Surroundings, Waterford

6mi/10km east of Waterford on the R683 lies Passage East, where the River Suir flows into the inlet called Waterford Harbor, after joining the River Barrow at Cheekpoint. This was once a fortified town, where Strongbow landed in 1170 with 1,200 men, going on to take Waterford. There is a passenger ferry to Ballyhack, on the other side of Waterford Harbor.

On the west side of the mouth of Waterford Harbor, southeast of the city of Waterford, is Dunmore East, a seaside resort prettily situated on the slopes running down to the sea, with a boating harbor and a good beach (diving).Established in 1993, Dunmore East Adventure Centre issituated in the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East. It is renowned for its idyllic sailing and watersports conditions, as well as being a popular holiday resort. The Adventure Centre provides land and water-based outdoor activities for both the complete beginner and thepractised expert. Activities are organised for groups, individuals, adults and kids.

From Waterford the R675 runs south to Tramore Bay. A minor road on the right leads in 2.5mi/4km to the fine Knockeen Dolmen (National Monument), believed to be 4,000 years old, with a rectangular chamber roofed by overlapping capstones.

From Waterford the R675 runs south to Tramore Bay. A minor road on the right leads in 2.5mi/4km to the fine Knockeen Dolmen, and the main road comes in 8mi/13km to the popular family resort of Tramore, with a beautiful sandy beach 3mi/5km long and recreation facilities for every taste (fishing, horse racing, golf, amusement park).The most recent attraction, opened in 1992, is "Celtworld" (opening times given). By means of the most modern technology (holograms, lasers, computer graphics, etc.) the myths and legends associated with the Celts are brought to life in an hour's amusing performance.

Leaving Waterford on the N25, which runs west up the Suir Valley, and turning northwestwards on to the R680, we come in 9mi/15km to Portlow, an old Quaker settlement, with tanneries which contribute a large proportion of Ireland's leather production.

On the west side of Portlow is Curraghmore, one of the most beautiful demesnes in the country, with an interesting shell house. An avenue over 1mi/2km long leads to the house (by John Roberts, 1745), seat of the Marquess of Waterford, with good interior decorations and works by famous painters (not open to the public).

Northwest of Waterford (the N9, then the N24) in Kilkenny county, stand the imposing ruins of Granagh Castle (National Monument) high above the north bank of the Suir, with a 13th C. keep and curtain walls reinforced by towers and a 16th C. great hall.

The Touraneena Heritage Center is located on the 300 year old thatched farmhouse which was the home of the O'Keefe family for the past eight generations. The staffs are dressed in costume and hands on demonstrations in the dairy.

This beautiful contemporary garden is an addition to an 18th C. walled demesne along the River Suir.