With warmer weather on the horizon, businesses across Waterford city and county have started to welcome both domestic and international visitors for what is set to be a busy summer season throughout the city & county. With particular interest from the American market, international bookings to the region are already strong.
Waterford is well situated from Ireland’s major airports and ports. The Port of Waterford and the harbour in Dunmore East are also critical players in Waterford’s tourism industry, acting as a gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East, with 24 ships and 27,339 passengers to visit Waterford by cruise ship in 2023. It is a short distance from major cities such as Cork and Dublin and is easily accessible by public transport.
This week, Visit Waterford launched its 2023 summer campaign ‘Take A Hike, Visit Waterford’, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the extensive walking and hiking routes throughout Waterford city and county from the award-winning greenway to the UNESCO Copper Coast. Visit Waterford aims to entice locals and holidaymakers alike to step into the heart of Ireland’s oldest city and enjoy the locally sourced culinary offerings, finest hospitality and world-renowned cultural experiences both the city and county offer.
Sara Dolan, Chairperson of Visit Waterford and Commercial Director for Mount Congreve and Waterford Treasures, said: “The Irish tourism market is a verycompetitive industry, but we are very confident in Waterford city and county’s offering asa premium destination in Ireland’s Ancient East. The tourism industry here in Waterfordis continually evolving and growing, offering an abundance of things to do and seeacross the county. Waterford’s diverse landscape is host to a wide range of impressivehiking and walking trails; it is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers, familiesand those on leisurely breaks. I would encourage old and new visitors to visit Waterfordthis summer.”
The recent re-opening of Mount Congreve Gardens at the beginning of March marked the start of a busy year for Waterford following a seven million investment, while both the Waterford Greenway extension to the city centre and the Museum of the Irish Wake are both set to open in the coming weeks, adding greatly to the city & counties vibrant cultural offering.
Cllr. John O’Leary, Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, said: “Not only does the summer season bring our ‘sunny southeast’ reputation to life, but it also brings back visitors to our city and county. We look forward to a busy summer, hoping to see local businesses thrive from increased footfall from domestic and international visitors. Spend the day hiking up the Comeraghs and exploring the coastal towns of Ardmore and Dunmore East, or take in the history of the Vikings and our ancient city – there is something for everyone. Waterford is a must-visit destination all year round, especially in the summer.”
Mealla Fahey, Project Manager at Lismore Heritage Centre and Director at Visit Waterford, added: “Waterford truly has so much to offer as a destination. Not only isWaterford home to Ireland’s oldest city, bursting with history, but the county also boastsspectacular views from beaches and cliff walks to renowned landmarks across thecounty. From Lismore to Tramore, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With themuch-loved Waterford greenway now running from Dungarvan right down to the citycentre, it further links the west to east, strengthening Waterford’s tourism offering evenMore.”
Visit Waterford is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, localhospitality, amenity, and entertainment providers. For further information on Visit Waterford head over to www.visitwaterford.com.
