Founded by the Vikings, the town of Waterford, 85 mi/135 km south of Dublin, is Ireland's oldest city. It was there that the Norman warrior, Strongbow, established England's first grip over Ireland. Today it is home to the Waterford Crystal factory. You can tour the factory and watch crystal being made from beginning to end.
Waterford, which has well-preserved sections of its city walls and towers, is full of atmospheric buildings where you can soak up its medieval and Georgian history. Key sights include Reginald's Tower, the Medieval Museum, Bishop's Palace, Waterford City Hall and Christ Church Cathedral. Smaller places of interest, including the ruins of the French Church (where Huguenots worshipped) and Blackfriars Abbey, are best seen on a walking tour. Good walking tours leave from the tourist office. http://www.discoverireland.ie/places-to-go/waterford.
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