Why is Waterford left out on a lot of tourist Itinaries

OEP

Waterford City isn't nice, and this is an opinion shared by a lot of people not from the city. The restaurant scene is awful, it needs a flagship restaurant like the The Tannery in Dungarvan. It is too spread out for what it is too. There isn't a nice square or congregation of good pubs and restaurants in a single area. It generally feels dead in the center. I think Waterford is an awkward size, too big to be a nice town and too small to be like Cork for example. Dungarvan has come on leaps and bounds since the greenway took off, but it still needs a good hotel - likewise in the city. I think for tourists, if they're going to visit anywhere in the county, they would rather base themselves in Dungarvan as it has that small coastal town appeal, but still has lots of options when it comes to pubs and restaurants.

Deiseen

kilkenny31 wrote: »

Really. I know plenty. They would prefer to socialise in the Uluru, Cove or Oscars because the centre of town has no appeal. Similarly with shopping. They find it's full of cheap shops.

I think investment will get you so far but civic pride will get you further. For example lady lane was recently renovated but it has not improved the appearance of the buildings. Similary to half o connenel street. It was renovated years back and still looks rough.

An example I have of civic pride is recently a sports shop opened on Kilkennys high street and there was uproar from a lot of people over the sinage and shop front. People thought it took from the area.
There has been a free for all over the last number of years in Waterford with cheap shops with cheap shop fronts and I haven't seen too many complaints. Small things like forcing people to maintain their properties and setting a standard for shops in the city would go a long way towards improving the city.
The reason people like the Viking triangle and mall area is the fact that it's not full of cheap shops and the buildings are well kept. The average person doesn't tend to realise what makes a place nice but most of the time it's as simple as a lick of paint and nice shop fronts.

I agree with you on the paint but the problem is that it's not a question of pride, but of money.

With regards to investment only getting you so far, if half of the money comes into Waterford that the North Quays project is supposed to bring, then I imagine a lot of shops will up their game and the place will improve.

O'Connell street wasn't recently done but there are plans to turn it into an Art Quarter so hopefully that will improve too.

I honestly can't get my head around the people that avoid town. If they think Waterford is bad then Limerick, Dublin and even Cork must seem like downtown Baghdad!

Deiseen

OEP wrote: »

Waterford City isn't nice, and this is an opinion shared by a lot of people not from the city. The restaurant scene is awful, it needs a flagship restaurant like the The Tannery in Dungarvan. It is too spread out for what it is too. There isn't a nice square or congregation of good pubs and restaurants in a single area. It generally feels dead in the center. I think Waterford is an awkward size, too big to be a nice town and too small to be like Cork for example. Dungarvan has come on leaps and bounds since the greenway took off, but it still needs a good hotel - likewise in the city. I think for tourists, if they're going to visit anywhere in the county, they would rather base themselves in Dungarvan as it has that small coastal town appeal, but still has lots of options when it comes to pubs and restaurants.

As I said before, if people are saying Waterford isn't nice then Ireland should be worried as its in the top 10/11 most visited places in Ireland. If this horrible place is in our top 10, then what foes that say about all the rest of the towns/cities?

In relation to nice squares, I don't know if you've been to the apple market since they've done it up but it's actually got a really nice atmosphere down there and is usually pretty busy most nights.

Onto restaurants, to say that the restaurant scene is awful is just a downright lie. Momos, Bodega, Everetts, La Boheme, The Olive Tree, Sabai and Emilianos are about as good as you will see anywhere. Everett's in particular is fantastic. If you haven't been there then I'd suggest you go.

With regards to size, I agree with you but unfortunately the city shares an awkward border with Kilkenny, who have never attempted to properly grow the ferrybank area in a thought out and logical way.
This has lead to the lobsided feel that you mentioned but the North Quays should hopefully address this and make the city feel a bit more complete.

First Up

Deiseen wrote:

As I said before, if people are saying Waterford isn't nice then Ireland should be worried as its in the top 10/11 most visited places in Ireland. If this horrible place is in our top 10, then what foes that say about all the rest of the towns/cities?

This thread started by asking why Waterford is left off many tourist itineraries.....

Joe Daly

As the saying goes when you argue with a fool he will win because he will bring you down to his level.

Deiseen

First Up wrote: »

This thread started by asking why Waterford is left off many tourist itineraries.....

