Weekend Camino Break
Scenic & Mindful Trails|Greenway Cycle|Boat Trips|Celtic Stories|Waterford Alive!
Waterford has been at the heart of our tours and will continue to be. From the stunning cliff path in Dunmore East, to the mesmerising beauty of the Copper Coast, to the quaint and magical town of Lismore to the allure of the Greenway as it rolls majestically from the city to Dungarvan, there’s an energy in the tourism arena here that will see it claim its rightful place at the heart of the tourism landscape in Ireland in years to come.
It all comes down to re-claiming our cherished history as told in Waterford Treasures, House of Waterford and Mount Congreve Gardens to name but a few close to the city and connecting this story with the natural wonders of what the county has to offer. Waterford is uniquely positioned to appeal to the new wave of tourist – that traveller who wants to stay that bit longer, soak in the story and the music of the place, sample the finest of local cuisine, stay in beautiful places, and, above all, adventure out to the waters and the wild. Waterford has it all!
A little about the hotel: Dating back to the 1700’s, the hotel was purchased by Liam & Ann Cusack who then restored it to its former gracious grandeur, combining modern comfort with old world charm and elegance. Today the Cusack family second generation Fiona, Jackie & Sandra continue to uphold the Granville traditions of comfort, service and hospitality.
A dedicated team are on hand to ensure that your stay in Waterford is a pleasant and memorable one at one of the top hotels that Ireland has to offer. The hotel’s main aim is to provide a unique experience for guests and provide top notch comfort and hospitality as you stay in Waterford and explore all this vibrant, historic city has to offer.
Dine in the Bianconi Restaurant which highlights the best of terrific local produce, a real showcase of everything good in authentic, Irish dining. The following morning enjoy an award-winning breakfast which also showcases a wide variety of local foods including the Granville Porridge Experience featuring Flahavan’s Oats and the Granville Eggs Benedict which features the famous Waterford Blaa.
During your stay, visit the hotel’s Thomas Francis Meagher Bar where you will not only get a warm welcome from the staff but also from the open fireplaces. There is a fabulous selection of food featuring local flavours and drinks from the Gin, Whiskey & Vodka Walls which features over 100 different drinks.
Friday: Waterford Welcoming Reception
Aim to arrive at the Granville Hotel on the Quays of Waterford at the heart of Ireland’s oldest city by 2.30pm in time for check-in before walking across the road for a Welcoming Reception in Waterford Treasures Museum. There is free parking for the duration of your stay on the Quays Carpark directly across from the hotel.
4 course dinner served both nights at 7.30pm at the award-winning Bianconi Restaurant.
Saturday: Greenway to the Falls
Morning: We will begin our day with a gentle stroll on the Waterford Greenway out to one of the moorings alongside the River Suir. Time for a little mindful moment to start our day. No better place than by the river’s edge.
Early morning by the river is so peaceful, almost mystical. Each step slows the rhythm right down. It’s like being transported back in time; passing the moorings of old along the riverbanks, soaking in the wonderful aromas from the adjoining Mount Congreve Gardens, hearing the old locomotive train follow the century’s old pathway into the city. Memorable on so many levels.
Mid morning: Our coach will then take us to the Comeragh Mountains. Here, we walk out to the Mahon Falls and then down along the valley to the river’s flow through Crough Woods below. (6km) The Mahon Falls is an 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains. The dramatic waterfall which is surrounded by breath-taking beauty makes this a trip not to be missed. Visitors can also see sheep and goats dotted along the mountainsides.
This trail leads you beyond the world as you know it. It’s as though you arrive somewhere that civilisation has yet to reach. High up beyond the peaceful majesty of the woods lies this amphitheatre of rock that has stood there for over 300 million years. The Falls echo from the heart of stone in ways that lingers long after the visit has passed. Amazing.
Lunch: for a light lunch beneath the viaduct in Kilmacthomas. It’s good to slow the pulse right down and soak in the peace and beauty of this tranquil setting on the river’s edge.
Afternoon: You have a choice of a gentle cycle or a stroll along iconic stretches of the Waterford Greenway. We will have the renowned Greenway Man, Garvan Cummins, on standby to sort us with bikes and to guide us on our way. Whether walking or cycling, we’ll meet up for coffee along the way.
This leisure cycle takes you on a 10 kilometre journey that is magical from start to finish. So many surprises around each bend… the 400 metre Ballyvoile Tunnel, the tropical oasis that greets you on the other side, the viaduct, the stunning beauty of the Clonea coastline as it opens up before you. Has to be experienced. No words can capture it.
Sunday: To the Waters and the Wild
Morning: day begins with an early morning swim in Newtown Cove, Tramore or a gentle walk on the beach. It’s the most invigorating of starts. You could surprise yourself just how much you love it if you dare to take the plunge. We’ll have a cuppa before making our way to the beach.
Each step along the beach brings you closer to where you need to be. Waves roll into shore to remind us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. The world may not have changed on our return but somehow we have.
Midday: walk and boat trip in Dunmore East.
Headland trails, lobster pots, fishing, lunch out in the Bay – Dunmore East is the perfect „still zone‟ to ease us back to where we belong. The Dunmore East Cliff Walk is perched above the village in silent homage to those who have passed this way for centuries.
As you walk along the headland, energy ripples in symmetry with the dancing of the waves. What we observe leaves lasting imprints; the magical hues of the azure ocean as it laps onto the flat rocks, the languid majesty of the seal as it basks in the sun, the silhouette of Hook Lighthouse as it peers out through misty skies.
A trip out to sea on return to the harbour completes this experience. Time in ‘The Keltoi Warrior’ is precious time. Brendan takes us on a voyage of discovery, sharing anecdotes on the coves and sea caves, narrowing the lens to absorb the sublime beauty of the miniscule against the towering backdrop of the cliffs. After checking in on the lobster pots and maybe reeling in a mackerel or two, we anchor in at some quiet corner of the Bay.
Some refreshments by the shoreline to the sound of waves lapping against the brow of the boat… the perfect end to the day discovering the hidden gems along the Waterford Coastline. If sea conditions are not good, we will arrange lunch in a local restaurant.
Price €695* includes:
- 2 nights Bed and Breakfast with Dinner both evenings in the 4 star Granville Hotel, Waterford.
- Car parking for the duration of your stay on the Quays carpark directly across from the hotel.
- Welcoming Reception in the Waterford Treasures Museum.
- Lunch on the Waterford Greenway.
- Luxury coach transfers.
- Boat trip with lunch in Dunmore East.
- Bike hire.
- Phil and Elaine as guides for the weekend.
* Single supplement for the weekend of €150
* For groups, we can arrange a Gala Reception in House of Waterford or a bespoke tour of Mount Congreve Gardens for an additional supplement. We craft the experience to suit you!
Departure Dates for 2024:
- Weekend and midweek Camino Breaks for groups of 8 or more available on request.
For more information email Phil and Elaine at info@celticwaysireland.com
