ALMOST EVERY IRISH person has a soft spot in them for the sunny South East.
And sure why wouldn’t you? For many of us, it’s the place of happy childhood holiday memories – of eating a 99 on the strand in Dunmore East, or shaking sand out of your summer shorts down in Tramore.
But there’s a lot still to discover down by the Suir. Here are our top picks for a fun weekend in Ireland’s oldest city.
It’s like a mini Downton Abbey, complete with Mrs Patmore with a Waterford accent. Situated in the heart of the Viking Triangle, Waterford’s historic city centre.
Here’s a picture of the staff, in costume, who’ll take you on a tour of the grand residence, m’lud.
Part of the Waterford Treasures complex in the Viking Triangle, this is Ireland’s only Medieval Museum. Go see the only piece of clothing worn by King Henry VIII to survive. It’s a hat, made with gold thread. Seriously.
Here you can check out both the guided factory tours and also the beautiful adjoining shop, with its large collection of the world’s most famous crystal. The tour is a must-see – you’ll see the mould room, the blowing department, the cutting department, hand marking and sculping/engraving. A fascinating insight into the delicate craft.
Along with the Medieval Museum and The Bishop’s Palace, Reginald’s Tower makes up the third of Waterford’s Treasures. The building dates from the 12th century and it contains a display of Viking weapons, brooches and metalwork. One of Waterford’s most well-loved attractions.
Waterford boasts a jam-packed year of festivals, with one to suit every taste and interest. The most well-known is possibly summer’s Spraoi during August – but there’s also Daytripper, Harvest, the Hot Air Balloon Festival in September, and Winterval at Christmas, amongst many others.
The pick of the lot. Having been founded by the Vikings in 914, Waterford is celebrating a special anniversary this year. Waterford 1100 is a year-long celebration of the city’s deep cultural and historical heritage, which began with a bang on New Year’s Eve and is set to continue for all of 2014. View the brochure here.
And just one part of Waterford 1100 Festival is the upcoming WiKID Waterford – a fun weekend out this 21st and 22nd of June, ideal for all ages in the family. Follow Waterford 1100 on Facebook or visit the website for more information. Take a sneak peek of the Wikid brochure here for full details on events and times for the weekend.
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