Catherine Foley picks out the highlights of Waterford city and county which can be enjoyed for free
Quay route
An evening walk along Waterford's Quays is the perfect way to savour the city's dynamic sea-going atmosphere. Reginald's Tower on the quay, across from the dramatic William Vincent Wallace Plaza and Marina, is at the apex of the Viking Triangle, and this includes some of the most historic parts of the city. The new plaza featuring a tall, sail-like sculpture, inspired by Viking ships and the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, is lit up at night-time.
From here there is a walkway along the the river, passing the Franciscan Friary and the Greyfriars Municipal Art Gallery, the Clock Tower, and you'll see the beautifully restored 19th-century granary on Merchant's Quay, which houses the Waterford Museum of Treasures.
Park yourself
The leafy People's Park is about a 10-minute walk from the centre of Waterford city. This old-style park was laid out in 1857 and it has recently been refurbished and replanted. It features an elegant Victorian-style bandstand that generations of children have clambered up and over. There is a faded sense of grandeur about the park with both formal and informal areas as well as an excellent child's play area. The park is connected by an iron bridge to the city court house, which was built on the site of the medieval St Catherine's Abbey and opened in 1849.
Copper coasting
Follow the Copper Coast route, which is a 17km stretch of the Co Waterford coastline, extending from Fenor in the east to Stradbally in the west, passing through a geological wonderland of sign-posted features including beaches, ancient volcanic rocks and dormant volcanoes, the remaining buildings and chimneys of 19th-century copper mines and ice-age boulders. The Copper Coast was awarded Unesco Global Geopark status in 2004. Its information office at Annestown, Co Waterford provides leaflets and maps. For more information see www.coppercoastgeopark.com
Ring art
Visit the small but vibrant Joan Clancy Gallery in the Ring Gaeltacht of Co Waterford to view artwork by many local artists. Open seven days a week from 11am to 5pm, in the Mullinahorna area. For details contact 058-46205, or see www.joanclancygallery.com
Walk and watch
The lively village of Ardmore has a lot to offer, from its round tower and monastic ruins to its cliff-walk that passes the ancient St Declan's Well and follows a breathtaking coastal route. There's plenty to see down at the pier, with boats and fishermen coming and going. The village also features a sandy beach, perfect for a 40-minute brisk walk.