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In the run-up to Christmas, there’s nothing better than a festive weekend away, and Waterford is the perfect destination. This year, it was crowned European City of Christmas 2024, joining cities such as Prague, Cologne and Budapest as the best destinations to visit during the Christmas period.
Here’s how we would spend a winter weekend in Waterford.
One of the best things about Waterford is its walkable size, so once you arrive, there’s no reason to be in and out of the car constantly. Even better – take the train and relax for the whole journey. Staying in the heart of it all is the best way to make the most of this, and the Granville Hotel is the perfect option.
This four-star hotel sits on the quay, beside the historic Viking Triangle and the city centre’s shops and restaurants. Dating back to the 18th century, it has been meticulously maintained to preserve its elegance, whilst having all the modern comforts you could want. Each bedroom has been decorated uniquely, and it’s known for its attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere – the perfect base for your weekend.
The beloved Bianconi restaurant is full of favourites such as Irish Smoked Salmon, Granville Hotel Paté, and lamb from the Comeragh Mountains. Breakfast is a real treat as well, make sure not to miss the local Flahavan’s porridge with Highbank Orchard organic apple syrup, or an indulgent “Granville Twist” such as an Irish whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream or Waterford’s own Muldoon Whiskey Liqueur. Or for another local speciality, the Blaa Eggs Benedict is ideal for savoury lovers.
Waterford is a must-visit for foodies – you’ll struggle to choose from all the amazing options on offer. For an unrivalled morning pastry and coffee, head to Seagull Bakery’s Waterford city branch on Patrick Street. It’s never a bad idea to pick up a loaf to take home, either.
For lunch, Phoenix Yard street food market is a buzzy spot right in the city centre, where you’ll get burritos, tacos, burgers, pizza and pasta. Or, to venture further afield, Grow HQ on Dunmore Road is a zero-waste cafe and organic garden that uses produce grown on-site and nearby to create delicious, seasonal dishes.
For dinner, for relaxed yet utterly delicious food, Momo on Patrick Street is a great port of call. For an intimate, Michelin-recommended meal, Mara on O’Connell Street elevates local produce with a Spanish influence. Or for classic bistro fare with a modern lens, Everett’s on High Street is set in the remains of a 15th century building, for a meal with incredible atmosphere.
Enjoy a drink afterwards in one of the city’s many pubs and bars – wine lovers should check out Union Wine Bar and Adega Wine Bar for great selections by the glass.
As Ireland’s oldest city, it’s no surprise that Waterford has some great museums. The Waterford Treasures Museum tells the story of the city across five museums: the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, the Irish Silver Museum, the Irish Museum of Time and the Irish Wake Museum. Plus, King of the Vikings, the world’s first Viking VR experience is a fun way to engage with history.
No winter visit to Waterford is complete without visiting Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival. From Santa’s Grotto to ice-skating, festive food stalls to funfair attractions, there’s also concerts, parades and workshops. A mix of free and ticketed events, make sure to look up what’s on during your visit, there really is something for everyone.
Mount Congreve Gardens, just outside the city, is home to one of the largest collections of plants in the world, and there’s plenty to see even in winter. Make sure to round off your visit with a trip to the Stables Café and Foxford shop.
And if you need a break from all the hustle and bustle, round off your weekend with a walk on one of the many nearby beaches. Winter is a great time to take in the beauty of the Copper Coast without the summer crowds, just make sure to wrap up!
Known for its attentive service and rich history, and listed in TripAdvisor’s Top 15 Hotels in Ireland 2024, the Granville Hotel has award-winning dining options and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. granvillehotel.ie