Waterford during Winterval

cuculainn

Planning on heading to waterford for winterval. Do people have any recommendations for where to stay. was considering traceys as they have pool/etc.

We have a young baby too?

Is winterval worth it??

blondie990

You'd probably be better off posting this in the Waterford City forum, you'll probably get a better response there from people who are from Waterford or were there when Winterval was on last year.

cuculainn

Thanks Blondie,

Dont know how to move. Can a mod do this

Thanks

kerry4sam

cuculainn wrote: »

Thanks Blondie,

Dont know how to move. Can a mod do this

Thanks

Thread moved from our Travel forum to the Waterford City forum at request of cuculainn

Thanks,
kerry4sam

KevIRL

First things first. Definitely get to Waterford for Winterval. Last year was the first year of Winterval and it was a great success, lots of things to do and see and a lot of it is free too. Going into its second year it can only get better. The full list of events is on the website http://www.winterval.ie/

I'd definitely recommend though

- The Christmas market, sprawls around the place and a lot of good gift ideas and lots of lovely food to be had. Take your time going around, chat to the stall owners and get into some haggling
- The light show, this is free and ran every hour in the evenings last year, really good and right in the middle of the market
- The Toy Museum, probably even more enjoyable for us adults although the kids love it too
- Visit Santa, if you have kids this is a must. Its in the Medieval Museum and the place is transformed, the kids will love it and well worth the €15 entry fee (€12 on week days) - Do book this, it gets busy
- The Winterval train and this year the Horse Drawn Sleigh are well worth the €5 fee
- Take the kids to drop off their letters to Santa at the giant postbox
- Slug a hot chocolate or Guhlwein watching 'Its a Wonderful Life' at the Winterval cinema in the Reg bar, free entry
- Take the kids to the animal farm, also free entry
- The Carosel in the centre of the square is a great hit
- Finally, make sure to make a show of yourself at the ice skating

Not sure of the prices, but I'd recommend the Tower Hotel, Granville or Dooleys above Tracy's however all 4 are very central and will serve you well

Fingers crossed its dry (some snow would be fine ) as the weather helps make it.

decies

http://www.winterval.ie/

wellboytoo

Plus 1 on above great midweek deals being offered by all local hotel's this year, also try Tower Hotel and Marina hotel both fairly central as well.

cuculainn

KevIRL wrote: »

First things first. Definitely get to Waterford for Winterval. Last year was the first year of Winterval and it was a great success, lots of things to do and see and a lot of it is free too. Going into its second year it can only get better. The full list of events is on the website http://www.winterval.ie/

I'd definitely recommend though

- The Christmas market, sprawls around the place and a lot of good gift ideas and lots of lovely food to be had. Take your time going around, chat to the stall owners and get into some haggling
- The light show, this is free and ran every hour in the evenings last year, really good and right in the middle of the market
- The Toy Museum, probably even more enjoyable for us adults although the kids love it too
- Visit Santa, if you have kids this is a must. Its in the Medieval Museum and the place is transformed, the kids will love it and well worth the €15 entry fee (€12 on week days) - Do book this, it gets busy
- The Winterval train and this year the Horse Drawn Sleigh are well worth the €5 fee
- Take the kids to drop off their letters to Santa at the giant postbox
- Slug a hot chocolate or Guhlwein watching 'Its a Wonderful Life' at the Winterval cinema in the Reg bar, free entry
- Take the kids to the animal farm, also free entry
- The Carosel in the centre of the square is a great hit
- Finally, make sure to make a show of yourself at the ice skating

Not sure of the prices, but I'd recommend the Tower Hotel, Granville or Dooleys above Tracy's however all 4 are very central and will serve you well

Fingers crossed its dry (some snow would be fine ) as the weather helps make it.

Thanks for the detailed reply.......It does sound excellent......Its confirmed we are going!!

Some snow would be great alright.

We were leaning towards traceys or tower cause they have leisure facilities and slightly more towards traceys (if the new wing is all its cracked up to be)

But in fairness we just want somewhere central so we can dump the car and wander so as long as its clean and relatively quiet we will be happy out.

wellboytoo wrote: »

Plus 1 on above great midweek deals being offered by all local hotel's this year, also try Tower Hotel and Marina hotel both fairly central as well.

There are great deals alright......some are too good to be true (nearly!)

