Viking Waterford Cruise
Description
Waterford was founded by Vikings. They chose this river for a reason, and once you're on the water you'll see exactly why. Sail past Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland, past Malcolmson's shipyard, down Canada Street where emigrants once boarded for Newfoundland, and out to Waterford Castle before turning back through the estuary. Your guide brings it all to life, the Norse settlers who built the city, the Normans who took it, Cromwell's siege, the quieter stories from two World Wars that most visitors never hear. Highlights - Reginald's Tower, Ireland's oldest civic building - Malcolmson's Neptune Shipyard - Canada Street, where emigrants boarded for Newfoundland - Waterford Castle and Little Island - Viking, Norman, Cromwellian and World War history - Wildlife and biodiversity of the River Suir Estuary
Tour Options
Itinerary
Built by the Vikings over a thousand years ago Reginald's Tower is Irelands oldest civic building. Standing at the apex of Waterford's Viking Triangle the tower features in many historical episodes from Strongbow to Cromwell, Perkin Warbeck, King James II and many more.
A monastic settlement existed on Little Island from the 6th to the 8th Century A.D. A carving of a monk’s head from this period adorns the castle entrance to this day. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century and two fortifications were constructed on Island Vryk ‘Dane’s Island’. The Normans came next invading in 1170 and Maurice Fitzgerald, Stongbow’s cousin, was held prisoner on Little Island by the Ossermen during the conquest. He was duly rewarded with much land in the aftermath and thusly the island would become home to the Earls of Kildare for eight centuries.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(65)
A beautiful scenic boat ride. A little light on the Viking history side, however, rich with Irish culture and history. John the narrator was fun and friendly. He walked us over to O’Sullivans and introduced us to the owner. Live entertainment was really pleasant. ML
Lovely,peaceful journey on the river. The captain Andy was very welcoming and the stories from John(I think) wete very entertaing and interesting
Thanks Margaret, the good weather was nice too.
Mary was a grest host and very informative the boat ride was smoth and comfortable it was a relaxing experience and we got to take loads of pictures we can recommend this activity thank you
Thanks Patrick, great to have you onboard
Brilliant! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wasn’t expecting that at all. Cozy on boat with plenty of food drinks available if wanted. Definitely recommending. Captain very friendly with knowledge of Waterford history 🇮🇪
Thanks Gabriel, hope to see to you again someday
Absolutely excellent so enjoyable. Highly recommend, guide John was a fountain of knowledge. Lovely touch of tea, coffee and surprise Irish Whisky!
Thanks Anne, great to have you onboard.
Very interesting tour along Waterford Quay. Short one hour fifteen minute tour for small groups. Our tour only had our party if four so it felt like a private tour. Johnnie was our guide and he provided us with a wealth of information regarding the people, places, wildlife etc relative to the area. The tea, coffee and refreshments provided by Captain Andy were a very welcome surprise. Around great experience.
Thanks John, great to have you onboard.
We enjoyed a pleasant, relaxed tour of the harbour noting buildings of historical interest. Captain Andy and Dave with guide Mary were genial hosts. We enjoyed our refreshments too - thank you! On a future visit, with more time available, we would like to have a longer tour. Thank you very much.
Thanks Mary, great to have you onboard and yes a longer tour can be arranged!!
We had St. Patricks greet us on board today! 😁 Great stories, history and views. Very friendly captain and guide! A lovely Irish coffee on the way back too! A chill way to spend the afternoon, highly recommend it!
Great to have you onboard, have a happy St. Patrick's Day.
Really lovely boat trip over Christmas break the family - we arrived on the boat and were so happy to find it was just ourselves . The captain had some lovely food laid out including treats for the girls and lovely Christmas cake - we had tea : juice’s and a little cheeky Irish whiskey which was so lovely on a bright but cold Irish day - also loved that there were blankets and life jackets for the 12year olds so felt super safe We were also blessed to see a pod of dolphins playing away which really made the girls holiday - we will definitely book again
Great to have you onboard Gill
fabulous way to learn about the history of Waterford. entertaining and friendly. totally worth every penny! Loved the blankets, hats, cuppa and snacks! Lovely touches to detail.
Great to have you onboard Lindsey
