Now I didn't tell you this, but Ireland's best kept secret is also the sunniest, closest to southern England and offers the best value for money.
The south-east of Ireland has long been popular with the Irish and the more discerning visitor, buoyed by a long-established ferry link between Rosslare and Fishguard (Wales), with trade routes and migration to Britain dating back more than 1,000 years.
And while it's only a few hours' drive from Dublin and Cork airports, the game changer to get more British wanderers into seats - faster and cheaper to the heart of the South East - could be Waterford's long-awaited, revamped expansion. Airport.
In December it was announced that the long-awaited return of international flights to and from Waterford Airport for the first time since 2016 could become a reality within the next year, or by 2025 at the latest. However, it will cost €30 million to expand the runway and renovate the airport so that large and medium-sized aircraft can accommodate international commercial flights.
The wheels are in motion. Private Irish investors put up €12 million (£10 million), expecting the government to pick up the rest. Rumor has it that such a commitment from the government is imminent in the coming weeks. This means that, as planned, there will be a direct flight from Waterford to London within about a year.
So why should you visit Ireland's sunny south-east?
Sandy beaches and attractive scenery
The counties of Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny are home to some of Ireland's most fascinating landscapes, packed with cute villages, from the wooded folds of winding river valleys to the whitewashed, windswept thatched cottages high above the Celtic Sea. . These four counties also include the deeply historic big cities/small 'towns' of Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford Town, whose crumbling roots date back to the Vikings.
The south-east is also a rich domain of 18th-century estates and award-winning gardens, with 800-year-old Norman castles looking out over the fertile landscape like curious neighbors. And here you'll find the island's longest, sandiest beaches, while inland are fringed by the majestic 'Three Sisters' - the rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow - which wind between grazed hills and wooded preserves, avoiding the north-west Wexford Blackstairs Mountain ( 2,411 feet), the Comeragh (2,600 feet) and Knockmealdown Mountains (2,605 feet) in the north of Waterford.
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Not a tourist in sight
Another advantage of Ireland's south-east is that it isn't packed to the rafters every summer with tourists bawling their heads off or blocking the sidewalks for selfies. Rather, it's littered with nondescript, characterful pubs where locals drink; pubs where you walk out after a few Irish coffees or a creamy Guinness, the clientele knowing every detail about you (but you didn't even know their names). Oh, and if you're a foodie, this is a region known for its artisan bakeries and cafes, as well as some of the country's best restaurants.
The oldest city in Ireland
Since Waterford Airport is only 15 minutes away from the heart of Waterford City, let's start there. This "city" of 60,000 sinners is rarely on the itinerary of most visitors to Ireland. Situated on low hills along the wide, tidal River Suir, this is Ireland's oldest city. Founded in 914 AD by the Vikings, its name is originally Old Norse "Vadrarjfordr", meaning fjord of rams; long anglicized to "Waterford".
The city's Viking Triangle is a must, with at its heart the King of the Vikings centre, a 3D virtual reality attraction where Viking life is discovered, and not just in all its blood, guts and glory. Then there's the House of Waterford Crystal, the Medieval Museum, the Bishop's Palace and Reginald's Tower. I could go on.
Since we've always done a damn good Glam Rock death here, you can visit the Irish Wake Museum - but bring your own corpse, thank you - along with the Irish Museum of Time.
Returning to this century, if there is one city that pioneered a respected reputation for street art in Ireland, it is Waterford City. Here you do not see a watercolor by Blarney, but the human condition in technicolour. Join public art agency Street Art Link, which offers three different guided walks. Or go there during the Waterford Walls street art festival. Every August for 10 days there are workshops, food, music and silliness galore, alongside dozens of artists from around the world creating large-scale murals across the city.
Nore & Barrow river valleys
South-east Kilkenny/south-west Carlow lies across the Nore and Barrow River valleys and is a joy to explore - all less than an hour north of Waterford City. Drive through the Nore Valley to the picturesque village of Inistioge, then to Graiguenamanagh on the beautiful Barrow River before descending to the ecclesiastical village of St. Mullins (don't miss the riverside Mullichain Café).
Consider spending two to four days canoeing the Barrow with Go with the Flow, or overnight in Kilkenny City, so rich in medieval history and heritage, and so vibrant in contemporary arts, crafts and culture.
Hook Peninsula
Cross the East Passage and take the car ferry to Ballyhack in County Wexford. Then head south along the Hook Peninsula - origin of 'by hook or by crook', courtesy of Oliver Cromwell - via Duncannon, to Hook Head. There you can explore the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse, which claims to be the "oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world." Return via the east coast of the peninsula, with a possible quick dip at Baginbun beach and then past the village of Fethard to Tintern Abbey.
Wexford coastline
Head to New Ross and the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience before following the Norman Way along the south coast of County Wexford. If you're a beach lover, you'll be spoiled for choice in this province, with endless, long golden beaches on the east and south coasts.
Waterford Greenway
Stretching 28 miles along a former railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan, this greenway passes ruins of 19th-century workhouses and Norman castles, plus striking mountains and beaches. Consider an overnight stay in Kilmacthomas, or at least spend a few hours at the beautiful Mount Congreve Gardens, about 5 miles outside of Waterford City.
