Visit Waterford is seeking to attract visitors in 2026 with an exciting line-up of experiences that blend the city’s rich heritage with vibrant contemporary culture.
Whether your interests lie in history, art, nature, or culinary delights, Waterford promises an inspiring journey for every traveller looking to explore Ireland’s oldest city and its surroundings.
Among the newest attractions is the House of Waterford’s VIP glass-cutting experience, where visitors can watch master artisans create exquisite crystal pieces and also get hands-on in a rare opportunity to try the skill for themselves, gaining more than a glimpse into Waterford’s renowned glassmaking tradition. This immersive experience brings the craft to life, allowing guests to appreciate the artistry behind every masterpiece.
In a brand-new experience for 2026, The Lismore Heritage Centre is launching its unique, immersive Friends-themed Escape Room, “The One Where You’re Trapped,” this February. Visitors and their friends can step into a mysterious version of Central Perk, where the café is locked, playful puzzles await around every corner, and the iconic orange couch beckons. Teams have 60 minutes to solve challenges, uncover surprises, and escape before “closing credits” roll.
For those eager to dive deeper into the region’s heritage, the 2026 Curraghamore Tour Experience offers a rich celebration of heritage and storytelling. A hidden gem dating back to 1170, Curraghmore is a 2,500-acre historic landscape. During your visit, you will learn about the current owners and the 800-year history of the de la Poer family. Discover the Shell House folly and the collection of artefacts and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Located within a refurbished 1950s hardware store in Ballyduff village in West Waterford on the banks of the Blackwater River, Blackwater Distillery is renowned nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to creating a diverse range of award-winning contemporary Irish spirits. Guided tours allow guests to explore the working distillery, discover the ancient art of Irish whisky and gin production, and witness the skill and passion that goes into each spirit. Visitors can enjoy a tutored tasting at the gallery bar.
Food lovers can embark on a brand-new three-hour excursion across the city of learning while dining. Tasteful Food Tours with Sinead Reil offer a guided, immersive city heritage walk combining sampling local flavours with stories about the city’s rich history. Tourists will discover that Waterford is not just the home of the Blaa but also Ireland’s oldest port and former capital of wine, and home to the ‘rasher’ – ‘Rasher Blaa, anyone?’
History enthusiasts will not want to miss History Day at Dromana House in Cappoquin on Sunday, March 1st at 2:30 pm, featuring “Prophecy & Politics, O’Connell’s Ireland,” offering a fascinating look into the political and social climate of 19th-century Ireland in the elegant setting of Dromana House.
Further enriching the cultural calendar, the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival returns from May 26th to June 1st, offering a week of world-class opera and classical music across 13 historic venues in Waterford and East Cork. The festival features over 24 events, including productions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Handel’s Acis and Galatea, alongside new recital venues and free open-air concerts.
Waterford also invites visitors to experience the grandeur of Irish country house life with a brand-new experience in “The Art of Dining – Life in the Big House” at Mount Congreve Gardens. This immersive, character-led guided tour explores dining as ritual and performance, connecting the opulent interiors with the surrounding gardens that sustained the estate.
Nature lovers can enjoy the revitalised Copper Coast Nature Reserve, now featuring guided eco-tours showcasing the region’s wildlife and dramatic geology. The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore will open the new Kokoro Café and Cultural Centre in summer 2026, combining garden tours with a relaxing spot to enjoy local cakes and breathtaking views of Tramore Beach. Visitors can also explore the gardens and discover the fascinating life story of Irish writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn – Japan’s most famous Irishman.
History and hospitality intertwine at Everett’s, located in the historic John Collyn House on High Street, where guests can dine in the wine vault that stored the 15th-century mayor’s wine over 500 years ago. Meanwhile, The Reg Waterford is launching an innovative experience titled “The Tradition and Hospitality of the Irish Wake,” combining an immersive video with a curated whiskey tasting for a unique cultural insight.
Joan Clancy, a celebrated figure in Waterford’s vibrant art scene, marks 40 remarkable years with her eponymous art gallery this year. Experience the perfect union of culture and nature at this uniquely located gallery, which showcases some of the country’s best painters. Enjoy a personal tour from the vivacious owner, Joan Clancy, who is a fantastic storyteller and is delighted to give insights into the artists and their paintings. An exclusive thrill for visitors is seeing photographs and hearing highlights from her late husband Tom Clancy’s TV, movie, and recording career, including his time in the famous folk band The Clancy Brothers. Joan’s keen eye for talent and dedication to promoting contemporary art have helped shape Waterford’s cultural landscape, making her gallery a beloved destination for art lovers and collectors alike. This milestone year promises special exhibitions and events that honour four decades of artistic excellence and contribution to the region’s creative heritage.
With improved transport links and new accommodation options, including boutique hotels and eco-friendly lodges such as Comeragh Pods and The Copper Coast Hostel, Waterford is more accessible and welcoming than ever. Whether planning a cultural getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a leisurely exploration of history and heritage, Waterford invites you to discover its fresh offerings and timeless charm in 2026. For more, see www.visitwaterford.com
