Two more days at sea landed us in Dunmore East (Waterford), Ireland.
The Vikings knew a good thing when they saw it: a sheltered bay, a strategic location on the River Suir, and a good trading position all attracted the Norse raiders here to create Ireland’s first city. And 1,100 years later, it’s still going strong.
you can STILL feel the presence of the Vikings. Reginald’s Tower, the city’s landmark monument sits at the heart of an area known as The Viking Triangle, and has been in continuous use for over 800 years. Step inside its thick stone walls, and you can enjoy an exhibition on Viking Waterford, as well as the magnificent 12th century Kite Brooch.
We opted to go beyond the city and discovered some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the island of Ireland. Then turned inland to take in the Jerpoint Abbey.
Founded in the 12th century, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. The architectural styles within the church, constructed in the late twelfth century, reflect the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The tower and cloister date to the fifteenth century.
Jerpoint is renowned for its detailed stone sculptures found throughout the monastery. Dating from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries these include mensa tombs from the O’Tunney school, an exquisite incised depiction of two 13th century knights, the decorated cloister arcades along with other effigies and memorials.
A small but informative visitor center houses an excellent exhibition.
