Make the Most of Your Visit
Things to Do and Places to Discover
Discover more in the Blackwater Valley region – from Cork to Waterford and beyond
Plan your visit and explore the rich heritage, landscapes, and culture of Lismore and the Blackwater Valley.
Visit Waterford ~ Where Ireland Begins
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, a proud Visit Waterford member and flagship event for the region, is featured in the Visit Waterford tourism video. In 2024, Waterford was the only Irish destination named in the New York Times “52 Places to Go”.
Lismore Castle
Lismore Castle, dating from 1170, is truly one of a kind – a remarkable repository of history, from walls marked by Cromwellian cannon fire to its time under the ownership of Sir Walter Raleigh. Over the centuries, it has welcomed an extraordinary cast of guests, including Cecil Beaton, Lucian Freud, Fred Astaire, and John F. Kennedy – all of whom spent at least one night within this private castle on the banks of the River Blackwater.
While the Castle itself remains a private residence—and can be hired for residential stays (see link) – the historic gardens are open to the public throughout the year. Meandering paths lead through an informal landscape of mature trees, flowering shrubs, and open lawns. At the heart of the garden lies a stately yew avenue, older than the garden itself. From spring magnolias and rhododendrons to late‑summer borders, there is always something in bloom to delight visitors.
The Castle Arts gallery, housed in the once-derelict West Wing of Lismore Castle, celebrates 20 years in 2025. Over the past two decades, it has hosted a vibrant programme of contemporary art exhibitions, alongside tours, workshops, and a range of arts-related events. Visitors are also invited to stroll through the beautiful gardens and discover the many striking pieces of contemporary sculpture on permanent display.
www.lismorecastle.com
www.lismorecastlearts.ie
www.lismorecastlegardens.com
Lismore Heritage Centre
At the heart of Lismore town, housed in the historic Courthouse building, Lismore Heritage Centre offers a lively and engaging introduction to the town’s formidable past. Since 1992, the Centre has brought Lismore’s history to life in increasingly imaginative ways. Highlights include a virtual reality experience that soars over the River Blackwater and into the rooms of the ancient castle, a Father Ted-inspired escape room, expert-led walking tours, and a variety of interactive exhibitions and events.
Lismore Heritage Centre holds the key to the hidden stories of Lismore’s most iconic landmark – its gothic castle, which dates back to 1185. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Knockmealdown Mountains and overlooking the River Blackwater, the castle has played host to a remarkable list of guests, including Lucian Freud, Fred Astaire, and John F. Kennedy. It was also once home to Sir Walter Raleigh and Robert Boyle, the “Father of Modern Chemistry.” Now, for the first time, visitors can step inside the private castle walls through an immersive virtual reality experience.
No matter your historical interests, Lismore Heritage Centre offers something to intrigue and inspire, bringing the town’s rich and colourful past vividly to life. Explore the drama of Viking invasions, discover Lismore’s role as one of the greatest monastic schools of the 8th century, or uncover the secrets hidden within the castle walls. Book lovers will be captivated by The Book of Lismore, a 15th-century vellum manuscript of remarkable significance, while architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the grandeur of Lismore Castle and the ancient beauty of St Carthage’s Cathedral.
For a more contemporary perspective, delve into stories of Fred Astaire and John F. Kennedy’s visits to the castle, and gain insights into what life in Lismore is like today. And for groups or families seeking a bit of fun, the Craggy Island Escape Room offers a lively team-building challenge with a local twist.
With virtual reality castle tours, guided walks, bus excursions, and a variety of engaging activities, Lismore Heritage Centre has all the ingredients for a fascinating and fun-filled day out.
Blackwater Distillery, Ballyduff
In the nearby village of Ballyduff, discover the home of the world-renowned Blackwater Gin and enjoy a range of experiences within their elegant distillery and production house. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at this working distillery, where visitors can explore the ancient craft of Irish gin and whisky making. Witness the skill, care, and passion that go into every Blackwater Distillery spirit. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of a fully operational distillery, followed by a tutored tasting at the gallery bar. Whether your interest lies in whisky, gin, or cocktail making, there’s something for everyone across their range of tours.
Visit: Church Road, Ballinlevane East, Ballyduff, Co. Waterford, P51 C5C6
Blackwater Valley Makers, Fermoy
the surrounding Blackwater Valley region. All members are professional artists and makers based in North Cork, working across a wide range of disciplines – from fine art, textiles, jewellery, and ceramics to glass, furniture, woodturning, printmaking, photography, illustration, and graphic design.
Their mission is to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of their members both locally and nationally, while championing the Blackwater Valley as a hub of artistic excellence.
Visit their arts centre, gallery, and craft shop on McCurtain Street in Fermoy – officially opened by RTÉ producer Sarah Ryder in November 2021 – and discover a vibrant celebration of local talent, including work by Gerard Harris (Harris Art Studio), who has created some of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival’s recent artwork.
