Waterford was founded by Vikings. They chose this river for a reason, and once you're on the water you'll see exactly why.
Sail past Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland, past Malcolmson's shipyard, down Canada Street where emigrants once boarded for Newfoundland, and out to Waterford Castle before turning back through the estuary. Your guide brings it all to life, the Norse settlers who built the city, the Normans who took it, Cromwell's siege, the quieter stories from two World Wars that most visitors never hear.
Highlights
- Reginald's Tower, Ireland's oldest civic building
- Malcolmson's Neptune Shipyard
- Canada Street, where emigrants boarded for Newfoundland
- Waterford Castle and Little Island
- Viking, Norman, Cromwellian and World War history
- Wildlife and biodiversity of the River Suir Estuary
Millennium Plaza Custom House Quay Waterford opposite Jordan's pub
Built by the Vikings over a thousand years ago Reginald's Tower is Irelands oldest civic building. Standing at the apex of Waterford's Viking Triangle the tower features in many historical episodes from Strongbow to Cromwell, Perkin Warbeck, King James II and many more.
A monastic settlement existed on Little Island from the 6th to the 8th Century A.D. A carving of a monk’s head from this period adorns the castle entrance to this day. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century and two fortifications were constructed on Island Vryk ‘Dane’s Island’. The Normans came next invading in 1170 and Maurice Fitzgerald, Stongbow’s cousin, was held prisoner on Little Island by the Ossermen during the conquest. He was duly rewarded with much land in the aftermath and thusly the island would become home to the Earls of Kildare for eight centuries.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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