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Here are just 7 reasons why Waterford is a great place to live Image credit: Waterford lights up - Photographer: Karen Haberlin
Waterford may be Ireland’s oldest city, but times are a changin’ and the city and county gets more interesting with age. WIT looks at seven highlights
Looking at college options? If one of WIT's postgrad or undergraduate courses has caught your attention and you're refining your college choices, it's important to know what to expect when you get to Waterford.
1 The Apple Market aka Waterford’s new entertainment quarter
How do you make the outdoors feel like indoors? Put a giant glass roof on it. The Apple Market Canopy is set to transform nightlife in Waterford. This is in addition to Waterford already holding the prestigious Purple Flag – international recognition of a successful, well-managed and vibrant city centre from 5pm to 5am. Of course there’s loads to do elsewhere around the city from various pubs, clubs, restaurants and entertainment venues.
2 Waterford Walls
What other city gets a fresh paint job every year just before college starts? Waterford Walls has been running since 2015 and sees different parts of the city undergoing transformation with the help of a lot of urban art talent. Urban artists and graffiti artists from around the world descend on the city for one weekend every year, with their masterpieces there for everyone to enjoy year round.
3 The Waterford Greenway
Everybody was talking about the Waterford Greenway months before it officially opened to the public. Stretching from the outskirts of Waterford city to Dungarvan town, the Greenway is ideal for walkers, hikers, and cyclists to get some fresh air, plenty of sights and exercise to boot. There’s loads of places to access the Greenway, park your car or hire a bike. One of the closest to Waterford city is at the WIT Arena on WIT’s West Campus. Grab refreshments and snacks, a bike or even a gym session before you set off.
4 The Viking Triangle
Waterford is steeped in history (being the country’s oldest city and all that). And you don’t have to be a history buff to reap the benefits of a multi million euro investment into the Viking Triangle. Within metres of each other are attractions such as Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, the Medieval Museum, the Bishop’s Palace, Reginald’s Tower, the Theatre Royal, a selection of cathedrals, ecclesiastical attractions and galleries. Step into the Viking Triangle for a visual feast (and plenty of cafes and restaurants too).
The latest attraction to open in the Viking Triangle is "The King of the Vikings" the worlds first Viking Virtual Reality Adventure is a which is located in a reproduction Waterford Viking house near Reginald’s Tower, at the very apex of the City’s Viking Triangle.Congratulations to our friends at Emagine media who developed this innovative VR expereince .
5 The Copper Coast
We may have missed out on being part of the Wild Atlantic Way, but we’ll always have our Copper Coast. Stretching from just outside Tramore along the Coast Road towards Dungarvan, the Copper Coast drive, it has to be said, gives the Wild Atlantic Way a run for its money. There’s spectacular views, amazing coves and beaches, with the feeling of being still a hidden gem. An Instagrammer’s paradise.
6 Winterval
When Christmas is on the way, the Christmas festival called Winterval takes over the city, brightening up the dark evenings and bringing people into the city. Whether it’s a spot of ice skating, a go on the carousel or a wander through outdoor food and craft stalls, the city centre is the place to take some time out.
7 Splashing the cash
Waterford has won the hearts and pockets of investors. Talks of hundreds of millions of euro in overseas investment to transform the shopping experience in Waterford as well as news that the iconic and empty Ard Rí hotel overlooking the city has been sold and will be transformed into 4.5-5 star hotel is welcome news for anyone looking for a job or wishing to treat themselves. Bring it on.
