Waterford History

This ancient Viking town is internationally famous for the crystal, which is no longer made there, however, Royal Copenhagen China have bought the company, so the Vikings have returned to Waterford. The most striking structure was Reginald’s Tower, first line of defense in ancient times with walls ten feet thick, and is the oldest unchanged tower in Ireland. A replica Viking ship was alongside it.

Our guide Jack was a perfect example of the storytelling that is a significant component of the Irish/Celtic oral tradition. He told us the story of Strongbow and Aoife, see photo below.

Christ Church cathedral was designed by famous architect John Roberts and his wife Susana, who lived to be 82, and helped to populate the town by siring 22 children. Oh, Susana! They were OSIPs : Over Sexed Irish Protestants.

Waterford

After a two-hour drive through The Curragh, common land where the sheep graze and have numbers sprayed on the fleece to identify them, we arrived in Waterford, an original Viking settlement, where we had dinner and our first overnight at the luxurious Faithlegg House. The land had belonged to the Aylward Family for 500 years, having been granted to them by King Henry 11 in 1177; they held it until they were dispossessed by Oliver Cromwell in 1654.  The current building was built in 1783.

Faithlegghouse had a great golf course, which Sheila is going to persuade Jim to visit. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and the gluten free provision was excellent. The next night we ate at the local pub called Jack Meade’s. The low ceilings, oak beams and small windows made it a very welcome and traditional venue in which to begin to know the other members of the group, most of whom are very pleasant and very well travelled.

At Jack Mead's Pub in Waterford.

In front of Faithlegg House, ready for the walking tour of Waterford.

IS IT STILL MONDAY?

Is it still Monday today?  We started early, having enjoyed a delicious Irish breakfast.  The first stop was Powerscourt Gardens.  These beautiful gardens are located 30 mins from Dublin. We viewed them in glorious sunshine and wall-to-wall blue sky. The sculptured Italian gardens stair-stepped down to a beautiful lake, complete with two magnificent silvered Pegasus statues that framed the view. We wandered along the scenic paths towards the walled garden. On the way, we were amazed at the 20-foot Giant Rhubarb plant dominating the beds of smaller plants. The walled garden resembled an English cottage garden. The beds of dahlias and begonias were amazing. The gift shops were full of Avoca woolen wear, which is famous for it softness and variety of soft colors.

After that, we stopped at the terrace café for tea and coffee to energize our flagging steps. Jen had a Millionaires Shortbread, which she shared, and Nancy took photos of the beautiful scones.  

 The Japanese Garden there was impressive, with a red bridge like the one in Giverny.

A short ride through the countryside of Wicklow we arrived at the Irish National Stud. Our guide, Jessica, added humor and excellent knowledge of the ‘covering’ of the mares by the stallions. She showed us the large blanket to cover the mare’s back to protect her from the stallions exertions during exercise, and the large leather booties worn by the mares to protect the stallions from their kicks.  The stud fees ranged from 1K euro to 100K per time. There is a viewing booth in the Honeymoon Suite to insure the legitimacy of the progeny. Tommy Teaser, a male pony, tests a mare to see if she is ovulating and willing to mate. If so, at the last minute, Tommy the Teaser is lured away to consume himself with pent up frustration, while a stud is brought in to finish the job.

Tryint to catch up

Our internet connection has been spotty for the past three days and has played havoc with the few things we have been able to post. We hope to get back on track tomorrow.

Dublin Museum of Archeology

We stayed at Saint Stephen's Green Hotel, in the middle of the touristy part of Dublin.

We walked through Saint Stephen's Green park to the museum to see the exhibit of ancient gold jewelry. The designs still current and still seen today. The Viking section contained a long ship replica and the history of the Viking conquest of Dublin.

More scenes from this modern airport that provides ample access to technology for its passengers.

Toronto Airport

Arriving in Toronto, we were amazed at the advance in technology visible: iPads everywhere - in the restaurants, waiting areas, but not yet in the restrooms.  We even had to use the iPads to order our very expensive and $11 glass of wine.