Explore the rich history of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, on an Osprey Viking Cruise. Discover the city’s Viking origins, Norman and Cromwellian conquests, and its role as an international port. Experience the vibrant biodiversity of the river and estuary. Book now!
Explore the rich history of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, on an Osprey Viking Cruise. Discover the city’s Viking origins, Norman and Cromwellian conquests, and its role as an international port. Experience the vibrant biodiversity of the river and estuary. Book now!
- Reginald’s Tower - Constructed by the Vikings over a millennium ago, Reginald’s Tower is Ireland’s oldest civic structure. Located at the pinnacle of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, the tower has been part of numerous historical events involving figures like Strongbow, Cromwell, Perkin Warbeck, King James II, and many others.
- **Waterford Castle Golf…
- Reginald’s Tower - Constructed by the Vikings over a millennium ago, Reginald’s Tower is Ireland’s oldest civic structure. Located at the pinnacle of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, the tower has been part of numerous historical events involving figures like Strongbow, Cromwell, Perkin Warbeck, King James II, and many others.
- Waterford Castle Golf Club - Little Island was home to a monastic community from the 6th to the 8th Century A.D. A monk’s head carving from this era still decorates the castle entrance. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century, establishing two fortifications on Island Vryk, also known as ‘Dane’s Island’. The Normans followed, invading in 1170, and Maurice Fitzgerald, Strongbow’s cousin, was imprisoned on Little Island by the Ossermen during the conquest. He was later rewarded with extensive lands, leading to the island becoming the residence of the Earls of Kildare for eight centuries.
- Mount Congreve Gardens - Situated in Ireland’s Ancient East, Mount Congreve Gardens is recognized as one of the world’s great gardens. Built in 1760 by renowned local architect John Roberts, who also designed the city’s two Cathedrals, the gardens have been home to six generations of Congreves. The estate includes approximately seventy acres of woodland, a four-acre walled garden, and 16 kilometers of walkways. Overlooking the River Suir, Mount Congreve boasts three thousand different trees and shrubs, two thousand Rhododendrons, six hundred Camellias, three hundred Acer cultivars, six hundred conifers, two hundred and fifty climbers, and fifteen hundred herbaceous plants. Ambrose Congreve, who inherited the estate in 1963, transformed it into a world-class garden, importing flora from around the globe directly to his private dock on the Suir. The gardens have received numerous awards.
- Grannagh Castle - Grannagh Castle, a large square enclosure with cylindrical towers, stands impressively on the banks of the River Suir. Built in the 14th century by James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormonde, the castle is steeped in legend. It is said that the wife of the 8th Earl was a witch who, upon seeing her greatest foe approaching from the castle window, conjured a storm to deter her rival. In retaliation, the other witch caused horns to grow from Margaret’s head, preventing her from leaving the window. Mysterious sounds are often heard from the ruins during stormy weather. The Butlers lost the castle to Cromwell in 1649.

- Tea and coffee
- Tea and coffee
Waterford, as the ancient city of Ireland, owes much of its history to its estuary. This estuary was once a key entry point for initial Viking invaders. The city’s history is heavily influenced by the Norman and Cromwellian invasions, as well as events from both World War I and II. For a prolonged period, the Port of Waterford was an important hub in…
Waterford, as the ancient city of Ireland, owes much of its history to its estuary. This estuary was once a key entry point for initial Viking invaders. The city’s history is heavily influenced by the Norman and Cromwellian invasions, as well as events from both World War I and II. For a prolonged period, the Port of Waterford was an important hub in international shipping, and its history is rich with stories. Moreover, its river and estuary host a variety of biodiversity, with assorted plants, animals, and marine life.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.