Private Tour
Osprey Viking Cruises
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Waterford is Ireland’s Oldest City and the estuary played a pivotal role in it. It was the estuary that acted as a gateway for the early Viking settlers. Norman and Cromwellian conquests also feature strongly in local history as do events from both World Wars. The Port of Waterford was a significant international port for many years and there is a wealth of history to be discovered. The river and estuary are also vibrant bio-diversity habitats with a range of flora, fauna and aquatic life.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Coffee Tea Snacks
What To Expect
Reginald's Tower
Built by the Vikings over a thousand years ago Reginald's Tower is Irelands oldest civic building. Standing at the apex of Waterford's Viking Triangle the tower features in many historical episodes from Strongbow to Cromwell, Perkin Warbeck, King James II and many more.
Waterford Castle Golf Club
A monastic settlement existed on Little Island from the 6th to the 8th Century A.D. A carving of a monk’s head from this period adorns the castle entrance to this day. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century and two fortifications were constructed on Island Vryk ‘Dane’s Island’. The Normans came next invading in 1170 and Maurice Fitzgerald, Stongbow’s cousin, was held prisoner on Little Island by the Ossermen during the conquest. He was duly rewarded with much land in the aftermath and thusly the island would become home to the Earls of Kildare for eight centuries.
Options
Osprey Viking Cruises
Reviews
56 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent trip with history fact gems!
lindseyhoney,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00fabulous way to learn about the history of Waterford. entertaining and friendly. totally worth every penny! Loved the blankets, hats, cuppa and snacks! Lovely touches to detail.
The best way to see the Suir
or3ad,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I contacted Andrew very last minute to see whether it was possible for a trip on the last day of our holiday. Communication was excellent and Andrew and his co-pilot were so friendly and welcoming. On the trip, Andrew gave us so much information about the area and we were treated to an array of wildlife, including herons, cormorants and terns. We even saw (at least one, maybe two) seal. Andrew had laid out snacks and we had a hot drink on the way back. The boat was really comfortable and we felt so welcome. When we come back up the area, we will definitely plan another trip. Thank you so much!
Lovely
heatherbV5813HR,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience Johnny was great! We saw dolphins seal and beautiful castle photo op as well as wildlife, we’d love to come back in the summer
Excellent Cruise
jerriannm2016,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous experience. Very knowledgeable historian on board. Very relaxing and very informative. Would 100% recommend.
Highly recommend
JuneW336,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would highly recommend this boat trip. We discovered a lot of history that we didn’t know about .And a visit from a family of dolphins made it extra special
Friendly, Informative and Jobial Cruise
Lesley U,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very interesting with a lot of laughs. We loved it. We learned a lot about the connection to our country Canada too.
Family time
susancI8773RN,
Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Johnny was brilliant today, we had a lovely family trip out on the boat. Weather was beautiful, plenty of snacks onboard and lots for the kids to see, the dolphins were a bonus swimming up so close to the boat. I would highly recommend this boat trip.
Viking hats and dolphins.
janejN6998HF,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really informative, great fun, tea and biscuits and we were lucky to see some friendly dolphins. Lovely way to pass an hour or so.
Go For It!
D1825XLannem,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great trip and I highly recommend. John gave a great insight into the history around the river. The had coffee and snacks on board and added entertainment for children. We were not very lucky with the weather but there was a canopy on the boat to keep us dry in the showers. We got great views of Waterford Castle and the Island. Captain Andy made sure that we were all safe whilst driving the boat. Definitely a great trip for young and old.
great value
Roger K,
Jul 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, great talk and very reasonable price. Great trip on the main river in Waterford and close to the center of town so it is easy to marry this together with other sights
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Operated by Andy McDermott