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Waterford is Ireland’s Oldest City, and Known for its Crystal
Founded in 914 A.D. by Vikings, Waterford is the oldest Irish city, and located in the south-eastern part of the country. Thomas Francis Meagher, the person responsible for designing the Irish flag, was born in Waterford. Also notably, the methods for curing bacon originated there. Many tourists plan trips to the area and stay in its hotels after learning that the high-end, intricate crystal and glassware produced in Waterford is considered among the finest in the country. The famous Waterford Crystal factory opened in 1783 and offers tours to people who are interested in learning more about the manufacturing process.
Feast on Fine Food and Sip Flavourful Drinks
No matter what kind of food fits your mood, it’s easy to find scrumptious options in Waterford. Because this destination is a seaport, many of the most popular dining establishments serve fresh seafood. Choose from dishes like seafood pie, oysters or fish and chips. Alternatively, give your patronage to a restaurant that specialises in Irish fare. Chow down on Irish brown bread while dipping pieces into a bowl of vegetable soup, or go with a side order of tangy beetroot salad. If you’re a vegetarian, select from things like spicy vegetable curry to flaky mushroom and cream vol-au-vent pastries. Before going out for several hours of sightseeing, consider starting your day with a traditional Irish breakfast, which features items like black pudding, fried eggs, potato bread and beans. As for beverages, Guinness is a perpetual favourite, as well as Harp lager, and Bulmers cider. If you’re not looking for alcohol, try Club Orange, a refreshing soda with real bits of orange in it.
Go to a Waterford Festival
Ireland is traditionally a very welcoming country, and that’s especially obvious when attending a festival. There are many enticing things to do in the area, and all of them serve as strong examples of the celebratory attitude exhibited by many Irish residents. If you’re visiting from late November to late December, spend time at the Waterford Winterval. Since 2012, it has highlighted all the best things that winter has to offer. Walk through a themed winter wonderland area, attend a Christmas market and be dazzled by holiday lights. There are both free and ticketed events, and it’s easy to find something fun for all ages. Alternatively, go to the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival to experience some of the best street performers in the world, from musicians to dancers and actors. This event usually takes place in late July or early August for a few days and was first held in 1993. People interested in going should book hotels early, since over 100,000 people characteristically attend.
Discover the Waterford Greenway
During your trip, make time to explore the beautiful region known as the Waterford Greenway. It’s a rustic biking and pedestrian route that spans 46 kilometres along an old railway line. If you don’t have a bicycle, there are companies along the way that can get you set up with a pair of wheels. While making your way along the paths, look for the towering Kilmacthomas Viaduct, which is nestled in an area of lush greenery and was used by trains from 1878 to 1982. Also marvel at beautiful Dungarvan Bay, where vibrant green fields blend with various shades of blue, making a striking visual impact. Look in the distance and spot the Comeragh Mountains, too. Also, stop at Dungarvan Castle, an Anglo-Norman structure built in 1185 that was eventually repurposed as a police station until the 1980s. While on the castle grounds, check out the Waterford War Memorial Monument. Made from elegant black granite, it bears the names of 1,100 people who lost their lives fighting in World War I.
Waterford for Shopping Enthusiasts
If you’re looking for some cool items to help you remember your trip, there are plenty of products to consider. Stop into an Irish gifts store and buy a box of whiskey-flavoured fudge to bring back to your hotel, or find a fun tee shirt you’ll love to wear long after returning home. Many shops also have hand-woven sweaters and scarves, making it easy to find truly unique items that let you directly support the livelihoods of local craftspeople by purchasing them. When you’re ready to branch out from the numerous boutique shops, see what’s for sale in stores at the Waterford City Square Shopping Centre. From health stores to game shops, clothing retailers to sports merchandise companies, you’re sure to find possibilities that strike your fancy and encourage you to partake in delightful hours of exciting shopping. There are also many places to buy food in the shopping centre, so once your stomach starts rumbling, you can respond quickly, whether by eating fast food or going to a welcoming café.