From world-famous crystal and medieval city walls to working distilleries, historic estates and Atlantic views, the new two-day trail brings Waterford’s heritage, craftsmanship, food and whiskey together

Visit Waterford is inviting visitors to raise a glass to Waterford’s rich tradition of making and storytelling with the launch of a brand-new Waterford Whiskey Trail.

Designed as a two-day experience, the new trail takes visitors on a journey through the city and county, connecting Waterford’s whiskey heritage with its wider culture of craftsmanship, food, hospitality and place.

Rather than simply moving from distillery to distillery, the Waterford Whiskey Trail offers a broader experience of the county – from seeing Waterford Crystal being crafted by hand and enjoying whiskey within the walls of the medieval city, to tracing the journey from grain and farmland to working stills before finishing beside the Atlantic.

Visit Waterford Chairperson Clare Barrett said the trail celebrates the strong connection between Waterford’s heritage of making and its evolving whiskey story.

“Waterford has always been a county of makers, and that spirit of craftsmanship is something that continues to define us today. From the extraordinary skill behind Waterford Crystal to the farmers, distillers, chefs, bartenders and craftspeople creating and producing across the county, there is a real sense of pride in what is made here,” says Clare.

“Whiskey is a wonderful way to experience that story. It connects us to our land, our heritage and our people, but it also brings together the very best of Waterford’s hospitality and creativity. The new Waterford Whiskey Trail gives visitors the opportunity to experience all of that in one journey – to discover the stories behind the whiskey, meet the people who make and serve it, and explore the places that give Waterford its unique character.

“Culture Night is the perfect moment to launch the trail because it is about celebrating the culture that already exists all around us. We hope the Waterford Whiskey Trail will encourage visitors to slow down, stay longer and discover a side of Waterford they may not have experienced before.”

The trail begins in Waterford city, where visitors can start with the county’s world-renowned crystal-making tradition at the House of Waterford before heading into the historic Viking Triangle.

Here, whiskey and heritage come together at The Reg, where visitors can experience the Whiskey & Wake Experience within the atmospheric setting of the city’s 900-year-old medieval walls. The trail continues through some of Waterford’s characterful whiskey bars and restaurants, including O’Sullivan’s Vintage Social, Revolution Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar and Bodega.

Waterford’s history continues to feature throughout the experience, with the first day ending at the Granville Hotel, birthplace of Waterford man Thomas Francis Meagher, where visitors can enjoy a final dram in the Thomas Francis Meagher Bar.

Day Two heads into the county, taking visitors from the city to the countryside and coast. Beginning at Curraghmore Estate, the story begins with the land itself, with cereals grown on the historic estate forming the starting point for its Single Estate Whiskey. The journey then continues to Blackwater Distillery in Ballyduff, where visitors can get behind the scenes of a working distillery and discover the craft of spirit-making up close.

The trail culminates on the Waterford coast at the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, where visitors can unwind with good food, a great drink and spectacular Atlantic views.

The Waterford Whiskey Trail is designed to be flexible, allowing visitors to experience it as a one-day city adventure or take their time and make a weekend of it, with accommodation options available along the route. The trail reflects Waterford’s growing reputation as a destination for food, drink, culture and heritage while offering visitors a new reason to explore beyond the traditional tourist highlights. As the trail says: “A great pour is only the beginning.”

For full details of the Waterford Whiskey Trail, including the suggested itinerary, experiences, places to eat and stay, and information on planning and booking ahead, see www.visitwaterford.com