The Guide Munster Waterford _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Map of Waterford _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Other Attractions Beaches in County Waterford - long popular sandy beach backed by dunes at the touristy resort of Tramore, popular sandy Ladies Cove and Counsellors beaches at the seaside resort of Dunmore East, popular sandy Clonea Strand near Stradbally, nice sandy beaches at Ardmore, Annestown and Bunmahon. Blackwater River Valley - scenic valley easily accessible from Cappoquin, salmon fishing on the River Blackwater Comeragh and Monavullagh Mountains - red sandstone mountain ranges covered with heath near Ballymacarbry in west Waterford. The scenic Nire Valley running though the Comeragh Mountains is popular with hill walkers and pony trekkers. Curraghmore Gardens - attractive landscaped gardens of the stately home of the Marquis of Waterford, near Waterford City (Open on Thursdays and Bank Holidays from Easter to October Tel: 051 387102). Glenshelane Forest Park - scenic forest walks and picnic spots near Cappoquin Knockmealdown Mountains - scenic mountain range on the border with Tipperary which are accessible from Ballymacarbry and Lismore, scenic Vee Gap with views across rolling farmland to the Galtee Mountains in Tipperary Lismore Castle Gardens - The impressive Lismore Castle in Lismore town was built by Prince John in 1185, and owned by the famous English sea captain Sir Walter Raleigh, Earl of Cork Richard Boyle (of the scientific gas theory Boyles Law) and successive Dukes of Devonshire, but is not open to the public. The castle gardens are open May to September 058 54424 (Entry IR2.50) Saint Declan's Church, oratory and round tower - ruined 13th century cathedral with Romanesque carvings of the Archangel Michael weighing souls, Adam and Eve, the Judgement of Solomon and the Adoration of the Magi, well preserved 12th century 95 feet high round tower and small 8th century Saint Declan's Oratory church on the site of Saint Declan's monastery overlooking the sea near Ardmore. Saint Declan was said to have been a Christian bishop and founded the monastery before the arrival of Saint Patrick around the fourth century some time between 350AD and 420AD The area around the church is called Old Parish because it is said to be the oldest Christian parish in Ireland. Two ogham stones (with ancient Irish stroke writing) in the church have inscriptions, which read: 'a stone commemorating Lugaid, son of Nia Segmon' and 'the loved one.' One of the stones was found in Saint Declan's Oratory, where the Saint is said to be buried where there is a hollow in the southeast corner of the church. Saint Declan's holy Well and the ruins of Dysert Church and Saint Declan's stone, a stone which is said to be able to cure rheumatism on Saint Declan's Day (July 24). Touraneena Heritage Centre - heritage centre with displays on traditions of home produce and traditional trades including butter making and bacon curing, with working forge near Dungarvan (Open May to October) Quick guide to Waterford Inis recommends - Waterford City Tourist Attractions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Design and content by INIS (Irish News Internet Services 1998-99) Contact INIS by emailing inis@irishnews.com or Tel: 01232 322226 Copyright © the Irish News Internet Services