayer’ sword (alert: selfie spot!).

Waterford has also embraced murals, which add vibrance and brighten the city’s buildings.

The Waterford Greenway is a 46 km cycling and walking trail from Waterford city to Dungarvan.

Following a disused rail line (what we would call a ‘rails to trails’ project in the US), the trail crosses 3 incredible viaducts, passes through a magical fairy tunnel, and takes in the stunning landscapes of the River Suir, the Copper Coast, the Comeragh Mountains, and Dungarvan Bay.

From the trail you can experience villages that had been bypassed when the rail line went out of business, as well as classic spots like Mount Congreve Gardens, the Woodstown Viking Site, and the narrow-gauge Waterford & Suir Valley heritage train.

Take a ferry from Passage East across the estuary to Wexford.

Jack Mead’s Bar sits under an old stone bridge near Cheekpoint. It’s a lovely spot for an afternoon.

Faithlegg House Hotel is a luxury 4-star property with a golf course.

For seafood visit McAlpine’s Suir Inn.

Woodstown has a sandy beach. You’ll also find lovely trails and horseback riding.

Dunmore East is a perfect base in Waterford. Lovely cliff walk, swimming beaches, and tasty restaurants.

Tramore is known for its beach. Watersports take center stage and many come for the classic amusement park.

The Copper Coast is a UNESCO World Geo Park. The Waterford Greenway passes through here and the scenery is amazing. You’ll find any number of beaches.

Near Dungarvin you’ll find a Gaeltacht, an Irish speaking area.

Lismore is known for its stunning castle, home to the Dukes of Devonshire. While you can’t visit the castle, you can explore the gardens.

In nearby Dromana the gatehouse & bridge are worth a drive by. And the folly Ballysaggartmore Towers are not to be missed.

The Comeragh Mountains are home to a lovely waterfall hike – and a magic road.

You can stand next to- and inside- the Gaulstown Dolmen, which is amazing.

On Instagram @ClodaghsTravelTales

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Eat a blaa. This is a bread roll local to Waterford and can be made only by certain bakers. Floury, soft, fresh, and best with hard butter and Denny’s Ham.

Sean Corcoran sand art. If you happen to catch him on a beach stay to watch! Or contact for more information about sand art workshops.

Pallas Equestrian horse trekking in Woodstown if you ride.

Bonus: Ardmore cliff walk.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 123

The post Waterford Travel Tips with Clodagh Fitzgerald appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ireland! Join Jody as she chats with Tommie Ryan, the festival director of Ireland’s largest Christmas festival: Winterval in Waterford.

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Ireland is relatively new to Christmas festivals and markets.

2018 marks the 7th year of Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas Festival.

Over 6 weeks of festivities, mainly on weekends.

Ireland’s Christmas Capital of Winterval runs 6 week and transforms the entire city of Waterford.

Waterford is a very walk able city, you could park in a single location and just meander through the city and its attractions in addition to the festival.

Winterval has over 60 events in 2018. View the events calendar. Illuminations, markets, events, and more.

Sproai (spree) Winter Wonderland is a new highlight this year.

Multiple Christmas markets within the festival, as well as plenty of tasty treats!

Learn more about the Waterford Greenway in Episode 43

Temple Bar & Dublin – lively fun in the capital city

Learn more about Temple Bar in Episode 60

Newgrange for winter solstice alignment

Hear more about Old Traditions that Survive in Modern Ireland in Episode 48

Jack Meade’s Bar for trad sessions

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Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 62

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The post Winterval in Waterford, Ireland’s Largest Christmas Festival appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Jody is talking about Ireland's sunny Southeast in this episode. Join her and guest speaker John Purcell, owner of Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours and Bike Hire as they discuss the Waterford Greenway.

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The Waterford Greenway was originally a rail line in the Southeast of Ireland. It closed in 1967, then reopened 50 years later as a scenic bike tour.

John shares his tips for riding the Waterford Greenway and visiting the area. Please visit Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours and Bike Hire to find out more about the bike tours available.

The post Exploring the Waterford Greenway | Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 43 appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.