It did and its a valid point but even though its left out of many tourist itineraries, it still manages to be in the top 10 most visited place in Ireland every year.

Strange that isn't it...

alta stare

People who are suggesting Waterford is rough, dead, horrible bla bla bla (pun intended) need to look around and see that it isnt the only place which may have issues.

Again i lived in Kilkenny and seen many times where there were drunks falling all over the place fighting, shouting causing issues etc. Same in Cork, Dublin, Galway etc. Waterford is the same as those places. It happens everywhere as it is what humans tend to partake in no matter where they are. Its not like they save it for Waterford. I moved back from KK as there isnt as much to do there as in Waterford. There is no denying Waterford has more to offer. Unfortunately as mentioned by others those things arent promoted as they should be. By the way this isnt a dig at KK. I loved it there but i just felt i wanted to go back down to Waterford.

Dublin has a massive drug issue as does other places in Ireland. Yes some are worse than others so no where is immune from it. Doesnt things like that have an impact on everywhere
?? Makes every place touched by it horrible in the same kind of way.

Galway is seriously over rated. The traffic up there is beyond ridiculous. I hate when the other half wants to go up there

Some of the places mentioned above are of course busier than Waterford and that is due to many factors, it doesnt mean Waterford is horrible or whatever things are being spouted. If the NQ goes ahead it will change Waterford. Hopefully the government see then that the boundary needs to change. Let Waterford CC grow out from the other side of the Suir seen as KKCC dont want to do it.

All places are subjective, some love them some dislike them as is the case with Waterford. If you come here enjoy your stay if you dont then that is a pity. People will continue to visit, we will be ok down here, we will continue to look to improve and that is evident with how much has gone on in the last few years.

Bowlardo

It’s years of making the wrong decisions.
The car park on the quay is dreadful. The quay should be the main amenity.
Whoever is making the decision in Waterford for the last 40 years have proven time and time again to make an absolute ****e of it.

Turning the quay in to a car park was a decision that still haunts Waterford today. That ****ing flowers by Lucy stand is in tatters but in fairness it sets the tone nicely for the rest of Waterford. Next up is the tower hotel which should have some tie in with the tower across the road but instead is some generic pissy color square ****ty hotel. Waterford city is cheap. The shop front are cheap looking. The tone was set years ago and it very very difficult to reverse the tide when I can only assume there is a serious amount of jackasses on the council

alta stare

Bowlardo wrote: »

It’s years of making the wrong decisions.
The car park on the quay is dreadful. The quay should be the main amenity.
Whoever is making the decision in Waterford for the last 40 years have proven time and time again to make an absolute ****e of it.

Turning the quay in to a car park was a decision that still haunts Waterford today. That ****ing flowers by Lucy stand is in tatters but in fairness it sets the tone nicely for the rest of Waterford. Next up is the tower hotel which should have some tie in with the tower across the road but instead is some generic pissy color square ****ty hotel. Waterford city is cheap. The shop front are cheap looking. The tone was set years ago and it very very difficult to reverse the tide when I can only assume there is a serious amount of jackasses on the council

I agree 100% about the car parks on the quay. Arent some of those in private ownership so doing anything with them would be difficult.

Deiseen

alta stare wrote: »

I agree 100% about the car parks on the quay. Arent some of those in private ownership so doing anything with them would be difficult.

Apparently the council owns them but a contract was signed for a very long lease which still has a considerable amount of time left on them.

But totally agree on the Quay/Carpark, riverside amenity that totally wrecks the feel of the city. There must be a way to resolve this and asside from the North Quays, it should be priority number 1 for the council.

IspeakcozIcan

kilkenny31 wrote: »

Really. I know plenty. They would prefer to socialise in the Uluru, Cove or Oscars because the centre of town has no appeal. Similarly with shopping. They find it's full of cheap shops.

I think investment will get you so far but civic pride will get you further. For example lady lane was recently renovated but it has not improved the appearance of the buildings. Similary to half o connenel street. It was renovated years back and still looks rough.

