Waterford City was established in Viking times and it has an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle.

As the oldest city in Ireland, it retains much of it's medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion. It is the home of Waterford Crystal, the world-famous hand-crafted, cut glass product and is a sophisticated shopping venue for high fashion and craft products.

The parameters of the 10th century settlement can be clearly identified in The Viking Triangle. Reginald's Tower is the most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland. The elegant Chamber of Commerce building, the City Hall and the Bishop's Palace are prime examples of beautiful 18th century architecture. Ecclesiastical landmarks include St. Patrick's Churches, Christ Church Cathedral, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Black Friars, St. Olave's Church and Greyfriars.

Waterford has a long theatrical and musical tradition and is the birthplace in 1812 of Ireland's foremost composer William Vincent Wallace. The tradition lives on in a wide variety of music and dramatic societies, which contribute year long activities for the city's many venues. The principal of these centres on the historic Theatre Royal, which hosts the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera each year and in the Garter Lane Arts Centre, which is home to the local Red Kettle Theatre Company, other visiting groups and arts exhibitions. The "Large Room" in City Hall is the venue for the popular Waterford Show. The Forum Theatre is another theatrical venue in the city. Waterford Tourist Services conduct guided walking tours of the city.

The Tallships Races

Waterford

Thursday-Sunday, June 30-July 3, 2011

		This is one of the most spectacular and colourful events in the world and Waterford is gearing up to host over 70 majestic Tall Ships; 1,500 sail trainees and an anticipated 500,000 maritime, music and festival fans on the quays of Ireland’s oldest city. The Tall Ships Races is set to be the biggest event in Ireland in 2011 and the return of The Tall Ships to Ireland’s South East region will be celebrated with a festival programme capturing the very best of Irish and international acts; street theatre; fireworks; music and food. See http://www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie/ for full details.