Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and the real pearl of western Irish coast. It is located in the south-eastern Ireland and is part of the province of Munster, straddling the River Suir. City has appr. 46,000 residents, whole metropolitan area having around 68,000.

Vikings established first settlement on the site in 853, giving to city its name (Veðrafjǫrðr, ”ram port”). In 1171, Henry II of England became here,  being the first English king to set foot in an Irish city. Waterford and Dublin were declared royal cities.

What to do and see in Waterford

Bishop’s Palace

This Georgian house represents a 18th-century townhouse and serves as a museum,  depicting e.g. the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal in the world dating back to 1789, and the Napoleon Mourning Cross; the only one to survive out of the original twelve that were made on his death. Ticket affords the combined entry to Bishop’s Palace and to the Medieval Museum.

Medieval Museum

This museum depicts medieval Waterford by numerous artifacts and galleries. One can enjoy a tour with a costumed performer, and see the unique Cloth of Gold vestments which were lost for hundreds of years after they were hidden from Cromwell’s army.

Curraghmore House & Gardens

This mansion is locating in Portlaw, some 19 km north-west of Waterford. It were once the seat of the Marquess of Waterford. It is believed that a castle was erected on the site in the 12th century, however the core of the current house is a medieval tower-house. This was extended in 1700 when a house was built around a court with the medieval tower-house incorporated at the north-eastern side. A forecourt with stables was added in the 1750s or 1760s and the house was refurbished in the 1780s. The estate is surrounded by 2,500 acres of gardens and forestland. Group tours of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree.

Buy

• Shopping mall City Square in city centre has many top boutiques and stores. Waterford is famous for its crystal and e.g. a handmade crystal goblet is a good souvenir!

Recreation

• Jack Burtchaell’s Guided Walking Tour is a good way to explore the city and get the big picture of it.
• Kennedy & Carr Travel offers tours from Dublin to Waterford Crystal, often including other areas of interest along the way.
• Henry Downes Bar (Thomas Street) is a decent pub with a a squash court and a billiard table.

Photos: With the CC licence / Tom Courtney, Nmwalsh, John M, Haraldius~commonswiki