From cycling along scenic trails to stepping back in time with immersive virtual reality experiences, not to mention savouring exceptional cuisine, Édaein O’Connell recently discovered how to spend a perfect weekend in Co. Waterford.
“There’s no two ways about it – we’re locked in,” I said to my friend as she tried to prise open the gate that held us inside the Courtyard Suite at Mount Congreve’s Estate and Gardens in Co. Waterford.
Autumn has come swiftly and forcefully this September, and on our first evening in the Déise, we felt it deep within our bones. The rain poured, the wind howled, and as we tried to make our way from our accommodation to the taxi, our perfectly coiffed hair was ruined.
We rattled the gates in a frenzy, shouting to the taxi driver that we were trapped. Like headless chickens lost in a maze, we darted back and forth in panic. Our driver soon proved himself a hero: unfazed by the wind and rain, he stepped calmly from his car and, with effortless ease, pushed open the very gate we were certain had imprisoned us for eternity.
Despite our melodramatic start, our Waterford weekend was a cracker filled with fantastic food, immersive experiences and scenic journeys.
All in all, being “locked in” in Co. Waterford turned out to be a rather memorable introduction to Ireland’s Ancient East.
Here are the spots to bookmark for a perfect weekend escape in the county.
Where to stay
Located a short 10-minute drive outside of the city, Mount Congreve House and Gardens is home to one of ‘The Great Gardens of the World’ and was a truly beautiful base for a weekend of exploration. Built in 1760 by the renowned local architect John Roberts, the house was the ancestral home of the Congreve family for six generations. Our room was the extraordinary Courtyard Suite, a hideaway nestled in the West Wing of the estate. It was the perfect blend of period elegance and modern comfort. The antique double bed provided a restful sleep, the bathroom provided the perfect outfit picture opportunity, and with a freshly cooked breakfast at The Stables Café each morning, we felt like royalty at times.
The estate’s award-winning gardens were also a highlight to explore. Spanning seventy acres, there’s planted woodland, a four-acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of winding walkways. With views over the River Suir, the air felt clean and clear, and after a busy week spent in Dublin city, it was a welcome reprieve.
What to eat
Waterford’s food scene was a revelation. Vibrant, authentic and brimming with local flavour, menus leaned heavily on what the land and sea provide. Everett’s is set within the atmospheric remains of the 15th-century John Collyn House. With stone walls and vaulted ceilings, the restaurant is celebrated for its creative use of local, seasonal produce and has earned a coveted MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand in Great Britain & Ireland 2025. For me, the seafood was a highlight. Seared Wexford Scallops with peas, coral and Madeira sauce started my meal exquisitely, while the fish of the day (monkfish) was a main to remember.
Meanwhile, Momo is a multi-award-winning restaurant in the heart of the city, renowned for its fresh, wholesome cuisine. Championing the farmers, growers and makers of Waterford County, the menu is a celebration of seasonality, bursting with flavour and finesse. My recommendations? Choose the Halloumi to start, the rack of lamb for mains, and finish with the raspberry mint pavlova.
And looking for a snack while exploring the city? Berkana is a gourmet Italian bakery on The Quay with a wide range of delicious sandwiches and exceptional focaccia, which kept us energised as we shopped.
What to do
Waterford City is filled with culture, history and art. The House of Waterford is a wonderful chance to watch master craftsmen at work, transforming molten crystal into exquisite pieces with a skill that has made the city world-famous. Meanwhile, the Irish Wake Museum offered a moving and thought-provoking exploration of one of Ireland’s most distinctive traditions, blending social history with a deeply human story and even a little humour.
And looking for something more thrilling? Well, stepping into the King of the Vikings experience was like crossing a threshold into another timeline and world. The virtual reality journey brought the drama and intensity of the Viking era vividly to life. However, if you suffer from motion sickness, it may be best to sit this one out.
Finally, for those who love active adventures, Waterford is home to the spectacular 46-kilometre (29-mile) Greenway, a scenic trail that follows a former railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan. Pressed for time on our final day, we set out to capture the best of its coastal beauty by beginning our cycle in Dungarvan (only a 30-minute drive from the city) and pedalling towards Clonea Strand. There, we paused for a windswept walk along the golden sands, braved a refreshing sea dip and rounded it all off with a restorative sauna session in The Hot Pod.
It was an ideal finish of exhilaration and relaxation to end our journey in The Déise.
For more information on where to visit, eat and stay visit https://www.
Also Read