Visit: 12 McCurtain St, Rath-Healy, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 AF59
I am of Ireland Irish Art & Design
This year’s I am of Ireland exhibition takes place during Blackwater Valley Opera Festival each year, and in 2025 the exhbition was held at J.Hills Standard, in Lismore.
I am of Ireland, since 2012 has a reputation for exceptional Irish craft and fine art. This exhibition brings together many of the makers who have worked with I am of Ireland since it first began more than 10 years ago. Tel: 087 7997317
Great Houses of the Blackwater Valley
Nestled in the Blackwater Valley and surrounding the heritage town of Lismore, several historic houses open their doors and gardens to visitors during the summer months. These privately owned homes are lovingly maintained by their residents, who welcome groups and offer guided tours of the properties. Each of these remarkable houses has hosted – or continues to host – recitals as part of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, adding a rich cultural dimension to their storied settings.
Salterbridge House & Garden
Salterbridge House and Garden near Cappoquin, is part of the Waterford Garden Trail and offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors. The Victorian country house is surrounded by gardens filled with camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, and a wide variety of woodland shrubs. The original house was built around 1751 by Richard Musgrave and later became the centre of an 18,000-acre estate during the 19th century. It remained in the Chearnley family until 1947, when it was purchased by the Wingfield family.
Now under the care of a new and enthusiastic owner since 2022, Salterbridge continues to welcome guests to its historic grounds and gardens – including visitors to Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, who enjoy exclusive recitals here during the festival.
www.salterbridgehouseandgarden.com
Cappoquin House
‘A hidden treasure’ is how many visitors have described Cappoquin House and Gardens. Blink and you may easily miss the driveway, which flows unassumingly from the pavement and winds up the hillside to the elegant Georgian house.
Perched on the prominent site of a former medieval Fitzgerald Castle, the house enjoys sweeping views over Cappoquin and beyond to the River Blackwater. Visitors enter through the yard and are welcomed by the current owner, Sir Charles Keane, whose family has lived here since 1735.
www.cappoquinhouseandgardens.com
Tourin House
The gardens at Tourin House extend over two hectares and include a beautifully maintained walled garden. A fine collection of camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare mature trees – including a Champion London Plane – provide striking displays of seasonal colour. Paths wind through the grounds, leading to Tourin Quay and a peaceful pond, home to ducks and other wildlife.
Located just 5km from Cappoquin and the heritage town of Lismore in Co. Waterford, Tourin House overlooks the River Blackwater. The main house, built in 1840 in the Italianate style popular at the time, stands alongside the remains of a 16th-century tower house, still visible from the gardens.
Tourin House is also home to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival’s annual Bursary Recital – a much-anticipated event that showcases exceptional emerging talent in a truly elegant setting.
Dromana House
Dromana House is a true gem, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the strikingly beautiful and unspoilt River Blackwater. It is set within a 600-acre privately owned estate, offering numerous woodland and garden walks. Scattered across the grounds are a number of historic follies, including an ancient outer fortification, a boathouse, and a slipway leading down to the river.
This elegant period property has been lovingly maintained by its owners, whose family have lived on the site since 1200 – with the present owner representing the 21st generation.
If you’re lucky enough to stay at Dromana House, which offers bed and breakfast accommodation, you’ll have the chance to explore not only the house and estate, but also the surrounding village of Villierstown and the wider Blackwater Valley.
Woodhouse Estate, Stradbally
Set amidst rolling parkland near Stradbally, County Waterford, Woodhouse Estate is a historic gem with roots stretching back to the early 17th century. Originally built by the Fitzgerald family, a branch of the Desmond Geraldines, the estate later passed through the Uniacke and Beresford families, each leaving their mark on this remarkable property. By the late 19th century, it was owned by Robert H. Beresford, with its grounds encompassing over 330 acres – later expanded to nearly 500.
The Georgian house, known for its high ceilings, pine shutters, and classic proportions, has been carefully restored over time. The estate also features significant structures such as St James’s National School, established by the Uniackes, and an exceptional walled garden – now a centrepiece of the property. The River Tay winds its way through the estate’s grounds, adding to the natural beauty of this private, working estate. As well as providing a beautiful backdrop for weddings, the Walled Garden is also an ideal venue for a variety of special events. In recent years, the magnificent Walled Garden at Woodhouse Estate has become home to the recital finales of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival – offering a truly atmospheric and elegant setting to bring the festival to a close.
River Boat Tours of the River Blackwater, Villierstown
Blackwater Eco Tours is a community-led, not-for-profit ecotourism initiative based in Villierstown, Co. Waterford. Nestled in the heart of the Blackwater River Valley, it offers eco pod accommodation, river-based activities, and access to beautiful woodland walking trails.
