There's Vikings in Ireland

Waterford is known for glassmaking of Waterford Crystal that started in 1783.  But its history includes a period of Viking occupation.  The first Viking settlement near Waterford was in the year 853.  The settlement lasted until 902 when the Vikings were driven out by the Irish, a step in driving them completely off the island.   Viking occupation ended in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf, located just north of Dublin with Waterford about 135 miles south.

With a sea faring with a reputation for raiding and then establishing trade routes, what attracted the Vikings was Waterford’s seaport.  Many of the Viking’s bases grew into its first towns including Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Wexford.  Although Ireland kept to its roots remaining largely an agriculture economy, the Vikings established trade routes with access to Byzantine Empire and Asia. 

Viking history lives in Waterford with an authentic Viking House on Bailey New Street. Nearby is the Dragon Slayer' Viking sword sculpture which is the world's largest wooden sword sculpture, sculpted by John Hayes and James Doyle in 2017.  The photo, taken at the exhibit, at f/8 aperture, 1/250 shutter and ISO 100.

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