Bus Hire in Waterford

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, founded by the Vikings in 914 AD, and the largest city in the south-east. The Viking Triangle in the city centre concentrates three of Ireland's most significant medieval visitor attractions within 500 metres: Reginald's Tower (the oldest civic urban building in Ireland, built c. 1003), the Bishop's Palace, and the Medieval Museum, all managed by the Waterford Museum of Treasures. The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre (on the Mall, 1 kilometre from Reginald's Tower) is Ireland's most visited working crystal factory tour.

Waterford Airport (WAT) is a small regional airport used primarily for charter flights. Most groups arrive via Dublin Airport (DUB, 165 kilometres north-east via the M9, approximately 2 hours) or Cork Airport (ORK, 125 kilometres west via the N25, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes).

Viking Triangle: Reginald's Tower and Medieval Museum

The Viking Triangle is the medieval core of Waterford between the Quay and the Mall. Reginald's Tower at the north end of the Quay is a circular Norman tower first built by the Vikings in 1003 and now housing a Viking exhibition. The Medieval Museum (the Choristers' Hall at the Cathedral Square, 200 metres from the tower) is an underground museum with vaulted medieval passages and treasures including the Great Charter Roll of Waterford (1372). The Bishop's Palace (Palace Lane, adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral) houses Waterford Treasures' 18th- and 19th-century collection including the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal. Coaches stop on the Quay road adjacent to Reginald's Tower.

Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre

The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre (on the Mall, 1 kilometre from the Quay) is Ireland's most visited working glass factory tour, drawing over 100,000 visitors per year. The tour includes the hot shop (glass blowing demonstration), the engraving studio, and the showroom. Group tours are available by advance booking; the tour takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes. Coach parking is on the Mall adjacent to the Crystal centre entrance. Waterford Crystal pieces are available in the showroom at factory prices.

Hook Lighthouse and Dunmore East

Hook Lighthouse (50 kilometres south via the R733 and R733, approximately 50 minutes) is the oldest lighthouse in Ireland, built by William Marshal in the 13th century on a narrow peninsula in County Wexford. It is also one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. Dunmore East (16 kilometres south-east of Waterford via the R684, approximately 20 minutes) is a small fishing village with a safe sandy beach and a cluster of seafood restaurants on the harbour. Both are standard half-day excursions from Waterford city.

What Bus Hire Costs in Waterford

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Waterford runs around 380 to 690 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 520 to 1,000 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 670 to 1,270 EUR per day. Waterford is a smaller market with good vehicle availability outside the summer peak. June to August and bank holiday weekends see the highest demand; the Waterford Spraoi festival (August bank holiday weekend) is the busiest single event. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Waterford