Waterford Tours

Headland trails, lobster pots, fishing, lunch out in the Bay – Dunmore East is the perfect ‘still zone’ to ease us back to where we belong. The Dunmore East Cliff Walk is perched above the village in silent homage to those who have passed this way for centuries. 

As you walk along the headland, energy ripples in symmetry with the dancing of the waves. What we observe leaves lasting imprints; the magical hues of the azure ocean as it laps onto the flat rocks, the languid majesty of the seal as it basks in the sun, the silhouette of Hook Lighthouse as it peers out through misty skies.

A trip out to sea on return to the harbour completes this experience. Time in ‘The Keltoi Warrior’ is precious time. Brendan takes us on a voyage of discovery, sharing anecdotes on the coves and sea caves, narrowing the lens to absorb the sublime beauty of the miniscule against the towering backdrop of the cliffs.

After checking in on the lobster pots and maybe reeling in a mackerel or two, we anchor in at some quiet corner of the Bay. 

Some refreshments by the shoreline to the sound of waves lapping against the brow of the boat… the perfect end to the day discovering the hidden gems along the Waterford Coastline. 

Mount Congreve House and Gardens situated in Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford, in Ireland’s Ancient East is home to one of “The Great Gardens of the World”. Mount Congreve House, home to six generations of Congreves, was built in 1760 by the celebrated local architect John Roberts.

The Gardens comprise around seventy acres of intensively planted woodland, a four acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of walkways. Planted on a slight incline overlooking the River Suir, Mount Congreve’s entire collection consists of thousands different trees, plants and shrubs.

During your visit, we can arrange for you to be joined by one of Mount Congreve’s Expert Gardeners. Follow their passion for gardening as they share first-hand secrets and world-class, innovative techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Learn how the walled gardens were laid out to create a natural airflow to protect against frost and disease, how the rotation of crops for the best care of the soil has been passed down since 1760, how integrated pest control systems enable plants to thrive organically! Discover the secrets of Mount Congreve’s world-class garden on this rare opportunity to learn from one of its resident experts.  

Stretch your legs, fill your lungs with fresh air and let the kids run free as you meander through woodland paths lined with spectacular collections of camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.

Lismore is a place that you cannot help but fall in love with as you pass through its quaint streets. It has a unique charm that stays with you long after your visit is over.

One of the biggest draws of Lismore is its rich cultural heritage. The town is home to Lismore Castle, which has been a seat of power for over 1,000 years. Visitors to the castle can learn about its fascinating history and admire its stunning architecture, as well as enjoy breathtaking views over the River Blackwater. 

We arrange a private bespoke tour of the surrounds of the castle with Head Butler Denis Nevin. Denis gives us a glimpse of life in the castle past and present and will regale us with stories of some of their famous visitors. 

Kayaking down the River Blackwater is an experience that all our visitors love. It transports you to another space… it’s peace lingers long after the experience is over. Denis Murray and his team look after us from start to finish, keeping us safe on our voyage downstream from the lofty surrounds of Lismore Castle. So for those who like a little adventure we offer a kayaking experience as well as a walk by the riverside in Lismore. 

Lismore is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including the Comeragh Mountains and the Blackwater Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element here, with a range of activities on offer such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The town is also a great starting point for exploring the many charming villages and towns that make up County Waterford, each with their own unique character and attractions.

Criostal na Rinne is a hand cut crystal studio workshop situated in Ireland’s Ancient East in the picturesque Irish-speaking area of An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht. Eamonn Terry, a master craftsman glasscutter of over 45 years experience, started his career with Waterford Crystal before establishing Criostal na Rinne in 1987, producing Irish crystal of breathtaking quality and beauty.

 During your visit Criostal na Rinne you get to experience the craft of crystal cut by hand up close and personal, a skill that the area is noted for. Eamonn will lead you on a bespoke tour and demonstration showing the techniques of a master craftsman and explaining the history of glassmaking in the area stretching back hundreds of years to the present day.

A trip to Criostal na Rinne will leave lasting memories, as much for the kindness and the craftmanship you’ll experience as to the personalised piece of crystal you’ll get to bring home with you. We are so proud to add this to our itinerary of experiences in Helvic.