LiamD1977

Something the kids would love as well is the Suir Valley Railway,

http://www.wsvrailway.ie/

Its just 5 minutes outside the city and they usually do Christmas specials.

Worth checking out.

Max Powers

cuculainn wrote: »

Planning on heading to waterford for winterval. Do people have any recommendations for where to stay. was considering traceys as they have pool/etc.

We have a young baby too?

Is winterval worth it??

one thing, you may have to book visit to santa or a couple of things you really want to do with kids. It was busy last year to see the man.

Baby4

This post has been deleted.

dzilla

I agree with Baby4, in my opinion the tower would be nicer and more family friendly

enabler

the Granville is a lovely homely hotel in the heart of everything

tramoreman77

Baby4 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

do not go near treacys esp if you have a family ,the tower is brilliant place and very family orienated

LiamD1977

Apparently Santa is nearly fully booked. The other half booked us in for the two kids. Not many spots left.

tramoreman77

LiamD1977 wrote: »

Apparently Santa is nearly fully booked. The other half booked us in for the two kids. Not many spots left.

ohh ring anywhere but don't stay there

michellie

we really enjoyed winterval last year, great buzz around and loads to do. I recommend the Tower hotel too, lovely hotel and closer to everything, much nicer area!

MRnotlob606

there will be a lot around this year, hopefully cathedral square will be ready by then it has been closed since the summer

wmpdd3

Loved Wintersville last year, the farm was the best attraction in my opinion, so different for the middle of town and the workers there were so kind to the animals.

Loved the gingerbread making, my kids were a bit small for it but the guy running it had great patience.

HuntingDrog

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Loved Wintersville last year, the farm was the best attraction in my opinion, so different for the middle of town and the workers there were so kind to the animals.

Loved the gingerbread making, my kids were a bit small for it but the guy running it had great patience.

Hi, is the gingerbread making on again this year? I don't see it stand out on the website.....tks

wmpdd3

I know Polish Christmas is in a different building but I dont know where, thats where the gingerbread thing was, we have been practicing all year!!

Found it:

http://www.winterval.ie/events/swity_mikolaj_village_a_polish_christmas

Gavlor

I was in around town with gavlor jnr today and I have to say that what I saw of winterval was absolutely top class. It's a credit to the organisers and I'm delighted that they've made more use of the Viking museum building this year.

Lets try keep this winterval thread popping up regularly on boards and I'd encourage non blaa's to bring the family down for a great day out for young and old. Great variety around the city centre.

webpal

Anyone know if a stamp is needed for santas postbox or if he'll send a reply?

Sully

Was in Waterford today and while this has been said before, I felt it needed to be said again because there is a tendency to jump on negativity and not positivity. But I was absolutely thrilled to see Waterford absolutely hopping today! The crowds were absolutely fantastic, everybody seemed in great form and the buzz was just unbelievable. Fair play to all those behind this fantastic festival for Waterford. I just hope that those who come and spend time around the city will pop into local retailers and buy for them, every little bit helps and with more money in the local economy the stronger our great city will become! Up The Deise!

jennygirl

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=580543055346331&set=a.473943766006261.1073741828.473924096008228&type=1&theater[/IMG]

love this idea -
and the City Voucher Scheme .
Vouchers for most shops in the city can be bought in the Book Centre
ideal Gift!

Max Powers

nice on jenny, will be buying local vouchers for presents this year.

Big Bag of Chips

I'd definitely recommend The Tower above Treacy's. It has a pool, and will be a 2 minute walk from the main Winterville village. Also there is free parking directly at the back of Tower Hotel for hotel guests, whereas you'll have a (small) walk from the free car park to the hotel if you go with Treacy's.

Go along to the singing Christmas tree on Saturday 14th @ 3pm.. I know a few kids taking part

Max Powers

winterval today = awesome.

KevIRL

Was around Cathedral Square last night, it was quiet enough, but we were there a bit late. Caught the light show which was great, definitely recommended

jayboi

Can anyone tell me (without going on a rant) have a bunch of Roma rented the first cabin as you walk out of city square towards St Olafs Hall.

O Riain

jayboi wrote: »

Can anyone tell me (without going on a rant) have a bunch of Roma rented the first cabin as you walk out of city square towards St Olafs Hall.

TURKISH!

Also right next to them is a cabin selling pizza blaas. Well worth a try lads!

racram

Hi All,

The light show is brilliant again and runs every half hour from 5pm. The market is great but don't forget there are two or three stalls on New Bailey St, opposite the entrance to where you watch the Xmas movies. They were completely lost down there and nobody around.