An example I have of civic pride is recently a sports shop opened on Kilkennys high street and there was uproar from a lot of people over the sinage and shop front. People thought it took from the area.
There has been a free for all over the last number of years in Waterford with cheap shops with cheap shop fronts and I haven't seen too many complaints. Small things like forcing people to maintain their properties and setting a standard for shops in the city would go a long way towards improving the city.
The reason people like the Viking triangle and mall area is the fact that it's not full of cheap shops and the buildings are well kept. The average person doesn't tend to realise what makes a place nice but most of the time it's as simple as a lick of paint and nice shop fronts.

I'm from the Dumore Road area as are a lot of my family and friends who all socialise in the city centre: lots of restaurants, Geoffs, Davy Macs, TUlly's Walsh's, Jordans, Downse's, Phil Grimes... The Reg if it's that kind of night.

Sorry but it's really not rough at all and I'm not saying that because I live in Dublin, it just isn't rough. Isn't it a purple safe city or something?

I'm glad you recognise that the Viking Triangle is such a lovely area. So much work has been done on it in recent years.

The Apple Market has also had a significant upgrade recently and has a great atmosphere now in the centre of the town on night's out, particularly in summer time.

The Enbalmer

IspeakcozIcan wrote:

The Waterford Greenway gets brilliant coverage in the media. It's brought towns back to life. It's a massive success story and in Dublin anyways people are well aware of it.

Sorry,I'm in Dublin and I never heard of it.

Isn't a greenway just a path?

Deiseen

IspeakcozIcan wrote: »

I'm from the Dumore Road area as are a lot of my family and friends who all socialise in the city centre: lots of restaurants, Geoffs, Davy Macs, TUlly's Walsh's, Jordans, Downse's, Phil Grimes... The Reg if it's that kind of night.

Sorry but it's really not rough at all and I'm not saying that because I live in Dublin, it just isn't rough. Isn't it a purple safe city or something?

I'm glad you recognise that the Viking Triangle is such a lovely area. So much work has been done on it in recent years.

The Apple Market has also had a significant upgrade recently and has a great atmosphere now in the centre of the town on night's out, particularly in summer time.

That part of their post has a DHOTYA air about it...

I'm not saying that Waterford doesn't have it's faults and doesn't need to improve or that it will never be the most beautiful city in Ireland.

But when you have someone coming on here, saying that there are swathes of people living in Waterford who fear for their lives so much, that they won't go into the city for some food or drink then you really have to question some of the motives.

Deiseen

The Enbalmer wrote: »

Sorry,I'm in Dublin and I never heard of it.

Isn't a greenway just a path?

That's strange considering that there's probably more dubs on the greenway than Waterford people.

The Enbalmer

Deiseen wrote:

That's strange considering that there's probably more dubs on the greenway than Waterford people.

I doubt if they've come down from Dublin just to use it though.

Deiseen

The Enbalmer wrote: »

I doubt if they've come down from Dublin just to use it though.

Well they are usually in big groups, have their high end road bikes with them and their lycra gear on so it must have played a fairly big part.

IspeakcozIcan

The Enbalmer wrote: »

Sorry,I'm in Dublin and I never heard of it.

Isn't a greenway just a path?

Technically I suppose! It's a trail for bikes and walkers along a scenic trail. In Waterford's case, it's along a disused rail line. It takes in the River Suir, Copper Coast, the mountains, aqueducts and a tunnel . It's pretty spectacular and a good day out. Waterford City to Dungarvan.

Here's a video

IspeakcozIcan

The Enbalmer wrote: »

I doubt if they've come down from Dublin just to use it though.

They do actually. It's a big draw.

alta stare

The Enbalmer wrote: »

Sorry,I'm in Dublin and I never heard of it.

Isn't a greenway just a path?

If your asking such a question then is it not that you never heard of the Waterford greenway it is that you have never heard of a greenway at all?

They are being created all over the country, how have you not heard about them?

IspeakcozIcan

Deiseen wrote: »

That part of their post has a DHOTYA air about it...

I'm not saying that Waterford doesn't have it's faults and doesn't need to improve or that it will never be the most beautiful city in Ireland.

But when you have someone coming on here, saying that there are swathes of people living in Waterford who fear for their lives so much, that they won't go into the city for some food or drink then you really have to question some of the motives.

Yeah it's gas! :rolleyes:

People who aren't from Waterford suggesting people who live there are scared to go into the City Centre at the weekend.... Couldn't be further from the truth. There's a lovely, relaxed atmosphere in there most weekends.

