Waterford -
Ireland - 2004
Waterford is the main city of Ireland's South-East Region.
Historically Waterford was an important trading port which brought much prosperity to the city throughout its eventful history.
Waterford port is Ireland's closest deep-water port to mainland Europe.
Reginald’s Tower is a circular defence tower, set in Waterford City’s historic Viking Triangle.
It was built at the beginning of the 13th century.
At various stages in its rich history, Reginald’s Tower has been used as a mint, prison and military store.
When the Anglo-Normans attacked Waterford in 1170, the tower was of strategic importance and its capture heralded the fall of the city.
The tower derives its name from the Hiberno-Norse (Irish-Viking) ruler of the city, Ragnall MacGillemaire,
who was held prisoner by the Anglo-Normans in the tower.
Reginald’s Tower was also where Strongbow, the leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion force, met Aoife,
the daughter of Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster.
Their marriage was to change the course of Irish history forever.
King Henry made him the Earl of Pembroke establing the Pembroke dynasty.
Christ Church Cathedral
A glass of guiness at a Waterford pub
Waterford Crystal
The origins of the crystal production in Waterford dates back to 1783.
Extremely fine flint glass that became world-renowned was produced.
However, that company closed in 1851.
In 1947, Czech immigrant Charles Bacik, established a glass works in the city, due to the superb reputation of the original glassware.
Skilled crystal workers were not available in Ireland so continental Europeans were used.
Beautiful crystal items in their showroom.
We saw some of their products being manufactured.
Waterford is the main city of Ireland's South-East Region.
Historically Waterford was an important trading port which brought much prosperity to the city throughout its eventful history.
Waterford port is Ireland's closest deep-water port to mainland Europe.
Reginald’s Tower is a circular defence tower, set in Waterford City’s historic Viking Triangle.
It was built at the beginning of the 13th century.
At various stages in its rich history, Reginald’s Tower has been used as a mint, prison and military store.
When the Anglo-Normans attacked Waterford in 1170, the tower was of strategic importance and its capture heralded the fall of the city.
The tower derives its name from the Hiberno-Norse (Irish-Viking) ruler of the city, Ragnall MacGillemaire,
who was held prisoner by the Anglo-Normans in the tower.
Reginald’s Tower was also where Strongbow, the leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion force, met Aoife,
the daughter of Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster.
Their marriage was to change the course of Irish history forever.
King Henry made him the Earl of Pembroke establing the Pembroke dynasty.
Christ Church Cathedral
A glass of guiness at a Waterford pub
Waterford Crystal
The origins of the crystal production in Waterford dates back to 1783.
Extremely fine flint glass that became world-renowned was produced.
However, that company closed in 1851.
In 1947, Czech immigrant Charles Bacik, established a glass works in the city, due to the superb reputation of the original glassware.
Skilled crystal workers were not available in Ireland so continental Europeans were used.
Beautiful crystal items in their showroom.
We saw some of their products being manufactured.