Also, check out the Waterford Homecrafts Christmas Craft Fair in Garter Lane, crafts from over 40 craft people.

longshanks

O Riain wrote: »

TURKISH!

Also right next to them is a cabin selling pizza blaas. Well worth a try lads!

Tell me more!!!

Jambo

jayboi wrote: »

Can anyone tell me (without going on a rant) have a bunch of Roma rented the first cabin as you walk out of city square towards St Olafs Hall.

I was thinking the same myself, And a few folk have asked me the same, chap whom normally plays the acordian on Georges St was manning it yesterday afternoon.

Obviously they do well enough out of casual labour/busking to afford the hut rental.

thomasm

longshanks wrote: »

Tell me more!!!

Pizza Blaas are lovely. Simple idea of pizza toppings on a Blaa base. Not sure why this was not thought of before.

longshanks

thomasm wrote: »

Pizza Blaas are lovely. Simple idea of pizza toppings on a Blaa base. Not sure why this was not thought of before.

It's forward thinking entrepeneurial go getting legends like these chaps that are going to get us out of this recession. Mark my words...

O Riain

thomasm wrote: »

Pizza Blaas are lovely. Simple idea of pizza toppings on a Blaa base. Not sure why this was not thought of before.

So simple and so effective! Vive la Blaa Revolution!

joni1

Went in today with kids, lovely atmosphere and so much to see. Kids really loved the Fadó vikings in Greyfriars. If you haven't seen them, they're well worth a visit. Great to see a local group developing like this

nice_very

thomasm wrote: »

Pizza Blaas are lovely. Simple idea of pizza toppings on a Blaa base. Not sure why this was not thought of before.

Ive been doing that for years

Weekend_Yet

Great buzz about the town today. Popped into the Reg for a bit , would recommend it for people with kids, showing xmass movies and popcorn. Than at 9 they have an adult movie.

Gavlor

Weekend_Yet wrote: »

Great buzz about the town today. Popped into the Reg for a bit , would recommend it at 9 they have an adult movie.

danjo-xx

Around 2.30 Saturday outside Penneys young lad singing Robbie Williams 'Shes the one' with older bloke on guitar.

Only heard parts of it, but sounded fairly good, not an easy song to sing I reckon, but he was giving it everything in a good way not trying to change it.

ne1 else hear it.

obezyana

Is there stuff going on during the day or does it kick off in the evening?

decies

Was in tonight , Blaa pizza lad was closing up around 7 pm he gave me a free one lovely job , had chips beside medieval museum again it was nice , had a nice burger Blaa at molloys . Thought one or two dead wood in singing Christmas tree . Light show on building very good . A lot of stands closing up around 7.30 even though advertised till 9pm. Almost forgot go to back of the Munster and try out the funnel cake, donut - waffle with syrup, my god it was lovely !!!

iseegirls

Weekend_Yet wrote: »

Than at 9 they have an adult movie.

it must have been the x-rated version of It's A Wonderful Life so :pac:

Big Bag of Chips

decies wrote: »

Blaa pizza lad was closing up around 7 pm he gave me a free one lovely job , had chips beside medieval museum again it was nice , had a nice burger Blaa at molloys ..... Almost forgot go to back of the Munster and try out the funnel cake, donut - waffle with syrup, my god it was lovely !!!

That could be something from an Enid Blyton book - they were forever eating!

I didn't get in this weekend, so plan on bringing the kids next weekend. This post has made me decide to maybe have a light lunch

cuculainn

I am so glad I started this tread.....Its great that it seems to be as good as everyone said.....only a couple more weeks till we are down...cant wait!


I will report back

Big Bag of Chips

Don't forget to go to the Singing Christmas Tree on Saturday 14th @ 3pm

old gregg

Winterval is not much fun for the caged animals down in Spring Garden Alley. Not sure why we need a caged Emu and Wallaby and the rest of them.

CardBordWindow

old gregg wrote: »

Winterval is not much fun for the caged animals down in Spring Garden Alley. Not sure why we need a caged Emu and Wallaby and the rest of them.

Winterval's Bush Tucker Trial area?

webpal

webpal wrote: »

Anyone know if a stamp is needed for santas postbox or if he'll send a reply?

Just want to bump this as I'll be going in Saturday, thanks