From Villierstown Quay, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the River Blackwater. Guided river tours are available for groups of up to 11 people, or choose a self-drive option and skipper your own boat. Both scheduled and private tours are offered, with itineraries tailored to suit all group sizes and interests. In addition to river adventures, the area boasts extensive walking trails along the riverbanks and through nearby Dromana Woods – perfect for those seeking tranquillity and immersion in nature.
Blackwater Eco Tours also offers four comfortable Eco Pods in the centre of Villierstown, each sleeping up to four adults or a family of five – ideal for a peaceful and eco-conscious stay in this unspoilt corner of County Waterford. To book your stay in these fantastic Eco Pods, call 089 2538699 or visit their partner websites on Booking.com or Airbnb
Blackwater Boating, Cappoquin
An exciting discovery centre located on the banks of the expansive River Blackwater in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, offers visitors a chance to explore one of Ireland’s most beautiful waterways. Whether paddling upriver or tracing the shoreline past magnificent stately homes, adventurers can uncover the secrets of the Blackwater from the safety of ICU-approved canoes and kayaks. Half-day and full-day trips are available, including routes onto the breathtaking River Suir.
The River Blackwater – Ireland’s third longest – rises in the mountains east of Killarney, flows east through Lismore, and enters the sea at Youghal. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic rivers in Ireland or Britain, its waters are tidal at Cappoquin and teeming with life. A renowned salmon river, it also offers excellent trout fishing. The salmon angling season runs from 1 February to 30 September each year, drawing anglers from far and wide.
For enquiries or to book, call Denis on 058 54382 or 087 6832872.
Waterford City
Waterford Museum of Treasures
The award-winning Waterford Treasures – Museums of the Viking Triangle is located in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city. This remarkable museum experience brings together five exceptional museums within a few paces of one another, telling the 1,100-year story of Waterford from its foundation by Viking sea pirates in 914 AD.
Begin at Reginald’s Tower, a striking stone fortress that houses Waterford’s Viking treasures. Continue to the Medieval Museum – Ireland’s only purpose-built museum dedicated to medieval history – which features spectacular artefacts from the Middle Ages. The Bishop’s Palace, an elegant Georgian building dating from 1743, tells the story of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries through a dazzling collection of local and national treasures.
Explore the Irish Silver Museum, a unique celebration of Irish artistry and design, and the Irish Museum of Time, which houses one of the finest collections of timepieces in the world. The free ‘Treasures Trail’, encourages younger visitors to discover Waterford’s history in a fun and interactive way.
King of The Vikings
Step into the Waterford Viking Triangle and immerse yourself in a unique medieval experience.
King of the Vikings is the world’s first virtual reality Viking experience, bringing the story of the Norsemen in Ireland’s oldest city vividly to life. Using cutting-edge VR technology within a reconstructed Viking house, this award-winning attraction offers an unforgettable insight into Viking life, trade, and warfare.
Also within the Viking Triangle, The Heart of Viking Ireland offers a guided tour through the ruins of a 13th-century Franciscan friary. Here, visitors can explore a beautifully crafted replica Viking house and trace the evolution of the site from Viking stronghold to medieval monastery.
Voted Best of the Best in the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2020, this immersive experience continues to captivate visitors of all ages.
The Waterford Crystal Experience
The House of Waterford Crystal invites you to step inside the world of one of Ireland’s most iconic brands, with over 200 years of craftsmanship at its heart.
On a guided factory tour, you’ll witness the remarkable artistry behind every piece – from the roar and heat of the blowing room to the delicate precision of cutting, sculpting, and engraving. Watch master craftsmen at work, creating everything from elegant stemware and giftware to bespoke crystal masterpieces, all using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.
The experience continues in the world’s largest display of Waterford Crystal, housed in the opulent on-site retail store. Here, you can choose the perfect piece to take home – a timeless keepsake of your visit to this legendary craft destination.
www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
East Cork
Explore Youghal
Within the medieval walls of the coastal jewel of Youghal lies the captivating Youghal Clock Gate Tower. Standing proudly on the town’s Main Street, this striking landmark has watched over the community for more than 700 years. Its history is woven into the very fabric of Youghal, serving variously as a prison, a family home, and now a fascinating heritage attraction where visitors can explore its dramatic stories through guided tours.
Nearby, St Mary’s Collegiate Church is one of Ireland’s most significant ecclesiastical buildings – the oldest church in continuous use in the country and one of the largest parish churches of its kind. Today, Voices of St Mary’s offers an immersive visitor experience that brings the site’s heritage to life through interpretative media, storytelling, and music, revealing the enduring spirit and meaning of this sacred space.
