The Great Port of Waterford

As a trading centre, Waterford Port can be dated back over 1,200 years to the arrival of the Vikings, who decided to make a permanent settlement in the city. In 1170 the Normans, lead by Strongbow, captured Waterford. King Henry II took control of the city the following year and many Vikings were expelled. As a result, trade in Waterford Port increased.

Over the following centuries, imports and exports were shipped from Waterford Port to and from England and the Continent to Spain, France and Italy. Exports consisted mainly of leather, wheat, flour, butter and other agricultural produce from the area around Waterford.

Today, the Port of Waterford is a modern commercial port. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year round, and is Ireland's fastest growing port. In 2005, Waterford City became the first Irish city to host the start of the Tall Ships' Race. Thousands of people arrived into the city to view the eighty-seven impressively tall ships berthed along the quays, including the 113.5 metre Russian Kruzenshtern and three Irish ships, the Dunbrody, Jeanie Johnston and Asgard II.