Places to Visit

Magnificent home of the Marquis of Waterford and his ancestors since 1170. The interior of the house contains exceptionally fine plasterwork by James Wyatt, also pictures, prints, books, works of art, furniture, porcelain, jewllery and medals. Grounds include outstanding Arboretum, shell grotto, built and personally decorated by Catherine Poer, Countess of Tyrone in 1754 and a bridge built in 1205 for King John to cross the River Clodagh.

Lismore Castle Arts is an adventure. The intention is for art lovers from near and far to join us on this adventure and experience new, exciting and critically acclaimed exhibitions in a spectacular environment. Lismore Castle Arts is committed to the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual art and seeks to create greater opportunities for people to experience visual art of international significance in the South of Ireland. The gallery, housed in the once-derelict West wing of Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford, currently hosts one major exhibition per year, as well as a dynamic programme of tours, workshops and other arts related events.

Surrounded by parkland with mature and rare trees, Tourin gardens extend over five acres and include a fi ne collection of camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and a walled garden with flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs.

In the Lismore Heritage Centre, the town’s Celtic origins are on view in the historical display room. The story of Lismore, dating from 636 AD, is told in an award-winning multi-lingual, audio-visual presentation narrated by Niall Toibin. Hear about Monastic Lismore, Vikings, Normans, Walter Raleigh, Lismore Castle, Cathedral and Church. New exhibition galleries opened in 2004, including room dedicated to the life & works of Robert Boyle, the scientist.

The Copper Coast European Geopark is located on the South East coast of Ireland, between Tramore and Dungarvan in County Waterford. It extends between Fenor in the east to Stradbally in the west and up to Dunhill in the north. The Copper Coast gets its name from the 19th Century copper mines that lie at its heart. It comprises some 25 kilometres of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks, which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Copper Coast.