 |
Tourism
The tourism sector represents a growth opportunity for businesses that are or seek to establish in County Waterford. 2005 was one of the most successful years for tourism to the South East when over 2million tourists spent in the order of €267.4million in the Region. Attracting 361,000 overseas tourist visits in 2005, County Waterford is the most popular tourist destination in the South East. To enhance the viability of tourism services, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and farmhouses, cafés, bars and restaurants, Waterford County Council seeks to harness the potential economic impact of Tourism to the County. We continue to invest in product development and marketing. County Waterford offers a strong and top-class tourist product with unique selling propositions particularly in eco- tourism, combined with a strong natural resource of marine, mountains and parks, all of which offer commercial opportunities.
Waterford County Council is glad to offer assistance and guidance to any tourism service provider seeking to capitalise on extensive tourism offer of the County. Waterford County Council has adopted policies in relation to the provision of tourist accommodation, including harnessing the potential to develop the network of Country Houses for hotel purposes. Please consult the Waterford County Development Plan (adobe .pdf, 2,020 kbs) for further information.
Find out how you can make submissions on the Council's Policy on Rural Tourism and view documents and maps relating to Rural Tourism.
Unique Selling Propositions
Offering an attractive tourist product that builds on the natural beauty of the County, Waterford attracts discerning tourists who seek a quality product and experience. Some of Waterford’s unique attractions include: the Comeragh Mountains; the UNESCO-designated Copper Coast Geopark; a beautiful coastline; and the Blackwater Valley including the heritage towns of Lismore and Portlaw. Waterford hosts the only Irish speaking Gaeltacht area in the South East. The vibrant towns of the County such as Dungarvan and Ardmore in the west and Tramore and Dunmore East and the villages along Waterford Harbour to the east offer a range of hotels, conference facilities, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Accommodation
There are 38 hotels in Waterford County and City. These offer top-class accommodation and conference facilities. In addition there are almost 250 guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts along with 140 self-catering units in the Waterford. Thus Waterford can provide a comprehensive range of accommodation and facilities to business and conferences alike.
Access
The County enjoys excellent air, sea, road and rail access. To read more about access to the county click here.
Watersports
The rivers, reservoirs and lakes of County Waterford are renowned for and draw dedicated anglers to hunt salmon, sea trout and brown trout. The coastline of Waterford offer anglers, divers and sailors with the opportunity to enjoy the unique setting of the South East Coast combined with picturesque towns and villages that offer top-quality and vibrant night life.
Equestrian
Free access to mountains and beaches provide equestrian enthusiasts with a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Waterford County. Equestrian is well organised with a range of certified and established equestrian centres located throughout the County.
Golf
There are 11 golf courses in County Waterford including the world-renowned Faithlegg Golf Club.
Walking
Walking is the unspoken champion of tourism in Ireland and Waterford can offer a unique walking experience. Waterford County Council continues to invest in the walking infrastructure of the County to fully harness and realise the economic potential of this asset. Waterford has set itself to be the walking capital of Ireland.
These attractions combine to offer a top-class tourist product. To build on the success of tourism to the County, Waterford County Council, in association with our partners, continues to invest in product development and promotion. We are glad to discuss investment opportunities in the tourism sector in County Waterford.
