Making the most of Waterford / Dunmore East
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Waterford City has three city-centre berths, with up to 7.50mtr at low water, generally used by ships up to 150 meters. Four miles downstream from the city center, Belview Port’s Ocean Cruise berth has a 393mtrs-long quay and 9.0mtrs at low water, generally for ships up to 210 meters. When ships over 210 meters list Waterford as a Cruise Port, they actually stop at Dunmore East (shown below): a small village with a picturesque harbor, around a 30-plus minute (20 km) drive from the larger city. Getting ashore can also be a little difficult, as this tender port means big ships do not…
For Waterford itself, take a taxi for about 25 Euro or use the region’s shuttle: a 4 Euro each-way motorcoach ride that drops you beside the slick and splashy tourist center. There is a museum, several shops and a cafe there. The bus stop sits about 300 meters from the tender pier, and extra buses are often laid on when a ship is in town.
Check the cruise calendar to see where you will dock or be tendered at this port.
Dunmore East’s single main street runs along a cliff above the harbor. Its many thatched-roof houses are a sight in themselves.
As a Cruise destination, Waterford gives visitors an option unavailable at any other Port in Ireland. From Waterford and Ireland's South East, visitors can reach attractions across the counties of Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.
The many heritage sites in the South East offer experiences of Ireland's Celtic, Christian, Viking, and Norman past:
Waterford City is home to Waterford Crystal, a lifestyle product of exquisite craftsmanship. At the House of Crystal visitor center, visitors can choose from the world's largest selection of Waterford Crystal. The factory tour provides first-hand access to every stage of traditional crystal production.
- New Ross, County Wexford’s Dunbrody famine ship,
- Tipperary’s mighty Rock of Cashel
- the Historic Quarter of Waterford City and the award-winning Museum of Treasures on Waterford’s ancient quayside
- Kilkenny Castle, magnificent in scale
Getting around
Kilkenny train timetables.
Nearby places
Ireland's Mediaevel Capital, Kilkenny combines lively and exciting night-life with beautiful street-scapes, strong shopping opportunities and a rich cultural heritage.
Kilkenny Castle and Gardens are the city’s principal attraction, this stunning Norman Castle being its dominant feature overlooking the River Nore. The three-sided Castle has a particularly impressive Great Hall. At the front is a beautiful rose garden, while its vast, forested gardens are lovely for daytime walks. Entry to the grounds is free.
Food and shopping
In the vibrant city center, browse a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants, including local crafts, souvenirs and Waterford Crystal pieces.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Opening Hours and
Offices open 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Shops open 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with Thursday hours until 8pm; Saturday hours are 9am to 6pm, while Sunday has Limited Hours. Pubs operate 10.30am to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, closing at 12.30am on Friday and Saturday; Sunday hours are 12.30 to 11.30pm. Pubs close on Christmas Day and Good Friday.