We have arrived by train in Waterford Ireland, the oldest city in Ireland and the 5th largest in the Republic with a population of approximately 54,000. It was founded as a Viking settlement in 914 and became a heavily fortified stronghold with a medieval wall surrounding the city that measured approximately 1.5 km. Reginald’s Tower, constructed in the 13th Century was once a part of those defenses and still stands today within the area known as the Viking Triangle.
Excavations in and around the old fortifications have revealed a trove of relics from the founding period. The city is proud of this heritage and presents a number of symbols of that time including an accurate reproduction of a Viking longboat, a Viking dwelling, and a remarkable 30 minute virtual reality presentation on Viking lore and history. The host of the production was an actor who took his role quite seriously.
The virtual reality glasses and headphones caused Christine, who was seated next to me in the Viking house, to “disappear” and be replaced by very real looking and acting people from the past. It was IMAX on steroids!
Our friends, Huw and Nina, arrived from Wales. It has been 11 years since we last saw them. The years melted away with the first embraces. This evening we shared dinner and hoisted a pint. We will tour the Waterford Crystal factory with them tomorrow before beginning our multi-day driving trek about Southern Ireland.
One pub here in town proudly displays license plates from each of the 50 US States, including our home State of Missouri!
Peace Everyone. Pete
Babe Wiley says:
Oh, the beautiful green of Ireland! My retired judge friend up the street brought a piece of Waterford crystal home for me from her trip. It’s beautiful! Enjoy! I’m living vicareously!
HAWKEYE Hal says:
You had better have some NORSE blood in you , like my Great x30 Father HARALD THE FAIRHAIRED , if your going to get a picture like that!!!
Pete Schloss says:
There must be some in me somewhere Hal!!
Pete Schloss says:
Thanks Babe. We will!
Charlene says:
How exciting that is the country I would love to visit but til I retire I’ll enjoy it thru my friends the world travelers be safe
Pete Schloss says:
You’ll love it when you get here!
Maxine says:
Ok..the resemblance to the statue is a bit freaky…love reenactors who really get into it…had a good friend who played a physician ay Gettysburg…one of two people allowed to do their program in the actual cemetary…he was amazing! Sounds like it was extremely cool!
Pete Schloss says:
Verrrry cool!!
Pam says:
Steve and I have been to Ireland, but did not have a chance to visit Waterford. By the looks of it and as I expected it is just as interesting as the rest of the country.
Pete Schloss says:
A wonderful country!
Irène Lässig says:
You look really impressive as a Viking!
Pete Schloss says:
It has to be the helmet!!! 😂
Pauline Schloss says:
Give Hue and Nina a big hug from me. Have they retired. They look as when I met them. Will you get to Scotland? I will be anxious to see the Waterford factory. I recalled that the crystal was no longer being made????