The historic County of Waterford has captured international attention this week, earning glowing features in both The New York Times and British Vogue.
These accolades further cement Waterford’s position as a must-see global tourism destination, as the county celebrates its remarkable 1111th birthday.
In The New York Times, Catriona Gray highlighted the Blackwater Valley, a region steeped in natural splendour and rich cultural heritage. She says, “Situated less than an hour from Cork Airport, yet blissfully untouched. The valley’s lush microclimate, framed by the Knockmealdown Mountains and the Atlantic coast, nurtures ancient woodlands and vibrant pastures, creating an almost surreal green landscape. Anchoring the valley is the dramatic Lismore Castle, the Irish seat of the Dukes of Devonshire, home to a contemporary art gallery hosting exhibitions by leading international artists. The area’s allure is enhanced by nearby sites like the fairy-tale Ballysaggartmore Towers and cultural events such as the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and the West Waterford Drama Festival, drawing visitors from around the world.
Ardmore, a coastal gem, adds to the county’s charm with its Michelin-starred restaurant House at the Cliff House Hotel, where guests indulge in seafood tasting menus before exploring the village’s ancient ruins, local crafts, and beaches. Literary heritage also thrives here through the Molly Keane Writers Retreats, drawing creatives inspired by the legacy of renowned authors like Keane and Dervla Murphy.
British Vogue’s Olivia Allen also casts a spotlight on Waterford’s offbeat and lyrical appeal, guided by historian Robert O’Byrne, who introduced readers to the eclectic Kunstkammer exhibition at Lismore Castle. The county’s alternative attractions continue at Mount Congreve Gardens, celebrated for their botanical extravagance, and Waterford’s cluster of niche museums, including the Museum of Time and the Museum of the Irish Wake, offering profound insights into Ireland’s cultural rituals. Curraghmore House, with its mythic family history and faded grandeur, epitomises Waterford’s ability to intertwine aristocratic eccentricity with authentic Irish storytelling.
Renowned historian and author Robert O’Byrne will return to Lismore this June, where he has been invited to speak at the esteemed Immrama Festival of Travel Writing. O’Byrne will take to the podium at the Lismore Heritage Centre on Sunday, June 15. In his presentation, Robert will explore a fascinating array of buildings—both ruined and restored—ranging from humble cottages to grand castles, and from the quirky to the classic. His talk promises to be a captivating journey through the architectural heritage of Ireland and beyond. The festival, held in the hometown of legendary travel writer Dervla Murphy, will also feature an exciting lineup of speakers, including Elaine Farrell & Leanne McCormick, Julian Evans, Dermod and Denis Dwyer, Hector Ó hEochagáin, and Éanna Ní Lamhna.
These recent accolades from global media giants follow last year’s recognition by Conde Nast Traveller and The New York Times, then citing Waterford as a ‘Must See’ destination in Ireland, affirming Waterford’s place among the world’s most enchanting visitor destinations.
Visit Waterford recently unveiled six new visitor itineraries, which feature all of the mentioned attractions and more, offering visitors an opportunity to dig into Waterford’s 1,111 years of history and heritage. To plan your visit and explore Ireland’s oldest City and more, see www.visitwaterford.com
