New York Times names Waterford as one of top places to visit in 2024
County Waterford has been named by the as one of the top destinations to visit in 2024. Picture Larry Cummins
County Waterford has been named by the as one of the top destinations to visit in 2024.
The publication's annual 52 Places to Go list chose the Déise as its only Irish location this year.
Travel writer AnneLise Sorensen extolled the variety of things the county has to offer saying that it is much more than just crystal.
Ms Sorensen said the oldest city in Ireland "sparkles with history and natural treasures".
Commercial director of Waterford Treasures and Chairperson of Visit Waterford, Sara Dolan said they were delighted to discover that they had made the list.
Ms Sorensen had contacted the team at Visit Waterford to make some enquiries but kept her lips sealed as to what publication she was working for.
The write-up in the highly regarded list praises the more modern sights and experiences on offer while preserving the links to the past.
"In the Viking Triangle, Waterford’s cobblestone core, a new digital story trail brings the past to life at stops like the medieval landmark Reginald's Tower," Ms Sorensen said.
"The city also offers less-ancient attractions, including the new Irish Wake Museum, dedicated to the funeral ritual, and the Irish Museum of Time, which showcases grandfather clocks, watches and more."
The "natural riches" also received high praise, in particular the Copper Coast which is described as being "hemmed by towering cliffs and scalloped coves".
Ms Sorensen recommends a trip along the popular 30-mile Greenway.
The high-profile recommendation is just the latest in a string of international endorsements.
In November, featured Waterford in its Best Places to go in the UK and Ireland article.
The list, which is part of the Best Places to go in 2024 global guide, included several recommendations for Waterford.
The recently restored Mount Congreve House - also named by the New York Times - was described as palatial with dreamy gardens.
"When the gates close, you will have the gardens all to yourself if you bed down at Mount Congreve’s fairytale gate lodge, which is available to rent," Aoife O'Riordain wrote.
There was more good news in December when Waterford was named the 2024 European City of Christmas.
The titled was awarded following a unanimous vote with the jury describing the city as "an extraordinary jewel of Christmas harmony and aesthetics".
“Waterford represents the ultimate expression of creative culture thanks to the great work done with its illuminations and markets," they said.
"Just as the streets become the perfect setting when associations, tourists and neighbours come together in a Christmas experience with its own identity.”
So why the sudden surge in popularity for County Waterford?
Ms Dolan said it is all down to hard work, passion and the generosity of the people who volunteer their time to help run the many festivals and who offer visitors a warm welcome.
The Waterford native praised the dedication of her fellow volunteers at Visit Waterford joking that if you get them talking about all the county has to offer you would not be able to shut them up.
"It's passion, I think... That's why it is so lovely to get recognition like this because it means a lot when you put in the hard graft," said Ms Dolan.
She said that Waterford has often been overlooked in terms of tourism but believes the tide is changing.
"We do have the most glorious beaches. We have the Comeragh mountains, we have the Copper Coast, which has UNESCO status.
"So, you know, if you scratch the surface, there's so much to see here."
With the global spotlight firmly on them, the people of Waterford are ready to cement themselves as a must-see location.
"We have big aspirations here and we want people to enjoy the city and county and we want them to see this side of Ireland," said Ms Dolan.
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