Lonely Planet, that venerable giant of the travel industry, has published the most recent edition of their Ireland edition. Like all vain creatures we got our hands on it for one reason and one reason only: to see what they had to say about us. Unlike the disenchanted souls of Letterkenny we are pleased to report that the world’s best selling travel books had nothing but praise for Waterford, a county they found wreathed in wide sandy beaches with a swashbuckling Viking past.
We know it’s not a competition but….
1. Selecting the 7 wonders of the southeast (Counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny) Waterford steals 3 of the top spots, more than any other county: 1 for the foodie heaven that is Dungarvan where “top chefs ply their trade” and where The Tannery- listed as 1 of the top 4 places to eat in the south east- makes its home.*The second jewel in our crown? Coastal beauty particularly the hidden cove beaches in and around historic Ardmore while the museums and streets of Waterford city claim the third accolade.
2. Picking the 4 best places to stay in the southeast Lonely Planet strayed outside the county bounds just once to nominate Butler House in Kilkenny; the other 3 top places went to Waterford Castle, Richmond House and Powersfield House.
Most of Waterford’s holiday hotspots came in for a mention: for “seaside frivolities” and “natural thrills” Tramore is the place to be while Ballymacarbery and the Nire Valley ‘s “stark beauty” and “genial locals” are among the things that make it a superb area for walkers. Ardmore’s excellent eating and accommodation options, water sports, strand and ancient history are “a winning combination.” The coast road between Dunmore and Passage East is endorsed for its mesmerising views- for thrills and spills it is best seen from the saddle of a bike.
Our claim to meteorological superiority is also left intact: on the region’s sunny southeast tagline the guide confirms that “due to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream, it is the country’s warmest driest region.”
A final note:
You don’t often have cause to read a guidebook to your home and it’s amazing what you learn when you do:
1. In Viking times local tribes had a pay a tax called nose money. If you didn’t pay, guess what you lost? Yup, your snout. The household charge pales somewhat in comparison.
2. Raymond Chandler, author of The Big Sleep, lived in Waterford when he was a kid. Apparently he even thought about setting a Philip Marlowe novel here.
3. Cerulean= azure or sky blue (I had to look it up).The Copper Coast is described as “a vibrant palette of colour” with cerulean skies, green hills and ebony cliffs, driving the route as winding from one stunning vista to the next
*Dungarvan comes in for high praise and recommendation which might be almost enough to have residents of the town forgive the world famous guide for referring to it as a village!
