57-553: Spraoi (pron. "spree") is a festival of international street theatre and world music which takes place for three days each August in the Irish city of Waterford . The festival takes its name from the Irish word spraoi , or play . The Waterford Spraoi has taken place each summer since 1992 and is now the largest festival event in Waterford. The main activity is centred on two main stages located in
114-691: A two major sieges . In 1690, during the Williamite War , the Jacobite Irish Army was forced to surrender Waterford in the wake of the Battle of the Boyne . The 18th century was a period of huge prosperity for Waterford. Many of the city's architecturally notable buildings appeared during this time. A permanent military presence was established in the city with the completion of the Cavalry Barracks at
171-686: A basis for the city's long maritime history. The place downriver from Waterford where the Nore and the Barrow join the River Suir is known in Irish as Cumar na dTrí Uisce ("The confluence of the three waters"). Waterford Port has been one of Ireland's major ports for over a millennium. In the 19th century, shipbuilding was a major industry. The owners of the Neptune Shipyard, the Malcomson family , built and operated
228-509: A festival in Europe is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This Ireland -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Waterford Waterford ( Irish : Port Láirge [pˠɔɾˠt̪ˠ ˈl̪ˠaːɾʲ(ə)ɟə] ) is a city in County Waterford in the south-east of Ireland. It is located within the province of Munster . The city is situated at
285-593: A minor, the inheritance passed onto Richard's daughter Isabel . Isabel, on the wishes of Henry II and his son Richard the Lionheart , was given in spouse to William Marshal , who became the Earl of Pembroke for jure uxoris . By an unknown mistress, Richard de Clare fathered two daughters: On about 26 August 1171, in Reginald's Tower ( Waterford ), Richard de Clare married Aoife MacMurrough. Their children were: Richard de Clare
342-849: A museum and gallery. Christian churches in Waterford include the Catholic Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity , the former Franciscan friary of French Church , St Saviour's (Dominican) Church and Priory on Bridge Street, and St Patrick's Catholic Church on Jenkin's Lane, which is one of the earliest surviving post-Reformation churches in Ireland. Church of Ireland places of worship include Christ Church Cathedral and Saint Olave's Church on Peter Street (a Medieval church). Methodist churches include St Patrick’s Methodist Church and Waterford Methodist Church. Other Christian denominations include Waterford Baptist Church, Anchor Baptist Church,
399-665: A population of 59,854. Theatre companies in Waterford include the Red Kettle, Spraoi and Waterford Youth Arts companies. Red Kettle is a professional theatre company, founded by Waterford playwright Jim Nolan , that regularly performs in Garter Lane Theatre. Spraoi is a street theatre company based in Waterford. It produces the Spraoi festival and has participated regularly in the Waterford and Dublin St. Patrick's day parades. In January 2005
456-536: A result, King Henry VII gave the city its motto: Urbs Intacta Manet Waterfordia ("Waterford remains an untouched city"). After the Protestant Reformation, Waterford remained a Catholic city and participated in the confederation of Kilkenny – an independent Catholic government from 1642 to 1649. This was ended abruptly by Oliver Cromwell , who brought the country back under English rule ; his son-in-law Henry Ireton finally took Waterford in 1650 after
513-492: A settlement near Waterford in 853. It and all the other longphorts were vacated c. 902 , the Vikings having been driven out by the native Irish. The Vikings re-established themselves in Ireland at Waterford in 914, led at first by Ottir Iarla (Jarl Ottar) until 917, and after that by Ragnall ua Ímair and the Uí Ímair dynasty, and built what would be Ireland's first city. Among
570-560: Is based in Ardkeen, along with sister station WLR FM. The Waterford News & Star is based on Gladstone Street in Waterford City. It covers Waterford city and county. It is now published in tabloid format. The Munster Express has its office on the Quay in Waterford City and covers stories from across the city and county. It switched to tabloid format in 2011. Local free sheets include
627-608: Is built over Lady's Gate, part of the medieval city walls of the city. Waterford Film For All (WFFA) is a non-profit film society, operating primarily from the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) campus, whose aim is to offer an alternative to the cineplex experience in Waterford. The Waterford Collection of Art, formerly known as the Waterford Municipal Art Collection, is one of the oldest municipal collections of art in Ireland. Originally founded as
SECTION 10
#1732844641078684-603: Is known for Waterford Crystal , a legacy of the city's former glass-making industry. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009 when the factory there was shut down after the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood plc. A new Waterford Crystal visitor centre in the Viking Quarter, under new owners, opened in June 2010, after the intervention of Waterford City Council and Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and resumed production. Waterford's oldest public house (pub)
