Ireland's Oldest City — a Viking city founded in 914 CE, Waterford Crystal, Reginald's Tower on the quay, and a food scene built on the River Suir's salmon and Waterford blaa rolls
Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings in 914 CE on the tidal River Suir where it joins the Barrow and Nore before flowing to the sea. Reginald's Tower (c. 1003) on the quays is the oldest complete urban civic building in Ireland — it has been a royal fortress, mint, prison, and museum. The Viking Triangle — three museums in medieval buildings within a five-minute walk — covers the Viking founding, Norman conquest, and medieval trading city. Waterford Crystal, the most famous crystal brand in the world, was founded here in 1783; the visitor centre has a glass-blowing…
Waterford — Vadrefjord (Weatherford) to its Norse founders — was established as a Viking longphort (fortified harbour) in 914 CE, making it Ireland's oldest continuously inhabited city. Reginald, the Norse king of Waterford, built the tower bearing his name around 1003. The Anglo-Norman Strongbow captured Waterford in 1170 and married Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster, in the city — an event that cemented the Norman presence in Ireland. Waterford was one of the most important trading ports in medieval Ireland and Britain, exporting wool, hides, and salted fish. The city remained loyal t…