Winterval in Waterford – Tanya Sweeney finds Santa, ice-skating and ‘the Holy Grail in restaurants’

Christmas comes to the southeast with wholesome festival that has something for all the family

Winterval gets underway in Waterford

Tanya Sweeney

As the festive season rolls in like a big megawatt Coca-Cola truck, most parents find themselves going into memory-making mode, and are keen to find experiences and activities to usher in the most magical time of year.

Worst-case scenario, you’ll find many a half-hearted cash grab aimed at families – yet in among the great Christmas gold rush there are definitely a few gems worth the pilgrimage.