Our tour of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, discovers the area’s rich history. We feature the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, spectacular Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford Crystal, Waterford Treasures, the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Johnstown Castle.
Janine says…
“I visited Mount Congreve in 2023 for the first time and what a gem this visit truly is. The gardens were breathtaking and the story of Mr Congreve is absolutely intriguing. I highly recommend upgrading the tour experience.”
Click here to watch a video on the House of Waterford Crystal
Waterford’s Crystal, Gardens & Suir Valley Rail 2025
Mount Congreve Gardens
Dunbrody Famine Ship
Johnstown Castle
Waterford Crystal
Waterford Treasures
Waterford & Suir Valley Railway
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Waterford Crystal & Waterford Treasures Driver’s Day Off
This morning, we make our way to the famous House of Waterford Crystal, where we enjoy a 90 minute guided factory tour, taking in all aspects of the production of Waterford Crystal, including blowing, mould making, finishing, crystal cutting, sculpting & engraving. In the afternoon, we enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of Waterford Treasures, comprising three museums within a few steps of each other in the Viking Triangle. Founded in 914, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and our tour of the Bishop’s Palace and Medieval Museum, given by character actors in period costume, will fill us in on all its history. We spend the rest of our day exploring this historic city at leisure.
Day 3 Waterford & Suir Valley Railway & Mount Congreve Gardens
We make our way to the heritage narrow gauge railway of Waterford & Suir Valley in Bilberry this morning, where we board our train for a one way journey along the picturesque banks of the River Suir to the famous Mount Congreve Gardens where we enjoy a 1 hour guided garden tour. Home to one of the largest collections of plants in Ireland, the gardens offer a spectacular display of blooms throughout the year including azaleas, camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons in the spring and the appearance of over 90 different varieties of hydrangeas in full flower in the summer. At lunchtime, we enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch. We then make our way back to our hotel along the scenic Copper Coast via the seaside resort of Tramore.
Looking to enhance your tour with something a bit different? Anyone who specialises in garden holidays we highly recommend upgrading to the 2 hour tour with an expert garden to truly make the most of these sensational gardens.
Day 4 Dunbrody Famine Ship, Wexford & Johnstown Castle
Our day starts with a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship, where costumed performers provide a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience, providing a unique insight into the bravery and fortitude of the Irish people. After a brief stop in Wexford with free time for lunch, we visit Johnstown Castle for a guided tour, where we discover the 19th century castle and its incredibly long servants’ tunnel. Opened to the public in 2019, this attraction also features an Irish Agricultural Museum, picturesque grounds, lakes and gardens.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Waterford Crystal & Waterford Treasures Driver’s Day Off
This morning, we make our way to the famous House of Waterford Crystal, where we enjoy a 90 minute guided factory tour, taking in all aspects of the production of Waterford Crystal, including blowing, mould making, finishing, crystal cutting, sculpting & engraving. In the afternoon, we enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of Waterford Treasures, comprising three museums within a few steps of each other in the Viking Triangle. Founded in 914, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and our tour of the Bishop’s Palace and Medieval Museum, given by character actors in period costume, will fill us in on all its history. We spend the rest of our day exploring this historic city at leisure.
Day 3 Waterford & Suir Valley Railway & Mount Congreve Gardens
We make our way to the heritage narrow gauge railway of Waterford & Suir Valley in Bilberry this morning, where we board our train for a one way journey along the picturesque banks of the River Suir to the famous Mount Congreve Gardens where we enjoy a 1 hour guided garden tour. Home to one of the largest collections of plants in Ireland, the gardens offer a spectacular display of blooms throughout the year including azaleas, camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons in the spring and the appearance of over 90 different varieties of hydrangeas in full flower in the summer. At lunchtime, we enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch. We then make our way back to our hotel along the scenic Copper Coast via the seaside resort of Tramore.
Looking to enhance your tour with something a bit different? Anyone who specialises in garden holidays we highly recommend upgrading to the 2 hour tour with an expert garden to truly make the most of these sensational gardens.
Day 4 Dunbrody Famine Ship, Wexford & Johnstown Castle
Our day starts with a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship, where costumed performers provide a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience, providing a unique insight into the bravery and fortitude of the Irish people. After a brief stop in Wexford with free time for lunch, we visit Johnstown Castle for a guided tour, where we discover the 19th century castle and its incredibly long servants’ tunnel. Opened to the public in 2019, this attraction also features an Irish Agricultural Museum, picturesque grounds, lakes and gardens.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Treacys Hotel Waterford
Waterford, County Waterford
The Treacys Hotel Waterford is a family hotel centrally located in the heart of Waterford, within walking distance of the shops, bars, restaurants and attractions. Run by the Treacy family, the hotel is renowned for its warm welcome. All 163 bedrooms are comfortably furnished and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a traditional Irish bar offering great craic and entertainment and a fantastic restaurant.
Treacys Hotel Waterford
Waterford, County Waterford
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £429pp
Single Supplement from £92
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing UK - Ireland
• Guided factory tour at Waterford Crystal
• Guided tour of Waterford Treasures
• One way journey Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, Bilberry - Mount Congreve
• Entrance to Mount Congreve Gardens & guided tour & soup & sandwich lunch
• Guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Guided tour of Johnstown Castle
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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