The Phantom of the Opera

It's finally here!

The Phantom of the Opera will be hitting Waterford for the first time ever. It will be held in the Theatre Royal from the 31st of October to the 9th of November.

The South Eastern Youth Group will be presenting the production, previous productions the group were involved in were Les Mis and also Miss Saigon. The Phantom of the Opera will appeal greatly to any Andrew Lloyd Webber fans and also musical fans. This show is bound to be a sell out so book your tickets fast. Tickets are priced at 20euro each. Click on the link for more details of the production www.theatreroyal.ie

House of Horrors

Just in time for Halloween, the Forum Waterford will be the venue of this years House of Horrors. This will be the fifth year in a row that the event has returned to the city. 

The House of Horrors has been said to be the scariest show in Waterford. The shows last day will be on Friday so book your tickets quick to see the show before it's closing date. This year, the house has a second level meaning double the fear. 

More details on www.forumwaterford.ie

House of Waterford Crystal

Waterford Crystal is still hugely associated with Waterford city. The new house of Waterford Crystal is currently used for manufacturing, retail and visitor purposes. It is situated in the city center.

The brand is know nationally as well as internationally. The company produce well made, high quality products including sporting trophies, glass ware as well as collaborating with designers in some of their collections.

Visitors or tourists can have factory or retail tours and their website also includes a blog for updates on the company. Check out: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Nire Valley Drop

The Nire Valley Drop will be held on the 27th of October. This mountain biking event will be help at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains.

Here is a quick YouTube video of what is involved:

The course will be 40km long which will consist of dirt trails, gravel paths as well as uphill and downhill sections. People would wish to participate must be over 18 and must have a mountain bike. Most of the entrance fee will be donated to the Haven for Haiti charity.

More information and updates can be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nirevalleydrop

ODEON Waterford

ODEON, Waterford's cinema is rarely quite. It is situated in the city center. It consists of 8 screens where there are over 1,000 seats all with full surround sound. Premier seats are available in each of these screens. Other major attractions in the cinema would be Costa and also the Ben & Jerry's Cafe. 

The cinema caters for every age group by offering a selection of film suitable for different interests.

The cinema is finished with the highest standards which makes the experience more enjoyable.

ODEON Cinemas have a website where you can see their weekly offers and also of course times and prices. Booking tickets online has become increasingly popular and their website makes that option even easier.

Check out www.odeoncinemas.ie

Winterval

It's back...Winterval 2013!

Waterford Winterval is back on the 29th of November til the 23rd of December, it then continues from the 27th of December til the 31st. The Christmas Festival is packed with different events and activities for everyone. Last year the most popular event was of course Winterval on Ice, which is back due to high demand. 

There new 2013 brouchure has been uploaded on their website.

They also have set up a Facebook page and Twitter account which you can access from their website.

Click on the link for more details.

 www.winterval.ie

Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, everyone is on the look out to get the best costumes.

Party World in Tramore have extended their Halloween opening hours due to popular demand.

The shop offers a wide range of costumes and decorations for every occasion. 

They also offer an international delivery service. However if you purchase over 59.99 euro worth of goods in Ireland you get free delivery.

For more details check out www.partyworld.ie for online shopping, a blog and great offers!

Also, students get 10% discount with their student cards.

So hurry up and get your costume in time for Halloween before it's too late

Tramore

Tramore is the most popular beach in Waterford during the peak season. It is about 20 minutes from Waterford City by car and there is also a regular bus service available from the city.

There are a variety of attractions suitable for everyone in the family.

The beach is over 5km long which offers a lot of amenities, the most popular being surfing where you can also get lessons and they also offer board hire.

There is also a promenade, a diving board and cliff walks. Beside the promenade during peak season there is a amusement park and an arcade. Tramore is perfect for a day trip even if the weather isn't the best, people have the option to go to Splashworld. Splashworld is an indoor heated swimming pool which cater for everyone. For young children, there is Run Amuck and Pirate Adventures. In Tramore itself there are cafes and restaurants.

For those interested in catching the scenery, there is a coastal drive which leads onto nearby villages and towns. 

Waterford Film Festival

The Waterford Film Festival will take place next month from the 8th - 10th of November at the Greyfriars Art Gallery, the gallery is turned into a mini cinema for the weekend. This will be the 7th year of running this festival. 

Each year the film festival has grown from strength to strength by an increase in submissions. Last year held the record of highest attendance. 

The festival encourages filmmakers and writes of every age group to contribute.

In the last few years they have focused greatly on short films and screenplays which has become a major attraction.

More information can be found at www.waterfordfilmfestival.com

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is located just 10 minutes outside Dungarvan. It is around a half an hour from Clonea Strand. In the last few years they have improved the path ways so people can walk or cycle from Clonea or the Gold Coast and directly into Dungarvan.

The Gold Coast consists of a golf course and hotel resort, a fishing pier, camping and caravan park and also houses to rent. Just like Clonea Stand, the Gold Coast is also a popular destinations as both places compliment each other.

I would recommend to anyone, even if you are passing through Dungarvan to take a small detour along the coast to see the views.

Clonea Strand

Last week I blogged about Dungarvan. This week I will be blogging about Dungarvan's surrounding areas. Clonea Stand is located on the coast of Waterford, just outside Dungarvan. It is about a ten minute drive from Dungarvan. Clonea Stand is a popular tourist attraction especially in the summer as there is a caravan and camping park just a two minute walk from the beach. This park is packed during peak season.

There is a hotel in Clonea Strand which now just opens during the summer months. During peak season a chipper and shop opens also for the tourists.

Clonea is a perfect place to visit during all the seasons even a walk on the beach during winter.

Here are some pictures from summer.

Nire Valley

The Nire Valley is located at the base of the Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford. This year marks the 20th annual Comeragh autumn walking festival. This year the festival is being held next weekend (11th - 13th of October).

Participates will have a great variety of walks to choose from, some walks lasting from 3 to 7 hours. Family walks would be considered 3 hour walks. More advanced, experienced walkers would be able for the variety of 7 hour walks which could be up to 22kms long. Walks will be held on both Saturday and Sunday.

There will also be a weekend full of entertainment for all the family.

More information at http://www.nirevalley.com/

Night Life

Waterford has a good choice of nightclubs and late bars and most of these are located very close to each other. These nightclubs and late bars open mid week to attract students as well as weekends. 

Most Popular:

The Foundry

Sinnotts

Masons

Shortts

Crystal

These nightclubs and late bars update their Facebook weekly for any events or special offers coming up.

Dungarvan

Dungarvan is well known for being a thriving town. The Quay overlooks Dungarvan Harbour which is constantly filled with boats during every season. It is about 40 minutes outside Waterford city. In summer during peak season, Dungarvan and the surrounding areas are filled with tourists. 

The town is not only popular for the scenery but also does not disappoint when it comes to food. 

Restaurants:

Tannery Restaurant

Crew's Steak and Seafood Restaurant

Nude Food

Interlude

The Moorings Bar and Restaurant

Dungarvan really is at the center of a lot of tourist attractions.

Places to visit:

Dungarvan Castle

Dungarvan Bay

Dungarvan Lighthouse

The Gold Coast

Clonea Strand

Dungarvan is well worth a visit!