Travelled:64km from Hook Lighthouse to Waterford
Visited:Waterford, Waterford Crystal €14.50pp
Stay:Waterford parking €3.60pday N52.2567 W7.1076
We followed the Hook Ring Road up to New Ross, stopping in Duncannon for breakfast.
We decided not to stop in New Ross and crossed the Barrow River and continued to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. The great Viking Regnall founded the town in 914, however in 1170 the city was captured by the Anglo Normans. Extensive fortified walls were built and the city became southeast Ireland’s main seaport. From the 18th century local industry flourished including glassworks - Waterford Crystal, which is known world wide.
After parking up we headed into town and did the tour of the Waterford factory. Here they melt over 750tons of crystal a year, mainly producing pieces that have been especially commissioned ie sporting trophies or for marking special occasions. The original factory was founded in 1783 but closed due to draconian taxes in 1851. It took nearly 100 years for it to reopen in 1947 and it managed to thrive until 2009, eventually being bought by a luxury goods group -WWRD Group Holdings.
This champagne flute holds 135 litres ... now that a glass!
Wooden moulds are used for ‘one offs’ which are used 3 times - the finished product, a spare and an exhibition piece. Cast iron moulds are used for pieces that are made often.
The glass crystal is melted then blown into shape whilst in the mould. (33% red lead, Silca sand and potash)
Checking the piece before it is put in the furnace.
The piece is then checked for any imperfections.
Patterns are drawn on the glass as guides for the cutters.
It takes 5 years apprenticeship to perfect the art of cutting.
Modern times with machines taking over although we were told only 7% -93% still hand cut.
Catch!
This baby was heavy! Worried about dropping it.
Glueing pieces together
The final engraving process. They also sandblast patterns into pieces.
Here are a few of the finished products.
9/11 memorial piece
After the tour we had lunch and a pint at a recommended pub ‘Geoff’s’ in the Apple Market area, whose name derived from the fruit and vegetable trading that took place here.
We then walked down towards the Suir River. We had a look at the cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, built in 1796 it is Ireland’s oldest Roman Catholic Church and has stunning stain glass windows that are 220 years old.
Waterford crystal chandeliers and special piece below.
Next we ventured into the part of Waterford that is known as the Viking Triangle. We popped into the Christ Church Cathedral built in 1779 but was the site of the marriage Strongbow (Viking) and Aoife (Anglo Norman) which changed the course of Irish history.
Strongbow and Aoife
Naughty again.
Reginald’s Tower is Ireland’s oldest civic building having had many different uses throughout its history. Look closely to find a canon ball still lodged in its wall.
On the way back to Bluey we had a look at the exhibition in the city hall about peoples lives here during 1800 to 2000.
Today’s journey
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would love to hear from you...leave us a message below.