741-448: Is located outside the old 'Viking Triangle'. T & H Doolan's, of 31/32 George's Street, has acted as a licensed premises since the 18th century but the premises is believed to be closer to five hundred years in age. The pub's structure includes one of the original city walls, almost 1,000 years old, which can be viewed in the lounge area of the building. Waterford is the main city of Ireland's South-East Region . Historically Waterford
798-435: Is triangular in shape, with its apex at Reginald's Tower. Though once the site of a thriving Viking settlement, the city centre subsequently shifted to the west, and it is now a quieter area with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and civic spaces. In the 15th century, the city was enlarged with the building of an outer wall on the west side. Today Waterford retains more of its city walls than any other city in Ireland with
855-817: The Citibank resided here. Waterford Co-op and Avonmore Co-op have merged to form Glanbia plc. The M9 motorway , which was completed on 9 September 2010, connects the city to Dublin . The N24 road connects the city to Limerick city. The N25 road connects the city to Cork city . The route traverses the River Suir via the River Suir Bridge . This cable-stayed bridge is the longest single bridge span in Ireland at 230m. The route continues eastwards to Rosslare Harbour . Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke Richard de Clare (1130 – 20 April 1176), 2nd Earl of Pembroke , also Lord of Leinster and Justiciar of Ireland (sometimes known as Richard FitzGilbert ),
912-622: The Irish Parliamentary Party . Redmond, then leader of the pro-Parnell faction of the party, defeated David Sheehy in 1891. In July 1922, Waterford was the scene of fighting between Irish Free State and Irish Republican troops during the Irish Civil War . See Annals of Inisfallen (AI) Following the Local Government Reform Act 2014 , Waterford City and County Council is the local government authority for
969-480: The Waterford Mail (which comes out on Thursdays and has an office on O'Connell Street) and Waterford Today (an advertising-supported free newspaper which is published on Wednesdays and has an office on Mayors Walk). The city of Waterford consists of several cultural quarters, the oldest of which is known as Viking Triangle . This is the part of the city surrounded by the original tenth-century fortifications and
1026-520: The Ardkeen shopping centre on the Dunmore Road; Carrickphierish Library in Gracedieu, and Brown's Road Library, on Paddy Brown's Road. Waterford Council operates eight further library branches through the county. Central Library, or Waterford City Library , opened in 1905. It was the first of many Irish libraries funded by businessman Andrew Carnegie and renovated in 2004 for its centenary. The library
1083-565: The Cathedral collapsed in 1562. The effigy was replaced by "Strongbow’s distant successor, Lord Deputy Sir Henry Sidney ", in 1570. "The larger figure dates from c. 1330, while the smaller [...] is probably late thirteenth- or early fourteenth-century. [...] What is clear is that the present tomb replaced the original. The tomb’s shield is not that of the de Clare family and today remains unidentified". Marc Marie, Marquis de Bombelles "described Strongbow’s tomb astutely as ‘the least authentic and
1140-504: The Domesday Exchequer annals , written between 1300 and 1304 (that means, over 120 years after Richard's death), he was referred to as " Ricardus cognomento Stranghose Comes Strugulliae" , which translates to "Richard, known as Stranghose, earl of Striguil" (modern Chepstow ). In reality, Stranghose is probably a different spelling of Striguil. In the 14th century, the nickname was finally rendered as "Strongbow". Richard de Clare
1197-681: The John Roberts Square and William Vincent Wallace Plaza where various acts have been hosted including the Royal Drummers of Burundi and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain , as well as more contemporary bands and musicians. The Spraoi is a professional event that is also supported by more than 300 volunteers. The festival attracts audiences of over 80,000 to see events in music, art installations, storytelling, circus skills workshops, science and others. This article related to
SECTION 20
#17328446410781254-511: The Metropolitan District of Waterford City – and returns a total of 18 councillors to Waterford City and County Council. The office of the Mayor of Waterford was established in 1377. A mayor is elected by the councillors from the three electoral areas of the Metropolitan District of Waterford every year, and there is no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve. Mary O'Halloran, who
1311-501: The Waterford Art Museum in 1939, the collection now comprises over 500 works of art including works by: Paul Henry , Jack B. Yeats , Mainie Jellett , Louis Le Brocquy , Letitia Hamilton , Dermod O’Brien , Evie Hone , Mary Swanzy , Charles Lamb , Hilda Roberts , Seán Keating , and George Russell (aka. AE). Greyfriars Church, a disused Methodist church, was purchased by Waterford Corporation in 1988 and refurbished into
1368-701: The Waterford Quaker Meeting House (Newtown Road), and the Russian Orthodox Parish of St Patrick. RTÉs southeastern studio is in the city. Waterford Local Radio (WLR FM) is available on 94.8FM on the Coast, 95.1FM in the County and on 97.5FM in Waterford City. WLR FM is Waterford's local radio station. Beat 102 103 is a regional youth radio station broadcasting across the South East of Ireland, it
