Every October, I feel the pull of Ireland in a way that is hard to describe. The country is already blessed with rugged cliffs, mist-shrouded valleys, and historic towns, but when autumn descends, the light changes. It softens. The colors of the landscape deepen into golden ochres, russet reds, and fading greens that feel almost painterly. For a photographer like me, October in Ireland is nothing less than magic.

This year, I chose Waterford as my focus. Nestled in the southeast, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, dating back to Viking times. It is also home to some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in Europe, a UNESCO-listed geopark, waterfalls, gardens, castles, and historic treasures. I arrived with my camera gear, a sturdy rain jacket, and the kind of excitement that comes only when I know I’m about to chase light across an ancient landscape.

Over the course of a week, I wandered, climbed, and sometimes simply stood still in awe as Waterford unfolded before me. In this piece, I’ll take you with me — to the exact photography spots where my shutter clicked most joyfully, to the hidden coves where I felt alone with the Atlantic, and into the streets where centuries of history vibrated beneath my feet. Along the way, I’ll share the practical details too: where to find tickets, how to get there, how much to budget, where to eat, and where to sleep.

If you’re planning a photographic adventure to Ireland, let me be your guide: this is Waterford through my lens, in October’s golden light.

Practical Notes Before You Travel

Getting to Waterford

Waterford is well connected, though it isn’t served by its own major international airport. My journey began with a flight into Dublin Airport (the country’s busiest, about two hours away by car). You can compare flights easily on Skyscanner or directly with Aer Lingus and Ryanair for budget-friendly options across Europe.

From Dublin, I rented a car — the freedom of wheels is invaluable for photographers who want to chase light spontaneously. Car rental deals are easy to compare on platforms like Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars, and driving in Ireland (left side of the road!) quickly becomes second nature.

If you don’t drive, Irish Rail offers trains from Dublin to Waterford (around 2.5 hours, bookable on IrishRail.ie), while Bus Éireann runs comfortable buses from Dublin Airport and other Irish cities directly to Waterford.

Where to Book Accommodation

Waterford offers a wide range of stays. In the city, I often use Booking.com or Expedia to secure hotels like the historic Granville Hotel or the cozy Dooley’s Hotel. For countryside charm, I recommend Airbnb or Hostelworld if you’re traveling solo or on a tighter budget.

Dining and Reservations

Irish food has undergone a quiet revolution in the last two decades, and Waterford is no exception. From seafood straight out of the Atlantic to Michelin-recommended fine dining, you’ll find plenty to satisfy. For reservations, OpenTable and TheFork are reliable across Ireland. Many rural pubs don’t accept bookings, but they’re often worth the wait.

With the basics in hand, let me now take you through Waterford’s most photogenic treasures.

Top Photography Locations in Waterford

1. Waterford Greenway

Location: Running 46 km between Waterford City and Dungarvan
Entry: Free; bike rentals €20–€25/day
Booking: Rentals via waterfordgreenwaybikehire.com or Dungarvan Bike Hire

The Waterford Greenway is one of the most exhilarating ways to photograph Ireland’s countryside. This dedicated walking and cycling trail follows a disused railway line, threading through villages, forests, viaducts, and alongside the River Suir.

I rented a bike in Waterford City, pedaling out just as the October sun began burning through the morning mist. The highlight for me was the Kilmacthomas Viaduct, its arches spanning the valley below like something out of a romantic painting. From atop the viaduct, the views were endless — rolling hills tinged with autumn and sheep grazing lazily.

Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for viaduct shots and a telephoto for capturing details like ivy-clad stonework. October mornings can be misty, which adds drama to your photos.

2. The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark

Location: Stretching from Fenor to Stradbally, about 25 km of coastline
Entry: Free
Parking: Available at key coves and viewpoints

The Copper Coast is, without question, Waterford’s crown jewel for photographers. Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, it is a stretch of cliffs, hidden beaches, and geological formations that tell a story 460 million years old.

I spent an entire day here, hopping between highlights:

• Ballydwan Bay — where horseshoe-shaped cliffs rise dramatically above the Atlantic, especially photogenic at low tide.
• Dunabrattin Head — sheer cliffs with panoramic views; in October, the grasses turn golden, contrasting beautifully with the blue-grey sea.
• Stradbally Cove — a quiet sandy beach, perfect for long-exposure shots of waves rushing over rocks.

There is no fee to explore, but good walking shoes are essential. Bring snacks and water, as cafés are sparse.

3. Reginald’s Tower

Location: The Quay, Waterford City
Entry Fee: €5 adults / €3 seniors & students
Booking: Tickets on heritageireland.ie

Standing proudly in Waterford City, Reginald’s Tower is Ireland’s oldest civic building, dating back to the Vikings. Today, it houses a museum of Waterford’s Viking heritage.

From the outside, I loved shooting its cylindrical stone form against the crisp blue October sky. Inside, the dimly lit exhibitions are trickier to photograph, but tripods aren’t allowed, so I cranked up my ISO to capture shields, swords, and runic stones.

4. House of Waterford Crystal

Location: The Mall, Waterford City
Entry Fee: €15 adults / €12 students
Booking: Direct on waterfordvisitorcentre.com

If you love reflections and indoor light play, this is paradise. The House of Waterford Crystal offers guided tours where artisans shape and polish the world’s most famous glass.