Just a short stroll away, The Mall Arts Centre overlooks the harbour and provides a stunning setting for theatre, dance, concerts, readings, exhibitions, and workshops. With unbeatable views of Youghal Bay, it’s a vibrant hub for the arts in East Cork. Find out more at Yew Wood Venues.
Jameson Distillery Visit & Guided Tour, Midleton
Visit the home of Jameson and experience firsthand where the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey is made. Set amidst the lush fields of East Cork, Jameson Distillery Midleton is where every drop of Jameson enjoyed around the globe is produced today.
It’s often said that life’s greatest pleasures are the simplest – and few are more satisfying than savouring Irish whiskey at its source.
Take a guided tour of the distillery and discover the craftsmanship behind every bottle, from grain to glass. Explore a range of immersive experiences, from hands-on workshops at the state-of-the-art Jameson Academy to expertly led tastings that will deepen your appreciation for the rich heritage and smooth character of Jameson whiskey.
Titanic Experience, Cobh
Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, a building steeped in maritime history and dating back to the early 19th century. It was from this very spot that thousands of hopeful passengers once set sail – including the final 123 who boarded Titanic at her last port of call in Queenstown (now Cobh) on Thursday, 11 April 1912.
Upon arrival, visitors receive a boarding card bearing the name and story of one of those final passengers. A guided, interactive tour follows, taking you on a virtual journey through their experience as they joined Titanic for her ill-fated maiden voyage to New York.
After the tour, you’re free to explore a powerful collection of audio-visual presentations and storyboards that delve into the events leading up to the sinking, the aftermath, and the legacy of Titanic’s passengers and crew. An unforgettable and personal encounter with one of the most iconic stories in maritime history.
Spike Island Tour, Cobh
Over the past 1,300 years, Spike Island has been home to a 6th-century monastery, a vast 24-acre fortress, the world’s largest convict depot during Victorian times, and generations of island dwellers. Its story is one of contrasts – monks and missionaries, rebels and redcoats, captains, convicts, and everyday islanders.
At the heart of the island stands Fort Mitchel, a star-shaped fortress built over 200 years ago, which once held more than 2,300 prisoners. Today, visitors can explore its dramatic corridors, cells, and ramparts as part of a fully guided tour.
Getting there is part of the experience – take a scenic ferry ride from Kennedy Pier in Cobh, then enjoy the rich storytelling, explore the exhibitions, and relax with refreshments in the island café or picnic areas. Voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2017, Spike Island continues to captivate all who visit – a place where history and mystery meet on the edge of Cork Harbour.
Fota Island
Fota Island, located in Cork Harbour, offers a range of memorable visitor experiences and is ideal for both active adventures and leisurely escapes. The island is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park. The elegant Fota House & Gardens, a beautifully restored Regency estate offering guided tours, heritage exhibitions, and seasonal events within its formal gardens and arboretum.
Fota Wildlife Park
Regularly ranked among Ireland’s top ten visitor attractions, Fota Wildlife Park offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Unlike a traditional zoo, the park is designed to allow many of its more than 70 species of exotic animals to roam freely in large, open spaces.
Set across 50 acres (over 202,000 square metres) of mature grassland, the park is home to a diverse range of animals including giraffes, ostriches, kangaroos, zebras, and antelope. Ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, and other species wander the park at their own pace, creating a unique and immersive wildlife experience.
While some animals – such as cheetahs and other predators – are kept in secure enclosures, the emphasis throughout is on naturalistic habitats, education, and conservation. A must-visit for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to explore wildlife up close in a safe and respectful environment.
Fota House
From its beautifully proportioned rooms adorned with exquisite plasterwork to its meticulously preserved service wing and working kitchens, Fota House offers visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into life in a grand Irish country estate – both above and below stairs.
The house is also home to one of the finest collections of Irish landscape paintings outside the National Gallery, featuring works by renowned artists such as William Ashford PRHA, Robert Carver, Jonathan Fisher, and Thomas Roberts.
Designed by 19th-century architects Richard and William Morrison, the estate extends beyond the house to include a formal arboretum, walled gardens, terraces, rare and exotic trees and shrubs, and a celebrated rose garden – all beautifully maintained for year-round enjoyment.
Fota Island Resort Golf Club
The Golf Club at Fota Island Resort features three championship parkland courses – Deerpark (Par 71), Belvelly (Par 72), and Barryscourt (Par 73). Set within the island’s outstanding natural landscape, these beautifully maintained courses offer a world-class golfing experience that is among the finest in Ireland.
Fota Island Golf Club has proudly hosted The Irish Open on three occasions, a testament to its exceptional design and reputation. Golf is just one element of the wider Fota Island Resort, which also includes a luxurious five-star hotel, an award-winning spa, and a collection of elegant self-catering lodges – providing everything you need for a relaxing or active getaway.
