"The Green Green Grass of Home " a Waterford Travel Page by SabrinaSummerville

This morning, 12th July 2008, I woke up and realised that I have the number one VT page on my home City, Waterford. I've held that pposition now for a couple of years and I had to ask myself whether or not I deserved it. OK, may yes, in a way it's the most regularly updated page on the City and has the most tips on it.

That saying, even since I first created this page some two or three years ago the City has changed so much! The Celtic Tiger was big and strong and snarling two years ago, but in July 2008 things have quietened down a lot. Many of the restaurants that would have been my favourites no longer exist. The nightlife spots have changed hands and changed image.

But all of the natural beauty is still there and perhaps more accessible for fewer tourists.

I was born here, raised here, and spent a great deal of my adult life here. I moved away for five or so years when studying to be a Lawyer but in truth I couldn't wait to come home. It's the same when I go on vacation, or to work away from home. I love being there, but my heart is in Waterford.

In 2007/2008 Waterford was honoured to appoint its first Lady Mayoress, Mary O'Halloran. She's a life long friend of the family and I am always so proud to see her name in lights. She has done Waterford proud, and has deservedly been nominated as Woman of the Year.

Waterford is a very interesting County, and indeed the City of Waterford is the oldest City in the Country. More of that later.

In Waterford you will find picturesque mountains, several rivers, a vibrant City, busy industry, a Gaeltacht (predominantly irish-speaking region), many gorgeous beaches, thatched houses, friendly pubs, and great shopping.

Waterford has something to offer everyone, both as a County and as a City. I would advise you to read my tips in this regard, and I am addig to them daily.

First let me explain that a County is like a Shire in the UK, a Reggio in Italy, or a State in the USA - in other words, a region of the Country. Ireland is divided into 32 Counties.

Ireland has six cities - in order of population size they are Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

Waterford can be reached easily by air, train, bus, or road (and of course, by ship!).

Waterford has its own airport with direct daily flights to a number of destinations in Ireland, the UK and Eurpoe. It's a small airport right now, but growing fast.

Many visitors come to the City via Rosslare harbour. The road from Rosslare is excellent and you will probably drive from Rosslare Ferry Port to the City in under an hour.

Because Waterford City has so much to offer it's now a very popular destination with the large international cruise lines. I remember going out in a boat to see the QE2 anchored at Dunmore East. What a treat! It would have been even nicer to have been a passenger on board.

So if you're visiting the City for the first time, what would I recommend you to do? I guess it varies very much with your taste. Initially I had prepared suggested itineraries but, as they included lunch and dinner recommendations in restaurants that no longer exist, I decided to change my style here and try something different. Bear with me as this is something that's going to grow without forethought.

Most people visit a town or a place to see something specific. In Waterford it's usually the crystal factory and the original Viking ruins and renovations.

Try some of the following alternative adventures:-

Take one of the guided walking tours of the City. They will bring you around Reginald's Tower, the old City walls, the French Church, and of course fill you in on the fascinating history of this City, the oldest one in the Country.

Hire a car and take a drive along the coast. Start at Tramore and walk along the three mile beach as far as the sandhills. Watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers. Play the slot machines at Freddies or take a ride on the hurdy gurdies.

Drive from there along the coast road to Dunmore East. This is a beautiful fishing village with lots of thatched cottages and terrific views. Walk down to the port and have a chat with the fishermen – sometimes they’ll give you fresh fish from their catch. Buy some delectable home made bread in the bakery opposite the Ocean Hotel. Have a seafood lunch in Azzuro, an Irish Meditteranean venture, or head down to The Spinnaker for something more casual.

After lunch drive on to Woodstown and, if the tide is out, pick cockles on the beach.

From there head back to town via Passage East (where you can get a car ferry to Wexford if you want to).

If you are travelling with children and they need to be entertained, why not take them to one of the kids adventure centres such as Run Amuck in Tramore or Kidzone in the Ardkeen area?

Waterford is infamous for its many festivals - particularly the Light Opera festival in late September and the Spraoi arts and music festival in early August.