Waterford tops Condé Nast Traveller list of best spots in Ireland
Copper Coast, County Waterford
Waterford has been highlighted as one of Ireland’s standout destinations by Condé Nast Traveller, which has once again placed the county at the top of its list of must-see locations across the island. The influential travel title, known for spotlighting exceptional places and emerging travel trends, praised Waterford for its dramatic coastline, outdoor experiences and rich cultural heritage.
The magazine’s annual round‑up celebrates some of Ireland’s most inspiring landscapes and lesser‑known gems. Waterford’s Copper Coast (named after the area’s 19th-century mining industry) earned particular acclaim, with its quiet coves, striking cliffs and unspoilt beaches described as among the most beautiful and underrated in the country. The publication also highlighted the Waterford Greenway, a 46‑kilometre car‑free trail linking Waterford City with Dungarvan, as one of Ireland’s most enjoyable ways to explore the outdoors, with a route that skirts along the base of the Comeragh Mountains, which merit a return visit for hikes to waterfalls and along panoramic ridges.
Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford
Travellers were encouraged to stop at Mount Congreve Gardens, a restored Georgian estate overlooking the River Suir, and to explore the region’s Irish language speaking area, or Gaeltacht area, An Rinn, just a short detour from the Greenway. New boutique hotel The Hat Maker in Dungarvan is a chic spot to end an exploration of Ireland’s so-called “Sunny Southeast”.
Beyond Waterford, the Condé Nast Traveller list also recognised other remarkable Irish landscapes, including the Fermanagh Lakelands, the remote and rugged beauty of Northwest Donegal, and the prehistoric passage tombs of Ireland’s Ancient East, reinforcing the island’s reputation for natural beauty, deep history and diverse travel experiences.
For international visitors planning a trip to Ireland, Waterford’s blend of coastal scenery, outdoor adventure and cultural heritage offers a compelling reason to explore beyond the well‑known hotspots, and to discover why this corner of the southeast continues to captivate global travel experts.