Waterford, the fifth largest and the oldest city of Ireland offers a complete holiday experience and is a great place to explore as it is situated central to the rugged coastline as well as the mountains with its interior lakes.

Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, its quality glass making and one should not give a miss to check out this wonderful feature of the city. Come and take a visual journey at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Center and know the spellbinding insights into the crafting of the beautiful glass.

Located in the Granary on Merchants Quay, the Waterford Museum of Treasures is a place where you can get to know the thousand years of the rich history of the city. The museum has a unique and fabulous collection of archaeological and historic artifacts ranging from the Viking age and medieval to the 20^th century.

Also check out for the Waterford Municipal Art Gallery which is one of the oldest and the best municipal collections of art in Ireland. The gallery houses nearly 200 works of the Irish paintings and Irish sculptures, by both the Irish and international artists that includes the renowned Jack B Yeats, Charles Lamb, and Louis Le Brocquy.

Viking Triangle, the ancient old city of Waterford retains much of its medieval character and now with a graceful buildings and tranquil green spaces, from its 18^th century expansion. The walls of the 15^th century are still present and are awesome to see. Also make a visit to the Chamber of the Commerce building, the Bishop’s Palace, the City Hall and the Reginald’s Tower, which is the most remarkable landmark of the city, named after the Waterford’s 10^th century Viking founder.

Choose for the suitable car hire from Alamo, Payless, National, Thrifty, budget, and Enterprise car hires for a comfortable journey.

Waterford is seated at the estuary of the river Suir near the south coast of Ireland. It is the capital of the southeast region of Ireland. The population has increased since the early 1990s, a result of new dwellings being added to the area, with growth particularly between 1991 and 1996. Today, Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, an endowment of the city’s former glass making industry. The tourist season runs approximately from April to October, with the Waterford Festival of Light Opera in September being the highlight of the social calendar. Waterford is a typical city and is worth a visit

Climate

During any visit of more than a few days, it can be almost said for sure that rain will be experienced. The winter is wetter than the summer.  The western part of the island gets more rain than the eastern part. The southeast is the driest part of the country. Ireland rarely gets very cold, and snow and ice are relatively rare. Summer temperatures average between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Anything above that would be considered a hot day, and rarely does the temperature get as high as 30. Similarly winter is moderate and even in January and February the average temperature is between six and seven degrees. Temperatures in Waterford range from 3.5 to 19.4 (Celsius) and rainfall varies from 180.0 to 369.0 (mm/month).

Places to visit

With a perfect mix of mountain, beaches and urban excitement, Waterford is a county like no other in Ireland. Look for the medieval city walls which are especially well preserved near the watchtower on Castle Street. On the Quays you will find the Clock Tower, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the impressive Reginald’s Tower. Waterford Museum of Treasures is hard to miss! The Waterford Municipal Art Gallery is also very entertaining for tourists. Its superb position on Ireland’s sunny South East coast means that beaches are a real highlight in Waterford, with clear pristine waters and spectacular surroundings. The towns of Lismore, Cappoquin and Ballymacarbry, nestled into the quiet, tranquil Nire Valley have a picturesque view. Jack Meade’s pub and Waterford castle golf club are the highlights of the place.

Airport

Waterford Airport is the only airport located in the South East of Ireland. The airport inaugurated in December 1981 with a 1200 meter long and 29 meter wide runway for single and twin-engine light aircraft. Waterford Airport is today at the early stages of a substantial capital development programme to be completed by the end of 2009. It has 4 check-in desks, 2 boarding gates and 2 baggage carousels. The airport has 200 car parking spaces. Free Wi-Fi is available within the airport terminal. There are two snack/bars in the airport, one before security and one in the departure’s hall. There is also a Duty Free Shop, Car Rental, Taxi Service/Rank, First Aid, Baby/Parent Room; Disabled Access/Facilities   Car Hire is provided at Waterford Airport by Argus, Budget and Hertz Car Hire.

With a coastline 147kms long boasting 49 beaches, mountains, rivers and valleys Waterford offers the visitor a complete holiday experience.

For the sporting enthusiast Waterford has it all from golf to water sports, equestrian to cycling.

Founded by the Vikings in 914AD, Waterford city is Ireland’s oldest city and home to the famous hand crafted Waterford crystal.  The walled city has retained its medieval character together with its 18^th century architectural grace.

Waterford’s most recognizable landmark Reginald’s Tower is the oldest urban medieval monument in Ireland.

Fine examples of medieval architecture are the Bishop’s Palace, the City Hall and the Chamber of Commerce.

St. Patrick’s Churches, Black Friars, St. Olave’s Church and Greyfriars, the Church of Ireland Christ Church Cathedral, and the Catholic Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity are ecclesiastical landmarks worth visiting.

Waterford Treasures at the Granary rich in historical documents, gold, silver, bronze and crystal takes you through the 1000year history of Waterford.

The Theatre Royal is the center of Waterford’s long theatrical and musical tradition. It hosts the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera each year.

Art and arts exhibitions can be visited at the Garter Lane Arts Centre.

Atlantic fish freshly taken from the clean, clear waters of the Atlantic’s Celtic Sea finds itself at the tables of the many restaurants, pubs and clubs offering excellent Irish cuisine in Ardmore, Nire Valley, Cappoquin, Clashmore and the other areas of Waterford.

Waterford can be accessed by all major airports of Ireland, 2hrs from Dublin and Shannon and 90mins from Cork

For further information on Waterford travel, car hires, airport and things to do log on to http//carhirewaterfordairport.com