Guide to Waterford
Active Guide to Waterford From a Leading Local Sports Therapy Clinic
Welcome to Waterford
Those who love to stay active will find everything they could want in Waterford, home to a vast range of exciting activities to suit everyone. No matter what your level of fitness or your preferences for sports and staying active and healthy, you’ll find an activity that suits you right here in Waterford.
On this page you’ll find links to over 40 fun and challenging activities that will keep you busy all year round, whether you’re on holiday or living in County Waterford.
Sports Therapy Waterford
If in the course of your activities, you find yourself picking up an ache or pain, our sports therapists can help you get back to full movement and full life as soon as possible.
Exciting Activities in Waterford
Cycling around Waterford
Waterford has an exciting activity for everyone. With its beautiful surrounding hills and scenery, it is a favourite destination for cyclists with several amazing bike routes. If you haven’t brought your bike with you there’s no need to worry as you can hire one from The Greenway Man or Waterford Greenway Bike Hire.
Water Activities in Waterford
Water lovers can enjoy boat tours with operators such as By Hook or By Crooke or Osprey Viking Cruises, or splash out at the Splashworld Water Park. All kinds of aquatic activities are also on offer at the Dunmore Activity Centre, including sailing, kayaking and power boating.
Relaxed Activities in Waterford
If you prefer your activities to go at a more leisurely pace, there’s still plenty for you in Waterford. You could enjoy a game of golf at the Waterford Castle Resort, or go horse riding with Lake Tour Stables. If you’d rather stay on foot, you might enjoy the Lismore historic town walk, or try a game of pétanque at the People’s Park. To explore Waterford in a really different way, try the Zombie Scavengers City Tour, where you’ll discover the city with the help of an app, finding objects to save you from the impending zombie apocalypse.
Kids’ Activities in Waterford
If you have your kids with you, treat them to some time at Pirate’s Adventure, an adventure playground and activity centre. Many of the other activities mentioned on this page are also available to children, including Dunmore Activity Centre and Splashworld, where they’re guaranteed a good time. They can also try bowling, climbing, an escape room and other activities at Activate Waterford.
Unusual Activities in Waterford
If you’d like to try something a little out of the ordinary, you could also try go karting at Non Stop Karting, or throw axes at Axe Junkies. Axe junkies also have an escape room, but you can truly escape reality at Velocity VR with virtual reality adventures. Or if you fancy yourself in the next big action movie, try Waterford Airsoft’s shooting range.
Map of Things to do in Waterford
Click or tap the icon in the top left of the map (next to the H) to open the list of places
Treks and Trails in Waterford
Waterford is surrounded by beautiful hills and scenery, with nature parks, gardens, woods, trails and walks galore.
If you’re in the city area you might want to explore Waterford Greenway, a 46km, car-free trail encompassing bridges and viaducts with other attractions to see on the way. The Waterford Nature Park spans 150 acres with many walking trails. Or you might like to try the May Park Trail, a 5km route along the river, or take in the scenery just down the road at Ballinakill Woods.
If you can easily travel a bit further out of town, then there are plenty of other trails and places of interest you will enjoy, including Mount Congreve Gardens with its incredible collection of plants, or the Anne Valley Nature And Wildlife Walk, home to a vast range of biodiversity as well as Dunhill Castle. Dunmore is home to Dunmore East Woods and Dunmore East Cliff Walk, a beautiful walk on the rugged coastline. You might also like to try Whortle Walk, with stunning views of the estuary, or visit the deer at the Deer Park Forest.
Sports Facilities in Waterford
Waterford loves sport. If you’re looking for a workout try one of our many gyms in Waterford, or break a sweat at CrossFit Waterford. If you prefer spectating, consider a visit to Waterford FC or Waterford GAA.
Waterford is also home to Waterford Regional Sports Centre, a huge venue spanning over 40 acres with a 400m running track, four pitches and an 18-hole pitch and putt course. And that’s not the only major sporting centre, as Waterford is also home to the Williamstown Sports Complex and the SETU Arena.
History of Waterford
Ireland’s oldest city and among its most beautiful, Waterford was originally founded by the Vikings in the 8th century. Its position as an accessible port and a strategic location to launch attacks on the British Isles made it a perfect place to found a city, and the original Viking city wall is still there. Waterford is famous for Waterford Crystal and has something for everyone with history, culture, activities and entertainment.
