Ireland Study Abroad Day 12: A Final Day of Magic in Waterford – Vikings, Crystal, and One Last Irish Celebration

Our final full day in Ireland was everything a farewell day should be—filled with discovery, reflection, and a few surprises. After almost two weeks of unforgettable experiences, Day 13 gave us one last chance to dive into Ireland’s rich past and savor its vibrant present before saying goodbye (for now). We traded the mountains of Killarney for the medieval charm of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, and the day unfolded with hidden gems, deep history, and a fittingly elegant send-off.

From Killarney to Waterford

The morning bus ride was quiet and contemplative, with students looking out the windows, journaling, or chatting softly. There’s something special about a road trip in Ireland—the way the scenery shifts from rugged coasts to rolling green fields, dotted with sheep and stone walls, always accompanied by clouds that seem to dance across the sky.

By late morning, we arrived in Waterford, and were given a few hours of free time to explore before our scheduled walking tour. Sean and I decided to stretch our legs and wander the city—and what a rewarding decision that turned out to be.

Wandering Waterford: Coffee, Books, and Vikings

We started our exploration with a stop at a local café for coffee (Ireland really does do coffee well), and then, purely by chance, stumbled upon the most incredible bookstore—a massive three story labyrinth where you could happily lose track of time for hours. They had a whole section of Irish literature, history, poetry, and travel books filled the warm, quiet space. I could’ve stayed all day, thumbing through pages and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere with amazing instrumental music.

Our wandering then took a historic turn as we came across remnants of Waterford’s Viking past—stone walls, information plaques, and narrow cobbled streets that hinted at the city’s deep roots. Waterford was founded by Vikings in 914 AD, making it Ireland’s oldest city, and it wears that title with pride.

Then came an unexpected and delightful find: King of the Vikings, a virtual reality experience set in a reconstructed Viking house in the heart of the city’s Viking Triangle. With VR headsets, we were transported into the world of the Norse invaders who once ruled this area. The 30-minute experience was immersive and surprisingly intense—an innovative way to connect with a millennium-old story.

Walking Through History

In the afternoon, we reunited with the group for a two-hour walking tour of Waterford led by a passionate and knowledgeable local guide. As we made our way through the city, we learned how Waterford was a vital trading port, a stronghold during the Norman invasion, and a key player in both the medieval and modern eras of Ireland.

We saw Reginald’s Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland, which has stood for over 800 years. We passed elegant Georgian architecture and heard stories of sieges, rebellions, and resilience. The city’s Viking Triangle—an area full of museums, ruins, and narrow lanes—showed how layers of history have been preserved in plain sight.

Waterford Crystal: Art in Motion

The walking tour ended with a visit to one of Waterford’s most famous landmarks: the House of Waterford Crystal. Our guided factory tour gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how their world-renowned crystal is made—from design and mold-making to blowing, cutting, and polishing.

We watched master craftsmen at work, shaping molten glass with practiced precision. Every piece of Waterford Crystal is hand-finished, and seeing the process up close gave us a deep appreciation for the skill and artistry involved. It was mesmerizing to see the sparkle and clarity that has made Waterford Crystal famous for over 200 years.

A Perfect Final Evening: Dinner at The Reg

After some time to relax and freshen up, we gathered for our final group dinner at The Reg, a lively restaurant and bar set in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. The Reg blends modern Irish cuisine with the character of a historic setting—it even incorporates parts of the original city walls into its design.

Over shared appetizers, hearty mains, and dessert, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. Laughter echoed around the table, and there was a bittersweet feeling in the air as we realized our time together was coming to a close. The students had been an amazing group—curious, kind, and enthusiastic—and Sean had been a truly fantastic co-leader, making every part of the journey smoother and more meaningful.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, the students will board the bus one last time, heading back to Dublin for their flights home. I’ll be waving them off before continuing my journey with a solo adventure to Girona, Spain, where I’ll spend four nights exploring the old city, sampling Catalan cuisine, and soaking in a new kind of culture.

But for now, I’m holding onto the joy of this day—the coffee, the books, the Vikings, the crystal, the company—and the deep sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Ireland, you’ve been a gift.

Slán go fóill, but never goodbye.