Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tinations. Wandering the back streets, you're reminded that until a couple of generations
ago, Ireland was one of the poorest countries in Western Europe.
Planning Your Time
A day is enough time for Waterford's compact historic core. Visit the Waterford Crystal
Visitor Centre early or late to avoid the big-bus-tour crowds at midday. Beyond that, your
best activity is the historic walk (at 11:45 or 13:45 in peak season), followed by a visit to
the branch of the Waterford Museum of Treasures housed in Reginald's Tower. History
buffsmaywanttodigdeeperwithvisitstotheothertwonearbybranchesofthisthree-mu-
seum complex: Chorister's Hall (medieval life) and Bishop's Palace (Georgian to modern
age). To feel the pulse of contemporary Waterford, hang out on Barronstrand Street—the
town's pedestrian artery—and stroll through its big, modern shopping mall. All of these
sights (and the TI) are within a triangular four-block area. The three museums, Waterford
Crystal Visitor Centre, and the Theatre Royal are clustered behind Reginald's Tower, fa-
cing a street called The Mall.
Waterford's main drag runs along its ugly harbor, where you'll find the bus station and
easy parking lots (€1.80/hour, best overnight lot—entry next to bus station—costs €5 for
a stay from 17:00-11:00; pay as you exit to get gate to open, must have exact change in
coins). Some of the harborfront lots have an automated pay station where you pay before
exiting (check the payment/exit procedures as you walk out of the lot).
All recommended accommodations and sights are within a 10-minute walk of the har-
bor. The TI and Reginald's Tower are opposite Millennium Plaza, at the far eastern end of
the harborfront from Rice Bridge. The stubby two-story Victorian clock tower marks the
middle of the harbor. It's also the start of the pedestrian Barronstrand Street, which runs
two blocks inland to the town square.
