Discover the beautiful Waterford, Ireland, a quaint seaside village full of red and white buildings, a glassy harbor and charming townsfolk. Home to the ornately crafted Waterford Crystal, this destination is full of exciting attractions. Visit this port of call when you book your travel with Carefree Travel and Cruises, and experience amazement at every turn.

As is the history with much of Ireland, Waterford began as a foreign colony. Vikings first settled Waterford as early as 853, and after some minor skirmishes with the natives, Ireland's first city was established in 914, a feat that the natives were never able to accomplish on their own.

After the Vikings had solidified their power, a brief spell of internal Irish warfare followed. Then, in 1171, by the first English king, Henry II, landing in what would soon become English property. Waterford remained loyal to England throughout most of the next millennium, like most of Ireland. So loyal was Waterford, in fact, that Henry VII called it "the untaken city", in reference to its undying support for the English crown.

Another colonizer, the Catholic Church, had taken strong hold during this time, but even after Henry VIII established the Church of England, Waterford remained loyal to the crown. The eventual power of the Catholic Church eventually became too powerful, however, and English rule was replaced, bringing us to the present day.

If colonial history is your main interest, then this town is sure to suit your fancy. With Carefree Travel and Cruises, the whole world is truly at your fingertips and on a transatlantic cruise, this and many other destinations will be your next strolling points for collecting lifelong memories.

Waterford, Ireland - Attractions

Although neighboring Kilkenny is famous for its beer - an amber concoction that is good on a cool Irish eve - Waterford has never become famous for making beer glasses. Instead, it was another type of glass that drew notice to this port town.

The world famous glass factory located in Waterford produced the finest crystal known to man is, and was established under English rule in 1783. A luxury item from China to Brazil and back again, Waterford crystal is considered the most exquisite in the world.

Other attractions include the promenade and the meeting of three sisters: the River Barrow, the River Nore, and the River Suir, which all come together at Waterford, and the small Viking town of Woodstown, near Waterford.

In addition to Waterford's rich history and fine promenade shopping locales, enjoy the great location just across the sea from bonnie Scotland. It is, indeed, the next port of call, and it's one of the best. Of course, when you book your travel with Carefree Travel and Cruises you can guarantee that Waterford is on your cruise itinerary, and that the cannot-be-missed Scottish town of Greenock will be fast approaching.

So sit back and enjoy the cruise, because after beautiful Waterford, Scotland is on the horizon, and there aren't many words in the English language that sound sweeter than those.