Maybe he's just used to the vibe of having a load of stags and hens around and thinks that's what makes a good night out? A lot of people are not into that.

Deiseen

IspeakcozIcan wrote: »

Yeah it's gas! :rolleyes:

People who aren't from Waterford suggesting people who live there are scared to go into the City Centre at the weekend.... Couldn't be further from the truth. There's a lovely, relaxed atmosphere in there most weekends.

Maybe he's just used to the vibe of having a load of stags and hens around and thinks that's what makes a good night out? A lot of people are not into that.

Just don't get it. Now, the apple market at 1am/2am is a bit hairy but its not like this is a rare phenomena within Ireland that only occurs in Waterford. Before that time then it's extremely relaxed.

IspeakcozIcan

Back to the itineraries, I think we will see Waterford City featuring on more year on year with or without the NQs.

Someone nailed it earlier mentioning the Glass Factory in Kilbarry. Tourism wise, I think it is what held the City Centre back. Tourists packed off not spending any money in restaurants or cafes. This has obviously changed now and in the last three years, there have been big increases.

I think the River Suir, which is so wide in comparison to the Liffey say, is another underused resource.

snotboogie

I’m surprised that the Coumshinguan Loop isn’t mentioned here. Probably my favorite hike in Ireland.

Wanderer78

snotboogie wrote:

I’m surprised that the Coumshinguan Loop isn’t mentioned here. Probably my favorite hike in Ireland.

It is a lovely walk, there's a couple of marked trails on the mountains

IspeakcozIcan

Bowlardo wrote: »

It’s years of making the wrong decisions.
The car park on the quay is dreadful. The quay should be the main amenity.
Whoever is making the decision in Waterford for the last 40 years have proven time and time again to make an absolute ****e of it.

Turning the quay in to a car park was a decision that still haunts Waterford today. That ****ing flowers by Lucy stand is in tatters but in fairness it sets the tone nicely for the rest of Waterford. Next up is the tower hotel which should have some tie in with the tower across the road but instead is some generic pissy color square ****ty hotel. Waterford city is cheap. The shop front are cheap looking. The tone was set years ago and it very very difficult to reverse the tide when I can only assume there is a serious amount of jackasses on the council

Should leave this post slide but... Waterford City is cheap? Back to the KK forum with you please. So much of the negativity on this thread seems to come from there. Why is that?

Deiseen

IspeakcozIcan wrote: »

Should leave this post slide but... Waterford City is cheap? Back to the KK forum with you please. So much of the negativity on this thread seems to come from there. Why is that?

You know exactly why that is, we all do!

Harry Palmr

Deiseen wrote: »

But totally agree on the Quay/Carpark, riverside amenity that totally wrecks the feel of the city. There must be a way to resolve this and aside from the North Quays, it should be priority number 1 for the council.

This is my admittedly still somewhat compromised vision for the south quays, the only advantage but a useful one is that the cars would be on the inside and a reduced capacity with the Greenway along the riverside with a walking strip. I'm sure it would be possible to build out into the Suir for more amenity space.

IspeakcozIcan wrote: »

Someone nailed it earlier mentioning the Glass Factory in Kilbarry. Tourism wise, I think it is what held the City Centre back. Tourists packed off not spending any money in restaurants or cafes. This has obviously changed now and in the last three years, there have been big increases.

I think the River Suir, which is so wide in comparison to the Liffey say, is another underused resource.

That was me

IspeakcozIcan

Harry Palmr wrote: »

This is my admittedly still somewhat compromised vision for the south quays, the only advantage but a useful one is that the cars would be on the inside and a reduced capacity with the Greenway along the riverside with a walking strip. I'm sure it would be possible to build out into the Suir for more amenity space.





That was me

Very exciting prospects there

IspeakcozIcan

Deiseen wrote: »

You know exactly why that is, we all do!

I actually don't get the level of negativity though. A successful Waterford benefits Kilkenny, its centre and the surrounding areas. That's quite obvious when you think it through.

Deiseen

IspeakcozIcan wrote: »

I actually don't get the level of negativity though. A successful Waterford benefits Kilkenny, its centre and the surrounding areas. That's quite obvious when you think it through.

Exactly! their retail offering is really suffering at the moment and their tourist numbers are noy much better than Waterford's. We need to support each for the benefit of the South East.