Waterford is located on the River Suir in the south-east corner of Ireland, and is known the world over for its beautiful Waterford Crystal. It’s not commonly known though, that Waterford is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, having been established by the Vikings in 914A.D. and has a long maritime history, having been Ireland’s major port for 1000 years!! Waterford’s past is therefore more than just history, it’s a living tradition, for this is a city where people continue to live in the shadow of ancient city walls and practice trades that have been perfected and handed down from their forefathers.
Just 154 kilometres south of Dublin, the capital of Ireland, Waterford is the primary city in the south-east region, and capital of Waterford County. With a population of 45,775 (2006), the city maintains an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle, which is great for tourists.
The old city of Waterford consists of various cultural sections, having been influenced by differing external forces. The oldest section within the Viking triangle, was a fortified 5 acre (2 hectare) walled enclosure. Starting at Waterford’s most recognized landmark, and Ireland’s oldest urban civic building, Reginald’s Tower, and surrounded by the original Viking fortifications, lies the oldest part of town. A tranquil section of the city, dominated by narrow streets and medieval architecture, this area contains many of the city’s most impressive buildings. In the 12th century Waterford was taken by the Anglo-Normans, who enlarged and fortified the city, becoming Ireland’s chief port and bringing prosperity to the city. Waterford has always been a major centre in Ireland, and as such became a centre of influence, and a place worthy of possession, and over the centuries this has created a rich, interesting and colourful history. This is reflected in the culture and architecture within the town, and can be seen just by walking the streets, feeling the atmosphere, and talking to the people.
For your interest.
For those interested in Glassware pay a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal which contains Factory Tour and a Retail Store.
Just 5.5 kilometres west of Waterford, is a 9th century Viking settlement, called Woodstown. This significant settlement covers a very large area, being 1.5 kilometres by 500 metres, and during its excavation 4000 objects were discovered, which dated the site to the late 800’s. Apart from Woodstown, there is no other evidence of a large 9th century Viking settlement in Western Europe.
For the history buffs, pay a visit to the Waterford Museum of Treasures, it’s in the Granary on Merchant’s Quay. It is the city’s foremost museum, housing a collection spanning 1000 years of the history of Waterford.
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