Activities
Golfing
The South East region – Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford – boasts thirty 18 hole golf courses, exceptional value for money, and the finest weather conditions in Ireland. It is thus no wonder that the region is one of the most visited golf destinations in the country. Some of the famous courses within easy access to the hotel include Mount Juliet, Waterford Golf Club, Tramore Golf Club, and New Ross Golf Club. Special group rates are available to suit your requirements with courses booked and preferential green fees.
Horse Racing
Irish racing has a personality and atmosphere not found anywhere else in the world and with race courses like Gowran Park, Tramore and Wexford close by to choose from, we are well situated for our guests who enjoy going to the races.
Walking Tours
Ireland’s natural and diverse landscape means that it is ideal for those interested in walking holidays. You can choose from a number of established walks in the vicinity of the hotel including the Barrow Way, the Brandon Way and the South Leinster Way.
Cycling Trails
We are blessed in the south east to have such wonderful scenery which makes cycling all the more enjoyable. With local knowledge at hand, we can offer you advice on various routes to suit each cyclist whether it be a leisurely spin or a challenging workout.
Wateford Greenway
Discover some of Ireland`s finest countryside, with spectacular scenery along the newly developed Waterford Greenway, only 4 miles from here, or direct access to the Proposed New Ross – Waterford Greenway. Bike hire available from www.waterfordgreenway or Waterford Green Way Bike Hire, who can also provide shuttle service to any destination along the route. Also recommended is the guided walking tour based around the Kilmacthomas Area Steps Back Thru Time
Local Beaches
There are many gorgeous beaches within a short distance from the hotel that are popular with families for picnics, walks, and water based sports. Such beaches include Duncannon Beach, a popular bathing area approx. a mile long, the famous Tramore Beach, which is a 3km golden sandy beach situated in the local seaside resort of Tramore, and of course the gorgeous Woodstown Beach, which is a long sandy beach surrounded by private woodlands. It is a tidal beach which extends out around a kilometre at low tide, exposing a large and flat beach.
Three magnificent museums chronicling over one thousand years of history. Treasures of Viking Waterford at Reginald’s Tower, Treasures of Medieval Waterford at the Chorister’s Hall and Treasures of Georgian Waterford at the Bishop’s Palace
Famous for its handcut glass, Waterford Crystal attracts visitors from all over the world. The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is the most visited destination in Waterford and provides an opportunity to see the amazing transformation that is wrought from sand to glittering crystal by the application of intense heat and outstanding craftsman ship.
Nestled in the Sunny Southeast of Ireland is the seaside town of Tramore. Just 20 minutes drive from Waterford City by car and with a regular bus service, Tramore is a great resort worth visiting while staying with us. Whether it’s just a short weekend get-away or a family holiday, Tramore can provide all you need for a memorable stay. Besides the obvious attraction of the beach, Tramore offers much, much, more for those with kids.
Covering an expanse of 252 hectares, it contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs and a lake. There is a visitor centre with an audio visual show. The John F. Kennedy Arboretum is open daily all year round from 10am.
The home of John F. Kennedy’s great grandfather is located in Dunganstown, near New Ross. Visited by President Kennedy in 1963, the original farmhouse and farmyard contains a unique collection of John F. Kennedy memorabilia.
This is the oldest lighthouse in Europe, still working. The present tower is over 750 years old. It converted to automatic in 1996. The coastal walk from the lighthouse to Slade is invigorating and interesting as the local rocks contain many fossils.
This abbey is known as Tintern “de Voto” (of the vow) and is sister abbey of Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire, Wales. William Marshall founded the Tintern Abbey as a result of a vow. His ship over turned as a result of a storm and he vowed to build an abbey wherever he landed safely. It is open daily and guided tours are available.
Dunbrody Abbey and Visitor Centre
Cistercian Abbey founded in 1210 A. D. and one of the largest. Also the site of the ruins of Dunbrody Castle. Visit the craft shop, museum and make you way through the full size hedge maze. A pitch and putt course also on site.
The SS Dunbrody heritage ship is located in New Ross and is an accurate full sized recreation of the ship which played a leading part in 19th century emigration to the USA. Board the ship and walk in the footsteps of a group of Irish Famine Emigrants on their journey of hope across the Atlantic Ocean. Go below and enter the confined spaces which would be home for passengers and crew for the 45 day voyage.
Lismore Heritage Centre was opened in 1992 to share insights into Lismore’s formidable history and heritage. Boasting a picturesque location at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, Lismore is famous for the magnificent Lismore Castle