Visit Waterford this Summer!

I’ve always maintained that there is nowhere like Ireland to holiday, especially when the sun shines and that never felt more true than when we drove through the beautiful town of Dunmore East last Sunday. You arrive into this gorgeous spot from a height gazing down at the sandy beach surrounded by flower-covered cliffs and it is breathtaking. Quaint, thatched roofed cottages line the streets, music drifts from the seaside hostelries as children, swimmers and holidaymakers head towards the sea. My flip flops were on and holiday mode immediately activated – the city and work seeming far behind.

The perfect start to our little getaway was half an hour in the HotPod situated literally 50 meters from the Strand – to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy by relaxing and soaking up the peace and tranquillity with sea views. They advise a maximum of 20 mins or two shorter stints with a break or a cold plunge! This is great value at €10 a session. www.thehotpod.ie

From there we followed the winding road to the harbour and a spot of lunch in East Pier. East Pier is one of those spots that sprung from a food truck and developed into a permanent fixture with rustic seating and a laid-back beach vibe. The place is hopping and I order Fish and Chips as it seems like it’s mandatory, himself goes for Fish Tacos “the best fish he’s ever eaten” – I notice many people ordering oysters, to eat there and take away. We chat to Elaine the owner and it’s obvious how much pride she takes in the ingredients – she is serious about the food and its provenance – it’s easy to see how our fish was fresh off the boat when you can see the actual boats 100 meters away. Elaine is born and bred in Dunmore East and her easy smile and banter with the locals and visitors reminds me what holidaying in Ireland is all about. She offers me a glass of wine and “a holiday pour” and as I bask in the sun, listening to the chatter and feeling happily full and totally relaxed. www.eastpier.ie

But we have things to do and places to see on our little tour so we wave Elaine goodbye and trek the few yards back to check in to The Haven Hotel, which stands majestically overlooking the town. One step inside and it’s obvious that this is a bustling, friendly place. It is olde worldy but I like that. I’m brought back to a different era, one before mobile phones and social media and that suits me just fine. Our room overlooks the sea, complete with fireplace and although recently renovated it still has that lovely old-fashioned, opulent feel. Staff are friendly and we grab a quick drink on the front lawn overlooking the sea and a lovely park that sits opposite the hotel. The Haven is well known for its music and as it plays friends and families reunite around us and children play on the rolling lawn and it is perfectly lovely. http://www.thehavenhotel.com

We have the House of Waterford Tour booked for 3pm so take the 20 minute drive to The Mall in Waterford City. We are all familiar with the hugely successful Waterford Crystal name, without a doubt the most well-known crystal brand worldwide and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this crystal-making tour. Our guide was friendly and informative as he led us through the factory and explained each step and process. It was fascinating to watch each skilled craftsman at his job (it takes 8 years to become skilled in any one of the areas from blowing to cutting and engraving) To see each piece develop in front of our eyes and get a glimpse into the workings of the factory and process actually felt very special and in a way I felt great pride in such an acclaimed, talented production in our own country. I also enjoyed seeing the many specially commissioned pieces that were on show and at many points the craftsmen themselves would stop to explain what they were doing and in a typically Irish fashion enjoy a little light-hearted banter with us that left us smiling as we finished the tour and were led finally though the showroom where you can browse and buy their magnificent offerings. Our tour finished on a high as we were offered a sip from a beautiful glass at their gorgeous new Champagne Bar. www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

A Viking city built in 914 AD, Waterford is steeped in history and is proud of it – there are many wonderful museums – many located at the Viking Triangle in the city centre. One of the best ways to gain more insight is to take the Epic walking tour – it’s only 40 minutes and takes you on a little ramble of the area but you will learn about the Vikings, the Normans, the High Kings, the Merchants – all stories interlaced with facts and anecdotes – we were particularly intrigued by one Waterford townsman, Thomas Francis Meagher who procured from Paris and subsequently hung the first tricolour from a building in The Mall (where it and his statue sit proudly today) For this heinous act he was sentenced to death only for it to be commuted (he was a bit of a hero in Waterford!) and he was shipped off to Tasmania where he subsequently escaped to America, became a celebrated general in the Civil War and ended up as Governor of Montana before disappearing forever after a mysterious fall from a steamboat – what a story!

We then managed to squeeze in The King of the Vikings Tour. I had done this a few years ago but was so excited to do it again. Set in an authentic Viking hut, constructed as it would have been, in the ruins of Baileys New Street’s ancient friary, it’s an experience in virtual reality where you come face to face with these blood-thirsty slaving raiders and town builders and international traders. It’s a fantastically immersive experience and an amazing way to feel history come alive. For more information on all the amazing museums that Waterford has to offer visit: www.waterfordtreasures.com

After so much history it was time for a well-deserved break so we walked the few steps to The Reg – established in the 18th century and is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and live music events. It’s such a great spot for a bite to eat, a cocktail or to watch the match. They serve very generous portions so arrive hungry and the cocktails are delicious. There’s a terrace upstairs and a nightclub and live music every night – literally something for everyone! www.thereg.ie

After a busy but fantastic day, we head back to our hotel where there was live music in the bar too. We woke up the following morning to rain of almost biblical proportions (only in Ireland can you wear flip flops one day and wellies the next!) so unfortunately our planned trip to the beautiful gardens at Lismore Castle was put on hold – like any good getaway it’s always good to have a reason to return! So instead we had a lazy morning over the delicious breakfast where we shared a Full Irish and a stack of pancakes.

Our last stop and I have to admit the highlight of our little visit was to Ballyin House just opposite the imposing Lismore Castle. We were greeted by the impeccably stylish Caroline and welcomed into her charming home and it was like walking back into the past. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle spent some of his youth here as the house belonged to his aunt but there have been many wonderful owners, each with their own story to tell and Caroline has all the tales. We were escorted into the dining room where a table by the window overlooking a lovely garden was beautifully laid out for Afternoon Tea. We were handed personalized (such a gorgeous touch!) menus and himself was amazed to find that we were going to be trying everything, from sandwiches, quiches, scones and sorbet to four different desserts! All were served with lashings of different kinds of tea and we were welcome to try them all. Caroline treated us like royalty, popping in with more treats and chats and we were made feel so welcome. There is only one seating with Afternoon Tea so there is no feeling of being rushed and it truly did feel that we had taken a step back in time, it was wonderful. Again, we were talked through each item and ingredients and how most were sourced locally. There is a huge pride in food and hospitality in Waterford and it shows. We left our super hostess with promises to return over the Summer for an overnight stay as a few hours in this special place is not enough. www.instagram.com/ballyin_house_lismore/