Wednesday 29 January 2014

Ireland’s oldest city celebrates 1100 years

Situated on Ireland’s southern coast, the city was founded by the Vikings in 914 – its name derives from Old Norse Veðrafjǫrðr, meaning ‘ram fjord’.

The events planned for the anniversary celebrations follow the completion of the Viking Triangle, Waterford’s outstanding cultural and heritage quarter.

The Triangle encompasses buildings spanning 1,100 years of Irish urban history representing practically every period of architecture to have come to Waterford since the arrival of the Vikings.

It is surrounded by the original 10th-century fortifications and is home to three world-class treasures museums – the Bishop’s Palace, Medieval Museum and Reginald’s Tower.

Throughout the year in the Medieval Museum there will be talks on different aspects of Waterford’s long history.

In March the annual event commemorating the first unveiling of the Irish Tricolour flag in the city in 1848 takes place, as well as the vibrant St Patrick’s Day parade.

But it’s not all about history. March also sees a festival of contemporary music and a writers’ weekend with Viking themed workshops.

In April the city will celebrate its cultural links with France in the Let’s French Again festival, which invites people to sample French music, cuisine, cinema, literature and of course wine.

Opera buffs can look forward to a new Irish opera, The Invader, which will premiere in May at the Theatre Royal.

Local children will be getting involved in all sorts of events during the year including getting the opportunity to build a half-scale Viking boat.

Waterford’s special year is looking ahead as well as looking back. Some 7,000 primary school children have had their photos sealed in a time capsule, which will not be opened for 50 years.

The Waterford 1100 time capsule will remain sealed and on view in the Viking Triangle until 2064.

Waterford is famous not only for its history and heritage but also for its lively festival scene which each year includes the Waterford International Music Festival (1-13 May) and the Spraoi street theatre festival (August Bank Holiday weekend).

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