For photographers, the challenge is capturing the way light bends through crystal. I found myself crouching near display cabinets, aligning pieces so they refracted rainbow colors. Be aware that flash photography is not allowed.

5. Curraghmore House and Gardens

Location: Portlaw, 20 km from Waterford City
Entry Fee: €10 adults
Booking: Seasonal tours via curraghmorehouse.ie

This is one of Ireland’s grandest private estates, with 2,500 acres of gardens, lakes, and woodland. October is enchanting here: leaves litter the paths, and the Palladian mansion rises like a fairytale.

The gardens are the main draw for photographers — ancient trees with roots gnarled like sculptures, bridges reflecting in still ponds, and a shell-covered grotto that feels utterly otherworldly.

6. Tramore Beach & Doneraile Walk

Location: Tramore, 13 km from Waterford City
Entry Fee: Free

Tramore is a seaside resort town, but in October, its beach is almost deserted, making it perfect for contemplative photography. I walked the Doneraile Cliff Walk, which curves around the headland offering dramatic sea views.

In the evening, the setting sun turned the wet sand into a mirror, reflecting pink and orange skies. Surfers braved the chilly water, adding energy to otherwise tranquil frames.

7. Lismore Castle Gardens

Location: Lismore, County Waterford
Entry Fee: €9 adults
Booking: Tickets via lismorecastlegardens.com

Lismore Castle looks like it belongs on a movie set, perched dramatically above the River Blackwater. While the castle itself is a private residence, its gardens are open to the public.

In October, I was transfixed by the contrasts — formal hedges dusted with fallen leaves, late-blooming roses holding out against autumn, and the river reflecting the castle’s towers. My best shot came from crouching low near a pond, capturing both lily pads and the castle in one frame.

8. Mahon Falls

Location: Comeragh Mountains, about 30 km from Waterford City
Entry Fee: Free
Parking: Free car park near the trailhead

Mahon Falls was one of my favorite shoots. After a short, easy hike from the car park, the waterfall revealed itself, tumbling down rugged cliffs. October rains swell the flow, making it especially photogenic.

What makes Mahon Falls magical is the weather: mists roll through, shrouding the cliffs, then part to reveal golden sunlight. I shot both wide angles of the entire valley and close-ups of the water crashing onto rocks.

9. Mount Congreve Gardens

Location: Kilmeaden, 11 km from Waterford City
Entry Fee: €7–€9 adults
Booking: Tickets via mountcongreve.com

Mount Congreve is a garden for all seasons, but in autumn it glows. The Japanese maples were ablaze in scarlet when I visited, and the woodland paths felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Photographically, this is a place to slow down and focus on details — leaves floating in ponds, moss-covered stone steps, benches half-buried in fallen leaves. A macro lens worked wonders here.

10. Dunmore East Harbour and Cliffs

Location: Dunmore East, 18 km from Waterford City
Entry Fee: Free

Dunmore East is a fishing village that feels almost Mediterranean with its pastel houses and busy harbor. Fishing boats lined the docks, their nets and buoys adding color and texture to my photos.

Just outside town, a cliff walk offers some of the most underrated views in County Waterford. The cliffs are less dramatic than the Copper Coast but more intimate, with wildflowers still clinging on in October. I lingered until dusk, photographing gulls swooping over the waves.

Photography Tips for October in Waterford

• Light: Days are shorter, so plan sunrise and sunset shoots carefully. The golden hour is especially rich in autumn.
• Weather: Expect rain showers. Always carry lens cloths and waterproof gear.
• Gear: A sturdy tripod for long exposures, ND filters for seascapes, and a wide-angle lens for landscapes are essential.
• Clothing: Layer up. Even mild days can turn windy and cold.

Where to Stay in Waterford

• Granville Hotel (Waterford City): Historic charm right on the Quay.
• Dooley’s Hotel: Affordable and central.
• Faithlegg House Hotel: Luxury country escape with a spa and golf course.
• Airbnb Cottages near Dunmore East: Perfect for self-catering photographers.

Platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia offer competitive prices and reliable reviews.

Dining in Waterford

• Momo (Waterford City): Contemporary Irish cuisine with vegetarian options.
• McLeary’s Restaurant: Renowned for fresh seafood.
• The Spinnaker Bar & Restaurant (Dunmore East): Cozy pub with hearty portions.
• Cliff House Hotel Restaurant (Ardmore, nearby): Michelin-starred fine dining with panoramic sea views.

I book in advance through OpenTable or TheFork, especially on weekends.

A 3-Day Photography Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Waterford City (Reginald’s Tower, House of Waterford Crystal), sunset at Tramore.
Day 2: Drive the Copper Coast, hike Mahon Falls.
Day 3: Lismore Castle Gardens and Mount Congreve, evening in Dunmore East.

The Magic of Waterford in October

As my week in Waterford came to an end, I realized I had taken more photos than on any other trip this year — not just because the landscapes were stunning, but because they stirred something in me. October light here is fleeting and soft, demanding that you pay attention. The sea is wilder, the cliffs more dramatic, the gardens more poignant as they surrender to autumn.

For any photographer seeking both beauty and meaning, Waterford in October is a perfect muse. I left with memory cards full, but more importantly, I left with the sense that I had touched something eternal — a land where history and nature conspire to create a canvas that is always changing, always inspiring.

So pack your camera, book your trip, and let Waterford’s October light guide your lens. You won’t regret it.