Waterford has a vibrant cultural & social scene with a year round programme of festivals, varied theatre performances, great evening and night time entertainment supported by the Purple Flag initiative, and an attractive retail offering enhanced by independent retailers.
Eating Out
Waterford boasts a growing food culture that caters for all tastes; whether it is traditional fish ‘n’ chips, Michelin Star cuisine, quality coffee, cosy pub grub, local farmers markets or international dishes, you will find it all in Waterford.
For a list of places to eat in Waterford see: VisitWaterford.com
Pubs & Clubs
Waterford has a great variety of bars, from charming country pubs that have become a meeting point for the surrounding community to bustling modern and loud urban bars. If it is live music you want there are plenty of pubs that offer a range from traditional to modern cover bands & original artists. For a list of great nightlife, visit Visit Waterford website and select 'Bars and Nightlife' from the drop-down menu.
Purple Flag
Waterford City was awarded Purple Flag status in February 2015. The Purple Flag is an international accreditation scheme that recognises good quality evening and night time economy, where people can enjoy a safe night out in a pleasant environment. Purple Flag status highlights that Waterford City centre is a vibrant place to visit in the evening with:
- Clean and safe environments
- Varied entertainment and leisure attractions
- Great restaurants and bars
- Various arts and cultural attractions
- Excellent transport links
For more information on Purple Flag Waterford visit: Purple Flag
Cinema & Theatre
Waterford has three theatres and cinemas so there are always a variety of options to suit different tastes.
THEATRES
CINEMAS
Festivals in Waterford
Waterford is home to a year round programme of well established festivals and innovative events, some highlights include:
Winterval: Ireland's Christmas Festival runs from the end of November to 23rd December and is packed with festive events and unique activities, set in beautiful heritage sites around Waterford City
West Waterford Festival of Food is set in the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford every April. A festival for food lovers and fun seekers of all ages and a favourite of locals and visitors alike.
Spraoi – International Street Arts Festival: For over twenty years Spraoi has animated the streets of Waterford for three days with a variety of street art and spectacle, featuring hundreds of performers, live music, and an array of street theatre.
Waterford Harvest Festival: A weekend of fun foodie activities for all every September in Waterford City - markets, barbecues, picnics, feasts, gigs, street parties, cookery demonstrations, taste workshops, craft villages and much more!
Comeraghs Wild Festival celebrates the natural beauty, diversity and uniqueness of the Comeragh area using walks and talks, traditional music, poetry and film, with a strong emphasis on nature and adventure.
Immrama – Lismore Festival of Travel Writing is dedicated to the art of Travel Writing, Good Music, and Fine Entertainment which takes place in the picturesque heritage town of Lismore.
Waterford Walls International Street Arts Festival transforms Waterford City into an open-air gallery. It is scheduled for Aug 17th - 26th 2018, which marks the 4th year of this fabulous festival.
For a full list of festivals throughout the year in Waterford visit: Waterford Festivals
Sports Stadiums
Waterford’s stadiums host a range of sporting events throughout the year that provide a great day or evening out for family and friends. If you want to watch the match, have a bit of a flutter on the horses, see athletics in action or maybe enjoy an evening at the dogs, Waterford has lots to offer.
Tramore Racecourse
Tramore Racecourse has eleven race fixtures annually offering exciting action and great fun for all ages. The racecourse caters for all sectors of both flat and national hunt racing and is noted for the steep hill on its one mile circuit.
Kilcohan Greyhound Track
Kilcohan Greyhound Track is located in Waterford City. This modern track has a fully serviced restaurant and is a great place for a night out with friends or colleagues.
Walsh Park & Fraher Field GAA Stadium
Waterford GAA has two homes; Walsh Park in Waterford city and Fraher Field in Dungarvan – go to either to enjoy a game of football or hurling and soak up the unique atmosphere of match day.
Waterford Regional Sports Centre (RSC)
Waterford Regional Sports Centre offers a wide range of facilities which are open to the public seven days a week. Amenities include:
- An Olympic standard athletics track that can accommodate the full range of track and field events
- Full changing facilities
- 18 hole Pitch & Putt course
- 3 training pitches
Waterford United F.C. play their SSE Airtricity League home games in the RSC as well as Hosting FAI International matches and British / Irish Cup Rugby.
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) Sports Campus
Waterford Institute of Technology's Sports Campus at Carriganore, has:
- a full-size GAA Floodlit all-weather pitch,
- three smaller floodlit grass pitches,
- a Cricket pitch,
- 2km undulating outdoor running track,
- Physiotherapy treatment rooms,
- Team meeting rooms.
- Pavilion & viewing gallery.
"WIT Sports Campus is a central and cohesive complex of sporting and recreational facilities for teams and individuals in the South East Region".