Avondale Bed and Breakfast Waterford Ireland

Waterford City is Ireland's oldest city and is situated in the South East of Ireland, on the Suir River near the head of Waterford Harbour. The port town is a center for the export of fruit, meat, and the famous Waterford crystal.

Waterford was established as a very early Danish settlement and was taken in 1170 by Richard, Earl of Pembroke, who used Reginald's Tower (built 1003 and still standing) as a fort. King John granted the first charter here in the 13th Century. In 1618 the people of Waterford refused to accept the religious supremacy of the King of England and the charter was withdrawn. Waterford was beseiged by Oliver Cromwell in 1649 and taken by Henry Ireton in 1650.

The area contains remains of 13th-century Franciscan and Dominican foundations that were suppressed in the 16th Century. There are also Protestant and Roman Catholic cathedrals. Waterford is the seat of the united Protestant dioceses of Cashel, Emly, Waterford, and Lismore and of the Roman Catholic dioceses of Waterford and Lismore. St. John's College is a Protestant theological seminary.

Some Sites of Local Interest

Reginald's Tower: Reginald's Tower
For over a thousand years, a tower has stood on this site like a Colossus protecting the Quays of Waterford. Originally built in 1003 by the Vikings, the present structure dates from the late 12th century and is the oldest urban civic building in the country. Here Strogbow met Aoife, the daughter of Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster, and their subsequent marriage was to change forever the course of Irish history. The Tower has recently been completely restored to its medieval appearance. The tower in its lifetime has functioned as a fortress, a mint, a prison and a military store.

Reginald's Tower, The Quay, Waterford (051) 873501

The Granary:
The riverside Granary on Waterford's Quay houses Ireland's newest and most dynamic visitor centre and celebrates the rich character and history of Ireland's oldest city. The centre displays Waterford's uniquely important collection of historic treasures including Viking jewellery, the magnificently illustrated 14th Century Great Charter Roll, Henry VIII's cap of maintenance and old glass.

Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre:
Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre welcomes more than 350,000 visitors each year. Here you can watch the creation of the world's finest crystal as you visit a real working, living, breathing factory.

The experience includes a visit to a showroom boasting many prestigious pieces of crystal that have been presented to presidents, sports stars and celebrities. You can also visit a specially constructed room with a replica of the ball which descended to officially welcome the new Millenium in New York to experience the excitement of the Times Square celebrations.

Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, Kilbarry, Waterford (051) 332500.

For other tourist information and sites of interest click on 'Links to Other Sites'