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Condé Nast Traveller has again singled out Waterford as Ireland’s top destination, placing the county at the head of its annual list of must-see Irish locations. The pick highlights coastal scenery, a popular car-free Greenway and several lesser-known beaches — details that will interest anyone planning a summer visit.
Why Waterford tops the list
The article, written by Condé Nast Traveller chief sub-editor Grainne McBride, names Waterford — often called The Déise — as the standout Irish spot for a second consecutive year. Editors praise the county’s mix of dramatic coastline and accessible outdoor routes.
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Central to the recommendation is the county’s stretch of the Copper Coast and the long, traffic-free Greenway, which combined offer both scenery and easy cycling or walking between towns.
Greenway and scenic stops
The Greenway runs for 46km from Waterford City to Dún Garbháin (Dungarven). The route is noted for its viaducts and bridges and passes close to the River Suir. McBride suggests including a stop at Mount Congreve, a Georgian estate with notable gardens, as a refined detour on the way.
Dún Garbháin sits about 10km from An Rinn, the county’s Gaeltacht area, making Waterford a base for both coastal walks and Irish-language communities.
Beaches the guide highlights
Condé Nast describes several coastal spots as some of Ireland’s most beautiful and underrated beaches — often quiet outside peak tourist hubs. The piece names a variety of shorelines, from dramatic cliffs to sheltered family bays.
- Trá na mBó — noted for its sea caves.
- Stradbally Cove — praised for its layered, cake-like cliffs.
- Guillamene — singled out for excellent swimming (historically men-only until the 1980s).
- Kilmurrin — recommended as a family-friendly beach.
Other Irish highlights on the list
Waterford is not the only region featured. The round-up also includes the Fermanagh Lakelands and the ancient passage tombs of the Ancient East, underlining the variety of landscapes and heritage across the island.
Condé Nast Traveller’s feature offers a seven-place selection of Irish highlights and provides ideas for visitors seeking quieter, scenic alternatives to well-known tourist trails.
