The year 2025 marks a momentous year for Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford, as it marks its 1,111th anniversary. Founded in 914 AD by Viking Ragnall, as ‘Vadrarjfordr’ - its original Viking name - the foundations of Ireland’s history are imprinted over centuries on Waterford’s landscape and within the city’s labyrinth of narrow streets and laneways inside the medieval walls.
To celebrate this historic milestone, Visit Waterford has unveiled an exclusive itinerary of ancient discoveries across Waterford city and county. Titled 11 Hidden Treasures, this journey invites visitors to explore some of Ireland’s oldest artefacts and hidden historical gems.
Discover Waterford’s 11 Hidden Treasures
The 11 Hidden Treasures itinerary brings visitors from the city in the east towards the west of the majestic county, and the first point of discovery is the only set of Medieval vestments in existence in Northern Europe. These incredible 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments were found when the medieval cathedral was being demolished and a hole was accidentally blown in the floor - an astonishing story of discovery had to be heard on the tour at the Medieval Museum in Waterford, where the vestments are on display.
The second treasure is located nearby. Also in the Medieval Museum sits the Great Royal Charter Roll. This historic legal document was created by the Anglo-Norman people of Waterford in the 14th century, and its story shows us the power of English kings in Ireland from the medieval period to the 19th century. At a length of nearly four metres, the Great Charter Roll of Waterford is striking; medieval cities were very keen to have these charters, and Waterford got its first royal charter in 1215 from King John.
Next on the list of treasures to discover is the oldest piece of Waterford Crystal in existence. Dating back to 1789, a stunning Penrose Decanter today sits elegantly on public display in one of Ireland’s most beautiful Georgian buildings, The Bishop’s Palace in the city.
Moving out into beautiful County Waterford, De La Poer Tower was created under the instruction of George de la Poer Beresford (1735–1800 ), 2nd Earl of Tyrone and later 1st Marquess of Waterford, to create a picturesque ecclesiastical landscape on the wooded margins of his estate at Curraghmore. This tower isn’t just a structure; it’s a story of love, loss, and legacy that reaches out through the ages. A special plaque tells us about the tragic loss of young Marcus in a horse riding accident. Architecturally, it is a wonder; inside, there’s a spiral staircase made of granite, and if you’re up for it, climb to the open top for an amazing view of the countryside. The tower was supposed to be 120 feet tall, but it stopped at 70 feet. The unfinished look makes it even more special, a symbol of a life that ended too soon.
About 10km from the De La Paor Tower sits another gigantic tower, and atop it, The Metal Man has been pointing out to sea over the graveyard of ships in Tramore for more than 200 years. His stance is a symbol to ships that they have not yet reached the safety of Waterford Harbour and his chant is ‘Keep out ships, keep away from me, for I’m the rock'. Local legend has it that any young woman who succeeded in hopping three times around the white pillar on which he stands would have a marriage proposal within a year. Victorian postcards featuring lines of women standing on one foot prove the popularity of the tradition.
Moving west from Tramore along the Coast Road, visitors will enjoy the cliff-top UNESCO GeoPark, the 25 km Copper Coast where scenic photo opportunities just keep coming and the Copper Coast GeoPark Visitor Centre share the stories of the 18th century copper mines.
Along the Copper Coast is the next stop, a secret hidden treasure at the foot of a cliff-top walk, with access only available at low tide, sits the serene Tra na mBó beach. The little cove is located just around the headland from the pretty Bunmahon village. The rocks of this spectacular cove are Devonian age sandstones, and the pock-marked holes in the cliffs are horizontal mine shafts known as adits, which showcase the mining heritage of the area.
Reaching the middle of County Waterford, in the beautiful Comeragh Mountains, the road that leads to the magnificent Mahon Falls is known locally as ‘The Magic Road’. Just through the gates towards the Mahon Falls car park sits a lovely singular magic fairy tree to the left. At this point, you stop (safely ) and turn off the car. You leave the hand brake off. Your car will then appear to roll backward up the hill behind you. Magic or illusion, there is no denying that the car moves of its own accord. You’ll just have to try it!
From here, to the west is hidden treasure number 9, Dromana Bridge. A Hindu Gothic gate dating from around 1830, 5km south of Cappoquin, it is the only one of its kind in Ireland. It was originally built from wood and papier mache to greet the owner of the Dromana Estate, Henry Villiers-Stuart and his wife, Theresa Pauline Ott of Vienna, on returning from their honeymoon in 1826. The couple were so enchanted with the gate it was reconstructed in stone in later years.
Nearby are the imposing gothic style Ballysaggartmore Towers. The magical towers provide a fairytale setting and a fairytale story. They were built in 1850 by Arthur Kiely-Ussher for his wife as part of a plan for an estate of grandeur. Unfortunately, the extravagant gates were the only part of the castle to be built as money ran out soon after their completion. The Kiely-Ussher family then resided in a modest house on the grounds with a very extravagant driveway.
The final Hidden Treasure is probably the earliest of them all, St Declan’s Way. St Declan, one of Ireland’s earliest saints, is believed to have traveled this route in the 5th century to meet St Patrick and discuss the future of Christianity in Ireland. This historic trail invites visitors to retrace the footsteps of one of Ireland’s earliest saints. This deep history is woven into the fabric of west Waterford, where treasures like the Book of Lismore (circa 1400 ) and the Lismore Crozier (circa 1100 ) were hidden for 200 years in the walls of Lismore Castle, hear their story at Lismore Heritage Centre and discover history of the University City of Lismore founded in by Monks in 636AD. Visitors can uncover the legends, history, and secrets that have shaped Waterford through the centuries.
“2025 is a truly special year for Waterford, marking over a millennium of history, culture, and resilience," said Mealla Fahey, director of Visit Waterford. "Through the 11 Hidden Treasures itinerary, we invite visitors to uncover the lesser-known yet fascinating stories that have shaped Ireland’s oldest city and explore the much older hidden stories of Waterford, where Ireland begins.”
While exploring the city’s rich heritage, visitors can also indulge in award-winning cuisine, experience the work of local artists and craftsmen, traverse the scenic Waterford Greenway, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of its historic pubs.
For more information on this itinerary and other attractions in Waterford, see visitwaterford.com
