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ANY PEOPLE view the history of Ireland as being shaped primarily by the Celts. But our Viking heritage from the north continues to make an impact on the country today.
That impact is most obvious in Waterford (which apart from anything else is the only Irish county with a Viking place name).
This was celebrated at this year’s Waterford Walls International Street Art Festival with a stunning mural paying homage to its first settlers, the Vikings.
The mural of pastel-hued ombré lettering layered atop crashing waves was handpainted by Dublin-based artist Holly Pereira. It spells out ‘Vedarfjordr’, the Norse name for Waterford.
According to Tim Lambert’s detailed account on Waterford’s medieval past on LocalHistories.org, the name given to the county by the Vikings roughly translates as ‘weather ford’. ”It was a place where ships could shelter from the weather,” he writes.
The city has held onto a lot of its original architecture, dating back to the twelfth century. As noted on IrishWalledTownsNetwork.ie, “nearly two kilometers of town wall, along with Reginald’s Tower and five other towers remain. Together they constitute the largest collection of medieval urban defences in Ireland.”
Speaking to The Journal.ie, Pereira told us about the inspiration behind her piece for Waterford Walls. “I wanted to convey the importance of Waterford and how it was, historically, a really important trading centre in Ireland”, claimed Pereira.
“I read about the Viking heritage there and the Norse language. I’m in love with all lettering, so utilising a different character set was exciting!”
As usual none of the above. Can’t recall the last time I actually voted in this.
@Peter: But maybe you can recall the last time you didn’t care to comment.
Neill young deffo + a sneaky spliff.
@Paul Gorry:
I think I’ll roll another number for the road
I feel able to get under any load
Though my feet aren’t on the ground
I been standin’ on the sound
Of some open-hearted people goin’ down
@Larry Betts: look out mama cause iam coming home tonight. Howya Larry?
@Paul Gorry: Howya Paul! Keep on rockin’ in the free world :-)
@Larry Betts: all good Larry thanks. You’ve a heart of gold.
@Paul Gorry: Honestly? I think I’ll pack it in and buy a pick-up. Take it down to LA. Find a place to call my own and try to fix up. Start a brand new day.The woman I’m thinking of,she loved me all up.But I’m so down today. She’s so fine,she’s in my mind.I hear her calling.
@Larry Betts: My My , Hey Hey , keep the faith Larry.
@Paul Gorry: Heading off now Paul,but let me leave you with a recommendation for an artist to check out. Simone Felice. He’s from New York state,and performs solo or with his brothers as Felice Brothers. Seen him twice live in Vicar St.Plenty of videos on YouTube. Particularly worth checking out “New York Times”, “Union St.” and his version of “Helpless” Better head off,there comes a time,comes a time
@Larry Betts: Nice one Larry I’ll deffo look that up. Thanks for the heads up.
Ders more ta Irelind din dis.
Predator 2 with Danny Glover
@Aidy McBride: predator 506 with Aidy McBride is actually better imo.
Anyone know where to watch North Circular?
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