3. Waterford – The Crystal County
Founded in 914 A.D. by Vikings from Norway, Waterford City is over 1100 years old, making it Ireland’s oldest city. Today, Waterford is a vibrant and picturesque city that has managed to meticulously maintain its heritage while it thrums to the beat of several cafes, award-winning restaurants and an unbeatable mix of traditional, local and contemporary pubs. The city is also home to two theatres, the Theatre Royal and Garter Lane Arts Centre, and also several art galleries, craft studios and boutique shops. The Waterford Crystal visitor centre is found in the Viking Triangle, in the heart of Waterford City. The factory tour includes wooden mould making, crystal blowing and furnace, crystal cutting, quality inspection and finishing. That’s before the crystal sculpting, engraving and design inspiration! The complimentary visitor retail experience includes the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world, retail store, exhibition and crystal installation areas, coffee shop and worldwide shipping facility. Adjacent car parking is also available, so there really is no excuse to miss out on learning more about one of our most recognised exports! You’ll be glad to make time to visit the award-winning Waterford Treasures – Three Museums in the Viking Triangle, situated in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city. The colossal stone fortress, Reginald’s Tower, houses Waterford’s Viking treasures. The Medieval Museum, the only purpose-built museum specialising in medieval history in Ireland, showcases spectacular treasures from the Middle Ages. The exquisite Bishop’s Palace, dating from 1743, is the home of the treasures of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. With Waterford being under an hour away from county Carlow, you can spend your day there and come back to the home comforts of Carlow.