Hafen
Waterford

Experience a close-up look at the historic Viking City of Waterford on this guided walking tour. Meeting your guide on the pier, it's a 30-minute coach transfer into the city center where your walking tour commences. The Vikings founded Waterford City some 1,100 years ago and it had extensive trading links with Viking settlements overseas. Later, in the year 1170, the city was taken by the Normans who sealed their victory by the marriage of their leader Strongbow to Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster. Learn the history of this fascinating city in a humorous and light-hearted way as your guide walks you through the narrow winding streets. Your guide will also relay some interesting facts about the city. For instance, the only family in the world, which has a father and son both decorated with the Victoria Cross for bravery, was the Roberts family who hail from Waterford.

This guided walking tour includes visits (external and internal) to six national monuments dating back to 1190 through 1783. You will pass Reginald’s Tower, where until about 1700 was the strongpoint of the medieval defensive walls that enclosed the city – there will be time for photos of the exterior. Continue past Greyfriars Medieval Franciscan friary onto the Medieval Museum. The eye-catching giant sculpture on the gable was inspired by a tiny 13th century belt mount found in Waterford. It is Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. A short visit will be made inside this modern structure where you can witness a demonstration of how coins, dating back to Anglo Normans, were made. Souvenir coins will be provided for each guest.

Following your visit to the Medieval Museum, will continue your guided walk to the Bishop’s Palace. The Bishop’s Palace charts the history of Waterford from 1700 to 1970 and gives a wonderful insight into the history, of what up until the 1750’s, was Ireland’s second city. The museum reveals the story of Waterford from 1700 to the 1970s and contains many items of national and international significance, including the only surviving Bonaparte “mourning cross”, which was one of 12 produced upon Napoleon Bonaparte’s death in 1821. It also contains the Penrose decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal, which dates back to 1789. Following these enjoyable and informative visits, free time will be allowed in the city center for you to explore on your own and perhaps revisit the Medieval Museum or the Bishop’s Palace (no additional fee), or do some shopping before it's time to re-join your coach for the return transfer to the pier.

Enjoy a great orientation of Waterford County on this primarily panoramic half-day tour that includes a stop at a local pub. Boarding your comfortable coach at the pier, you will set off along County Waterford's scenic Atlantic coast to Tramore. This seaside resort of Victorian vintage, whose name means large beach in Gaelic, boasts delightful terraced houses overlooking a broad bay. It is one of Ireland's most popular resorts and has flourished since the 1850s when it was linked to Waterford by rail. Leaving Tramore, you'll head in a westerly direction, following the cliff road along a more rugged coastline through the colorful and charming villages of Fenor, Annestown and Boatstrand. This area is known as the copper coast since copper mining was once a thriving activity near Bunmahon. Here, your route turns toward the Comeragh Mountains, the backbone of Waterford County. The terrain now changes to fertile farmland before you pass through Waterford City. Along the way you will stop at a local pub where you will be invited in for a cool beverage and traditional Irish entertainment. Following what will surely be a memorable and enjoyable visit to this charming pub, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Browse the magnificent residence of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, whose family has owned Curraghmore House and thousands of surrounding acres for more than 800 years. The estate exudes history. As you approach the main house, be sure to notice the statue of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers—the family symbol—atop the old castle. Many of the interiors feature extraordinary plaster work, period furnishings from different centuries and an abundance of personal family memorabilia. The property’s Shell House was built almost entirely with colorful shells that one of the 18th-century residents persuaded ship captains to collect from around the world. Other highlights include the oldest bridge in Ireland, a Sitka spruce that is one of the tallest trees in Ireland and an exquisite Japanese garden. You will see more spectacular sights on the return drive along the Copper Coast, a naturally beautiful stretch of road so geologically significant that UNESCO deemed it a Global Geopark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a grand estate that has been owned by the same distinguished family for 800 years.
• Browse the exquisite interiors and out buildings such as the enchanting Shell House.
• Take in the natural beauty while driving the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.