1425-424: The Waterford area are often referred to as the 'Sunny Southeast'. The warmest months of the year are June, July and August with average daytime temperatures of around 17 – 22 degrees. Rainfall is evenly distributed year-round; however, the period from late October to late January is considerably wetter and duller than the rest of the year. With a 2022 population of 60,079, Waterford is the fifth most populous city in
1482-484: The Wide Streets Commission to extend the city southwards. It contains some of the city's finest Georgian architecture. The People's Park , Waterford's largest park, is located nearby. Once a historic market area, the city's Apple Market district is known for its nightlife culture and includes a number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Investment in the mid-2010s saw a portion of the area pedestrianised and
1539-483: The area reflect the fact that the area was where inhabitants of the medieval city practised archery. Ballybricken is an inner-city neighbourhood centred around Ballybricken hill, which was a large, open market-square. Today it has been converted into a green, civic space, but the Bull Post, where livestock was once bought and sold, still stands as a remnant of the hill's past. The Mall is a Georgian thoroughfare, built by
1596-602: The capital of Ireland. Reginald's Tower , built after the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland on the site of an earlier fortification and retaining its Viking name, was one of the first in Ireland to use mortar in its construction. Throughout the medieval period, Waterford was Ireland's second city after Dublin. In the 15th century, Waterford repelled sieges by two pretenders to the English throne: Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck . As
1653-423: The city and county. The authority came into operation on 1 June 2014. Prior to this the city had its own local council, Waterford City Council . The new council is the result of a merger of Waterford City Council and Waterford County Council . The council has 32 representatives (councillors) who are elected from six local electoral areas . The city itself forms three of the electoral areas – which when combined form
1710-439: The city, was home to a very successful co-operative . The farmers of the area benefited from the sale of their produce (mostly butter and milk ) to the co-op. In 1964, all of the co-ops in Waterford amalgamated to become Waterford Co-op. This led to the construction of a cheese factory on a greenfield site opposite the general store, and Kilmeadan cheese was to become one of the most recognised and successful Cheddar brands in
1767-574: The company staged "Awakening", a production which marked the opening of the Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture program. Waterford Youth Arts (WYA), formerly known as Waterford Youth Drama, was established in August 1985. The Theatre Royal Waterford dates back to 1785. There are four public libraries in the city, all operated by Waterford City and County Council : Central Library, in Lady Lane; Ardkeen Library, in
Spraoi - Misplaced Pages Continue
1824-677: The end of the 18th century. In the early 19th century, Waterford City was deemed vulnerable and the British government erected three Martello towers on the Hook Peninsula to reinforce the existing Fort at Duncannon . During the 19th century, industries such as glass making and ship building thrived in the city. The city was represented in the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1891 to 1918 by John Redmond MP , leader (from January 1900) of
1881-479: The exception of Derry , whose walls were built much later. Tours of Waterford's city walls are conducted daily. The Quay, once termed by historian Mark Girouard as 'the noblest quay in Europe', is a mile long from Grattan Quay to Adelphi Quay, though Adelphi Quay is now a residential area. Near Reginald's Tower is the William Vincent Wallace Plaza, a monument and amenity built around the time of
1938-508: The force; however, a royal messenger arrived to forbid him to go. Richard sailed anyway and ignored the king's wishes. Dermot died in May 1171, and his son Donal MacMurrough claimed the kingdom of Leinster in accordance to the Brehon laws . Richard, in turn, claimed the kingship in the right of his wife. At the same time he sent his uncle, Hervey de Montmorency , on an embassy to Henry II to appease
1995-484: The head of Waterford Harbour . It is the oldest and the fifth most populous city in the Republic of Ireland. It is the ninth most populous settlement on the island of Ireland. As of the 2022 census , 60,079 people lived in the city and its suburbs. Historically the site of a Viking settlement, Waterford's medieval defensive walls and fortifications include the 13th or 14th century Reginald's Tower . The medieval city
2052-422: The installation of a large outdoor roofing section. Ferrybank, in County Waterford , is Waterford's only suburb north of the river. It contains a village centre of its own. In April 2003, a site combining a fifth-century Iron Age and ninth-century Viking settlement was discovered at Woodstown near the city, which appears to have been a Viking town that predates all such settlements in Ireland. Waterford
2109-559: The king in Aquitaine , in the autumn, but Henry only sent him a letter and did not offer his military support. On his return to Wales , Dermot tried to rally some forces, but failed. This is when he met Richard De Clare and the other lords of the Welsh Marches . Dermot came to an agreement with Richard: if the latter helped the deposed king in the retaking of Leinster, he could have Aoife , Dermot's eldest daughter, in marriage, along with
