Waterford
Special Edition 9/11 piece for New York City
Why visit Waterford
There are two great reasons to visit Waterford - the Vikings and Waterford Crystal. It's Ireland's oldest city - founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. There's a bustling mix of narrow streets, medieval walls and charming cafés. Spend time in the Viking Triangle - the city's oldest section. Visit the Medieval Museum (the Waterford Kite Brooch is one of the finest surviving examples of Viking jewelry), the King of the Vikings VR attraction and Reginald's Tower. The House of Waterford Crystal has an awesome tour (how their crystal is made from start to finish) and a stunning retail showroom.
Waterford's best things to See and Do
House of Waterford Crystal
Enjoy the guided one hour tour that takes you through the home of Waterford Crystal's manufacturing facility where you see and hear in detail exactly how the stunning crystal is made. The master craftsmen demonstrate the traditional methods that are still used to this day and the crystal making process from modern day to their beginnings in 1783. Make sure to take time to browse the retail store showroom and ogle over the many crystal products available for sale. They're phenomenal.
The blowing room where you'll see red-hot molten crystal take shape.
A special piece produced for NYFD after 9/11
The Vikings
The Viking Triangle is the 'old town' of Waterford City - a tranquil place, characterized by narrow streets, atmospheric public spaces, and an array of cultural & heritage attractions. Surround yourself with exceptional Viking history in the very place where a large fleet of the invaders landed in 914. You'll hear tales of battles, strategic marriages and the stunning landscape that greeted these invaders as they took Waterford.
The King of the Vikings virtual reality experience
is the first of its kind in the world. The adventure
takes place in a reconstructed viking house and
seamlessly blends cutting edge technology with
ancient viking house building techniques. Each
experience lasts 30 minutes.
Medieval Museum is Ireland's only purpose built
medieval museum and the only building on the
island to incorporate two medieval chambers - the
13th century Choristers' Hall and the 15th century Mayor's Wine Vault. Don't miss the stunning Heavens' Embroidered Cloths, Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th century vestments.
Reginald's Tower is Waterford's landmark monument and Ireland's oldest civic building. It has been in continuous use for over 800 years. The first tower on the site was built by Vikings after 914 and formed the apex of the triangular settlement, an area known to this day as the Viking Triangle. Re-built by the Anglo Normans in the 12th century, the top two floors were added in the 15th century.
In addition, see the 23 meter long Dragon Slayer Sword, the Viking Longboat and the city walls with its six towers - the largest collection of medieval defensive towers and walls in Ireland.