Waterford FAQ
Waterford is renowned for its rich history, beautiful crystal ware, and its medieval architecture. The city is famous for the Waterford Crystal, which has been manufactured in the city since 1783. Waterford also boasts the Viking Triangle, a historic area featuring medieval buildings and museums such as Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum.
Top tourist attractions in Waterford include:
- Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre: Offering guided tours of the crystal manufacturing process.
- Reginald’s Tower: A historic tower that now houses a museum.
- Medieval Museum: Showcasing medieval artifacts and exhibits.
- Bishop’s Palace: An 18th-century building with historical exhibits.
- Mount Congreve Gardens: Renowned for its extensive collection of plants and beautiful landscapes.
Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 AD. The city has a rich history reflected in its well-preserved medieval architecture. Key historical events include the Norman invasion in the 12th century and its significant role in the medieval trade.
Waterford is accessible by various means of transportation:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Waterford Airport, although the larger Dublin Airport is approximately 2 hours away by car.
- By Train: The city is served by Waterford Plunkett Station with connections to Dublin.
- By Bus: Numerous bus services connect Waterford to major cities in Ireland.
- By Car: Waterford is well connected by road, including the M9 motorway from Dublin.
Waterford offers a variety of dining options, including:
- The Granary Café: Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Emiliano’s: An Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
- Everett’s: Offers modern Irish cuisine with a focus on local produce.
- The Reg: A popular spot for seafood and traditional Irish dishes.
Waterford hosts several annual festivals and events, such as:
- Spraoi International Street Arts Festival: A vibrant festival featuring street performances, music, and art.
- Waterford Harvest Festival: Celebrating local food and produce with various events and markets.
- Imagine Arts Festival: Showcasing visual arts, theater, literature, and music.
- Winterval: A Christmas festival with markets, light displays, and festive activities.
Waterford offers numerous outdoor activities, including:
- The Waterford Greenway: A 46-km off-road trail for walking and cycling from Waterford to Dungarvan.
- Tramore Beach: A popular spot for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
- Mount Congreve Gardens: Ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying nature.
- Copper Coast: Known for its scenic coastal walks and geological features.
Waterford offers a range of accommodation options, including:
- The Granville Hotel: A historic hotel located in the city center.
- Waterford Castle Hotel: Set on a private island with luxurious amenities.
- The Fitzwilton Hotel: A modern hotel with contemporary decor and facilities.
- Dooley’s Hotel: A family-run hotel with a friendly atmosphere.
The best time to visit Waterford is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warmest and many outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing. However, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) also offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Yes, Waterford is very family-friendly, offering a variety of activities for children and families. Attractions such as the Waterford Greenway, Tramore Amusement Park, Mount Congreve Gardens, and King of the Vikings VR experience cater to all ages.
Some unique experiences in Waterford include:
- Waterford Crystal Factory Tour: Witness the intricate process of crystal making.
- King of the Vikings VR Experience: A virtual reality experience showcasing Viking history.
- Copper Coast Drive: Explore the scenic coastal route known for its stunning landscapes.
- Viking Sword Tours: Guided tours of Waterford’s Viking history with a costumed guide.
Sports Therapy Waterford
We are a physical therapy clinic offering osteopathy, sports massage and sports therapy. Sports therapy is a versatile therapy that can help you overcome and rehabilitate injury and stay strong and healthy for the future. We use the same physical therapy techniques as physiotherapists, and also work with you in our rehab gym to reload and strengthen your body, doing our best to ensure you stay strong and injury free.
At your first appointment we will carry out a thorough assessment of any painful areas or injuries and your overall biomechanics. We’ll then give you an accurate diagnosis of any problems you are having, explain what we can do to help, and the whole treatment and rehabilitation process. In the course of your treatment we’ll also give you exercises and stretches you can do whether at home or training in the gym, to make sure that all your training is geared towards a strong and injury-free future.
Getting to our sports therapy clinic from Waterford
We are less than a half hour’s drive from Waterford and also accessible by public transport
How can I book an appointment?
Booking an appointment is simple, and if it is your first appointment with us, we offer a free 20-minute introductory session. Simply use our quick and easy online booking system, email us on info@justonebody.ie for more information or call us now on 051 432 006. Our clinic is conveniently located in the townland of Raheen in County Kilkenny, just off of the N25.