by Now I didn’t tell you this, but the best secret in Ireland is the sunniest secret, closest to the south of England and offers some of the best value for money.
The south-east of Ireland has long been popular with the Irish and more discerning visitors, with the long-standing Rosslare-Isk an Esq (Wales) ferry link, with trade and migration routes to Britain stretching back more than 1,000 years.
And while Dublin and Cork airports are only a few hours’ drive away, getting more British bombs on seats – faster and cheaper into the heart of the south-east – would be the game changer. – is a long-awaited reform extension to Waterford. airport.
In December, it was announced that the long-awaited return of international flights in and out of Waterford Airport, for the first time since 2016, could be in the coming year, or in 2025 at the latest. However, it will cost €30 million (£26m) to widen the runway and refurbish the airport to allow large and medium-range airlines for international commercial flights.
The wheels are in motion. Private Irish investors have put €12 million (£10m) on the table, with the expectation that the government would raise the balance. The word is that such a commitment from the government is to come in the coming weeks. That is to say, going by plan, there will be a direct flight from Waterford to London within the next year or two.
So why should you visit the sunny south east of Ireland?
Sandy beaches and stunning countryside
Counties Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny are home to some of Ireland’s most vibrant countryside, full of cute little villages, from the wooded folds of river valleys to the white-washed, airy thatched cottages situated above the Celtic Sea. . These four counties also include the historic small towns/”cities”, Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford, with their roots stretching back to the Vikings.
The south-east is also a rich domain of award-winning 18th-century estates and gardens, with 800-year-old Norman castles peering, like nosy neighbours, across the fertile countryside. And here you will find the longest, sandiest beaches on the island, with its heartland flanked by the majestic “Three Sisters” – the Feor, the Siúir and the Barrow – which go between grazing hills and wooded demesnes, steering shy the northwest. Wexford The Black Stairs (2,411 feet), the Comarach (2,600 feet) and the Maldohnagh Mountains (2,605 feet) in northern Waterford.
Not a tourist in sight
Another advantage of the south east of Ireland is that it is not packed to the rafters every summer with tourists chasing their heads or blocking paths for selfies. Instead, it is dotted with low-profile pubs where the locals drink; pubs where you walk out the door after a couple of Irish coffees or a creamy Guinness, and the client knows you (but you didn’t even get their names). Oh, and if you’re a foodie, this is a region known for artisan bakeries and cafes, as well as some of the best restaurants in the country.
The oldest city in Ireland
As Waterford Airport is only 15 minutes from the heart of Waterford City, let’s start there. This “city” of 60,000 sinners is rarely on the itinerary of most visitors to Ireland. Set across low hills on the banks of the broad, tidal River Suire, this is Ireland’s oldest city. The name was established by the Vikings in 914 AD, and is the Old Norse “Vadrarjfordr”, meaning fjord of the rams; It’s been a long time since “Waterford”.
The city’s Viking Triangle, with the Viking King at its core, is a must-see for 3D virtual reality in which the life of the Vikings is unselected, and not just in all its glory, guts and glory. Then there’s Waterford Crystal House, the Medieval Museum, the Bishop’s Palace and Reginald’s Tower. I could go on.
Since we’ve always done damn Glam Rock here, bring in the Irish Wake Museum – but bring your own body, thank you – washed down with the Irish Time Museum.
Returning to this century, if one city is at the forefront of representing well-rooted Irish street art, it is the City of Waterford. You won’t see any watercolors in Blarney here, just the human condition seen in technicolor. Join the public arts agency Street Art Link, which offers three different guided walking tours. Or be there during the Waterford Walls street art festival. Every August over 10 days, there are workshops, food, music and lots of fun, besides dozens of artists from all over the world, creating large-scale mural artworks around the city.
Feoria & Barrow River Valleys
It’s a joy to spend across the Feore and Barrow valleys, south-east Kilkenny/south-west Carlow – less than an hour north of Waterford City. Head up Glenna Feoria to the picturesque village of Inishtiog, then over to Graig na Manach on the magnificent Barrow River before descending to the churchy village of St. Moling (don’t miss the riverside Café Mullichain).
Consider canoeing down the Barrow over two to four days with Go with the Flow, or overnight in Kilkenny City, so rich in medieval history and heritage, and so vibrant in arts, crafts and contemporary culture.
Hook Peninsula
Cross from the East Passage, taking the ferry to Ballyhack in County Wexford. Then angle south along the Hook peninsula – the origin of “by hook or by crook”, courtesy of Oliver Cromwell – through Duncannon, to Kinduan. You can then explore the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse which claims to be the “world’s oldest intact operating lighthouse”. Return via the east coast of the peninsula, and there could be a quick dip at Baginbun beach, then on past the village of Fide Ard to Tintern Abbey.
Wexford Coast
Embark on the Ross and Dunbroe Famine Ship Experience before following the Norman Way along the south coast of County Wexford. If you are a beach lover, you will be spoiled for choice in this county, with endless long golden beaches across its east and south coasts.
Waterford Greenway
A 28 mile stretch of railway from Waterford City to Dungarvan, this greenway passes ruined 19th century almshouses and Norman castles, as well as stunning mountains and beaches. Consider staying overnight at Kilmacthomasin, or at least spend a few hours in the stunning Mount Congreve Gardens, about 5.5 miles outside of Waterford City.
