I didn’t tell you this, but Ireland’s best kept secret is also one of the sunniest places, closest to southern England and one of the best value for money.
The south-east of Ireland has long been popular with the Irish and more discerning visitors, thanks to the long-standing Rosslare-Fishguard (Wales) ferry link, trade routes and a history of immigration to Britain stretching back more than 1,000 years.
While it’s only a few hours’ drive from Dublin and Cork airports, it will be Waterford’s long-awaited, refurbished extension that will be the game-changer in getting more British vagabonds into the heart of the south-east quicker and cheaper. Airport.
In December it was announced that the long-awaited return of international flights in and out of Waterford Airport for the first time since 2016 could happen next year or by 2025 at the latest. But widening the runway and renovating the airport to allow large and medium-range aircraft for international commercial flights will cost €30 million (£26 million).
The wheels are in motion. Private Irish investors put €12 million (£10 million) on the table in the expectation that the government would cough up the rest. It is said that the government will make such a commitment in the coming weeks. So, all as planned, there will be a direct flight from Waterford to London within the next year.
So why should you visit Ireland’s sunny southeast?
Beaches and attractive countryside
Counties Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny are home to some of the most intriguing Irish countryside, brimming with charming little villages, from the wooded folds of winding river valleys to whitewashed, wind-whipped thatched cottages perched above the Celtic Sea. . These four counties also include hugely historic large towns/small ‘cities’ such as Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford Town, with crumbling roots dating back to the Vikings.
The south-east is also a rich region of 18th-century mansions and award-winning gardens; 800-year-old Norman castles overlook the fertile countryside like nosy neighbours. And here you’ll find the island’s longest, sandiest beaches, and the heart of the island is surrounded by the majestic “Three Sisters” – the Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow – stretching to the northwest, at the foothills between grazed hillsides and woodland. North Waterford’s Wexford Blackstairs Mountain (2,411 ft), Comeragh (2,600 ft) and Knockmealdown Mountains (2,605 ft).
Not a tourist in sight
Another advantage of the south-east of Ireland is that it’s not full of rafters where tourists blow their heads off every summer or clog the pavements for selfies. Rather, it is full of low-profile, characterful bars where locals drink; Bars where you’ll walk out the door after a few Irish coffees or a Guinness with cream, where the customers know every detail about you (you haven’t even gotten their names yet). If you’re a foodie, this is an area famous for artisan bakeries and cafes, as well as some of the best restaurants in the country.
Ireland’s oldest city
Waterford Airport is just 15 minutes from the heart of Waterford City so let’s start there. This “city” of 60,000 sinners rarely features on most visitors’ Irish itineraries. Situated on low hillsides on the banks of the broad, tidal River Suir, it is Ireland’s oldest city. Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, the name of this city is “Vadrarjfordr”, which means fjord of rams in Old Norse; has long been anglicised as “Waterford”.
The city’s Viking Triangle is a must-see; At the center of this is the King of the Vikings hub; A 3D virtual reality attraction where Viking life isn’t just chock-full of blood, guts and glory. Then there’s the Waterford Crystal House, the Medieval Museum, the Bishop’s Palace and the Reginald Tower. I can continue.
Visit the Irish Wake Museum as we always have a great Glam Rock death here – but bring your own corpse, thank you – and wash down with the Irish Museum of Time.
Going back to this century, if there is one city in Ireland that pioneered a well-regarded representation of the roots of street art, it is Waterford City. Here you will not see Blarney’s watercolor, but the human condition displayed in technicolour. Head to Street Art Link, a public art agency that offers three different guided walking tours. Or head there during the Waterford Walls street art festival. Each August, there are 10 days of workshops, food, music, and dozens of artists from around the world, as well as numerous artists creating large-scale wall art pieces related to the city.
Nore and Barrow River Valleys
Situated along the Nore and Barrow River valleys, south-east Kilkenny/southwest Carlow is a joy to explore; all less than an hour north of Waterford City. Head through the Nore Valley to the picturesque village of Inistioge, then head to Graiguenamanagh on the magnificent River Barrow, followed by St. Curve towards the religious village of Mullins (don’t miss the riverside Mullichain Café).
Consider kayaking down Barrow for two to four days with Go with the Flow, or kayaking overnight in Kilkenny City, so rich in medieval history and heritage and so vibrant in contemporary arts, crafts and culture.
Hook Peninsula
Cross Passage East and take the car ferry to Ballyhack in County Wexford. Then head south along the Hook peninsula – the origin of “by hook or crook” courtesy of Oliver Cromwell – via Duncannon towards Hook Head. Here you can explore the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse, claimed to be the “oldest working lighthouse in the world.” Return via the eastern coastline of the peninsula with a quick dip at Baginbun beach, then pass the village of Fethard to Tintern Abbey.
Wexford Coastline
Head first to New Ross and Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience before following the Norman Way along the south coast of County Wexford. If you’re a beach lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this county with endless, long, golden beaches stretching along the eastern and southern coastlines.
Waterford Greenway
Stretching for 45 kilometers on the old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan, this greenway passes over the ruins of 19th-century workhouses and Norman castles, as well as stunning mountains and beaches. Consider staying overnight in Kilmacthomas, or at least spend a few hours at the spectacular Mount Congreve Gardens, about 5 miles outside of Waterford City.