Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. It had its ups and downs in following years until 1783, when the Penrose brothers set out to make “plain and cut flint glass, useful and ornamental”. That set in motion a glass manufacturing industry long without equal. The glassworks Waterford had its ups and downs closing after the 2008 financial crisis. A smaller, leaner version rose from the flames in 2010 with a new factory, visitor center and the largest collection of Waterford crystal in the world right in the heart of town.

If you are not a crystal person, hop a ride on the shortest ferry ride ever across the River Suir to Waterford Castle. Built on Norman foundations that date back some 800 years, the castle was built in the 1700’s and is now a luxury hotel on its own small island.

This castle is the real deal with authentic turrets, gargoyles and battlements. You can stay in one of its 19 rooms and dine – or have tea – in the grand Munster Room restaurant or play a round of golf on its 18 hole course. This particular day the hotel and restaurants were closed due to a full buy-out wedding event. (They host one almost every weekend!) So – it was a cup of tea in the grand hallway before they closed for the wedding, a walk through the lovely garden and a delicious lunch of fish and chips in the golf clubhouse. All in all – a wonderful morning and afternoon.

For more details check out that great reference – “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”. You’ll find it there. For now, it is time to leave Ireland behind for a few days and head to Wales. E & G leave you with this thought – –

Wherever life takes you.

E & G – with love