|
|
|
|
The Vikings established a settlement called Port Lairge on the River Suir at Waterford in the 8th century and by the 10th century Vadrafjord was the most important Viking trading port in Ireland. The city still centres around its quays, which give it an initial industrial ugliness, but is one of the liveliest towns in the south for nightlife. There are also many points of historical interest within the remaining sections of the old city walls. Reginald's Tower dates back to Viking times, when it was made of wood, but in the 12th century, this fortification and the city walls were not enough to repel Anglo-Norman invaders. In 1170 when the King of Leinster, Dermot MacMurrough, was attempting to claim the High Kingship of Ireland and defend his Wexford castle against the King of Connaught Tiernan O'Rouke, (whose wife he had abducted), he called on King Henry II for support. Henry sent him the Norman Earl of Pembroke, Richard FitzGilbert de Clare, also called Strongbow, and together they sacked Wexford and seized Waterford, which was strategically vital to gain control of the Southwest. Strongbow brutally took the city and was rewarded with marriage to MacMurrough's daughter Aoife and the inheritance of the title of the King of Leinster. The historic marriage (one of the first alliances between a Norman Earl and an Irish king) took place in Reginald's Tower, which was fortified with stone to have 3metres thick walls. In 1171 King Henry II arrived with 400 ships to offer royal 'protection' to the Waterford Normans in return for their loyalty and in 1200 King John added new fortifications to the city. Towers from these Norman walls can be seen at Railway Square, Castle Street, Stephen Street and Jenkins Lane. Waterford curried more royal favour by resisting attacks by two would be usurpers of the English throne Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck in the 15th century. In 1649 Waterford was the only Irish city to successfully repel Cromwell's forces, but the Army returned and took the city in 1650. However, the city escaped mass slaughter as they were offered honourable terms of surrender. Much of the city was destroyed however, and many Catholics were dispossessed and sent to the West of Ireland, or sold as slaves in the Caribbean. Waterford continued to thrive as a port in the 16th to 17th centuries, trading with England, France, Spain and Portugal into the 19th century. The City is now best known for its glass Crystal and you can visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and visitors centre on the Cork Road to see the skilled craftsmanship which goes into blowing, cutting and engraving the lead crystal and some gargantuan show pieces. Other interesting places to visit in Waterford include the neo-classical Georgian Christ Church Cathedral, the French Church, the 13th century ruined Blackfriarrs Abbey, Waterford Heritage Centre (which has a display of Viking artefacts) and Rice Chapel (where the founder of the Christian Brothers schools, Edmund Rice is buried). Waterford also has some attractive Georgian streets. (Waterford tourist office Tel: 051 875788)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Design and content by INIS (Irish News Internet Services 1998-99) Contact INIS by emailing
inis@irishnews.com or Tel: 01232 322226 |
|
|
