Waterford

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Waterford is the largest city in Ireland to retain its Viking-derived name, Vedrarfjord. Reginald's Tower is the oldest urban civic building in Ireland, and the oldest monument to retain its Viking name. It is to this day Waterford's most recognisable landmark. The tower is believed to be the first building in Ireland to use mortar.

Today, Waterford is synonymous with Waterford Crystal the world over, a legacy of one of the city's most successful and enduring industries, glass making. Glass, or crystal, has been manufactured in the city since 1783.

We took the guided tour on offer at the Crystal factory. We strolled through the various stages of production of the famous Irish Lead Crystal. Blowing, Cutting and Polishing are all still done by hand by time-served master craftsmen. In this age of automated standardisation it is very refreshing to watch these artisans at work.