Cheryl's Travels: Waterford - the city and Waterford Crystal

Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city - it celebrated its 1105th anniversary in 2019 - with a history that dates back to Viking times. Today it is still a busy port city on the tidal reach of the River Suir, and is famous as the home of Waterford crystal. Although the city has been extensively redeveloped, most notably along the waterfront, it retains vestiges of its Viking and Norman past in the area now-called the ‘Viking Triangle’. This is a part of the city surrounded by the original 10th century fortifications and walls, it is triangular in shape with the apex at Reginald’s Tower. Although this area was once a thriving and busy Viking City it is now a quiet and tranquil area, dominated by narrow streets, medieval architecture and civic spaces.

Couldn’t resist a photo - for obvious reasons

Original Viking city walls

I guess in Waterford you should see Vikings!

Reginald’s Tower is the oldest urban civic building in Ireland, and the oldest monument to retain its Viking name. To this day, it remains Waterford’s most recognizable landmark. It is believed to be the first building in Ireland to use mortar.

The River Suir, which flows through Waterford City, has provided a basis for the city’s long maritime history.

A canal off the River Suir

Christ Church Cathedral is Ireland’s only neoclassical Georgian cathedral. It was built on the site of an 11th-century Viking church, where the historic 12th-century marriage of Strongbow and Aiofe took place.

Built between 1792 and 1796, Holy Trinity Cathedral boasts a carved-oak baroque pulpit, painted pillars with Corinthian capitals and 10 Waterford crystal chandeliers.

Today, and historically, Waterford is known for Waterford Crystal, which provided employment to thousands in the city and surrounding areas. Waterford Crystal is Waterford’s most famous export - it is internationally known and highly sought after. It was manufactured in the city from 1783 to 2009, and again from 2010 to the present day. Places where Waterford Crystal can be seen include New York City, where Waterford Crystal made the 2668 crystals for the famous New Year’s Eve Ball that is dropped each year in Times Square; Westminster Abbey; Windsor Castle; and the Kennedy Centre in Washington.
I went on a tour at the House of Waterford Crystal and it was fabulous!! The skill of these artisans is extraordinary!!

First stop is the mould room where you can see the age-old craft of wooden mould making

The 1400 degree Celsius furnace is intense - and then the Master blowers shape and form the molten crystal working with just the ‘simple’ combination of light, heat and finely honed skill!

Each piece is carefully inspected to ensure it meets exacting standards

Pieces are then marked (by hand) and patterns cut onto the crystal using diamond tipped wheels. Too much or too little pressure and they will have to start all over again