Waterford, Ireland

Ireland’s oldest city enjoys a rich history that includes Viking settlement, the Norman invasion, and periods of economic boom, seen in the Waterford Crystal Factory and its once-heralded title as the Wine Capital of Ireland. A walk through Waterford reveals vestiges of its rich past. The Vikings established Waterford in the late nineteenth century as a walled city, making it their most important stronghold in Ireland after Dublin. In 1169, Waterford was one of the first cities to be conquered by the Normans, and in 1205, King John granted Waterford its first charter, which helped the city develop as a major seaport. The Viking Triangle, a historic area with 1,000-year-old Viking Walls, includes Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest civic building, the Medieval Museum, and the Bishop’s Palace Museum. Other significant buildings include the remains of Blackfriars Abbey, a Dominican friary established in 1235. Cycling and hiking opportunities are found along Waterford Greenway, beautiful cycling and walking trail along an old railway line, and the Vee Scenic Drive, offering panoramic views of the Knockmealdown Mountains and valleys.