2166-575: The king who was growing worried with Richard's increasing power. Henry offered to return Richard's lands in France , England and Wales (which he had confiscated) in exchange for the conquered possessions in Ireland. Richard accepted and surrendered Dublin, Waterford and other fortresses to the English king, only keeping Kildare . Henry crossed over to Ireland in October 1172 and stayed there for six months, stationing his own men where needed. His rule in Ireland
2223-454: The largest fleet of iron steamers in the world between the mid-1850s and the late 1860s, including five trans-Atlantic passenger liners. The climate of Waterford is, like the rest of Ireland, classified as a maritime temperate climate ( Cfb ) according to the Köppen climate classification system. It is mild and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. The counties in
2280-470: The millennium that commemorates the Waterford-born composer. John Roberts Square is a pedestrianised area that is one of the focal points of Waterford's modern-day commercial centre. It was named after the Waterford architect, John Roberts , and was formed from the junction of Barronstrand Street, Broad Street and George's Street. It is often referred to locally as Red Square, due to the red paving that
2337-601: The most prominent rulers of Waterford was Ivar of Waterford . In 1167, Diarmait Mac Murchada , the deposed King of Leinster , failed in an attempt to take Waterford. He returned in 1170 with Cambro-Norman mercenaries under Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (known as Strongbow); together they besieged and took the city after a desperate defence. In furtherance of the Norman invasion of Ireland , King Henry II of England landed at Waterford in 1171. Waterford and then Dublin were declared royal cities, with Dublin also declared
Spraoi - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-811: The most remarkable’." Richard de Clare was buried in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, within sight of the cross according to an eyewitness, Giraldus Cambrensis . There is little evidence to support the tradition that he was buried either in St Edan's Cathedral, Ferns , Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford or Dominican priory, Kilkenny . References to "de Clare" being buried in Gloucester Cathedral refer to his father, while those to "Strongbow" in Tintern abbey refer probably to Walter or Anselm Marshall, both of whom died in 1245. The English cider brand Strongbow
2451-404: The state and the 32nd most populous area of local government. The population of Waterford grew from 1,555 in 1653 to around 28,000 in the early 19th century, declining to just over 20,000 at the end of the 19th, then rising steadily to over 40,000 during the 20th century. By the time of the 2016 census , Waterford city and suburbs had a population of 53,504 and the broader metropolitan area
2508-651: The succession to the crown if it was regained. Since Henry II's letter to Dermot was general in nature, Richard wanted to obtain the king's specific consent to travel to Ireland. In 1168 he raised the issue at court and he was granted permission. Dermot and Richard raised a large army, commanded by Raymond FitzGerald , which included Welsh archers. The army sailed in Ireland and took the Ostman towns of Wexford , Waterford and Dublin between 1169 and 1170. On 23 August 1170, Richard embarked on his ships at Milford Haven to join
2565-731: The title for siding against his mother, Empress Matilda , during the Anarchy . In fact, Richard’s contemporaries referred to him as "Count Striguil", for his marcher lordship of Striguil where he had a fortress. In 1167 the King of Leinster , Dermot MacMurrough , was deprived of his title by Rory O'Connor , the High King of Ireland , for having abducted Dervorgilla , the wife of Tiernan O'Rourke , King of Breifne , 15 years prior. In order to recover his kingdom, Dermot embarked from Bristol on 1 August 1166 to ask for help to Henry II of England . He met
2622-511: The world, winning gold and bronze medals in the World Cheese Awards in London in 2005. The Irish economic recession from 2008 onwards has had a major negative impact on Waterford's economy. A number of multinational companies have closed, including Waterford Crystal (which subsequently reopened) and Talk Talk, which has led to a high level of unemployment. Until 2013 the hedge fund office of
2679-573: Was accepted by both the Gaelic and the Norman lords, and the relationship between him and Richard was restored. Richard, in fact, also agreed to help Henry with the revolt in France in 1173 and as a reward he was given his possession of Leinster back. In 1174 he tried to advance into Munster but was defeated in the battle of Thurles . Richard de Clare died in June 1176 of an infection in either his leg or foot. He
2736-571: Was an Anglo-Norman nobleman notable for his leading role in the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland . Like his father , Richard is commonly known by his nickname, Strongbow ( Anglo-Norman : Arc-Fort ). After his son and heir, Gilbert, died childless before 1189, the earldom passed through Richard's daughter Isabel de Clare and to her husband, William Marshal . During the Middle Ages , official documents, with few exceptions, were written in Latin; in
2793-414: Was an important trading port which brought much prosperity to the city throughout the city's eventful history. Throughout its history, Waterford Crystal provided employment to thousands in the city and surrounding areas. Waterford Port is Ireland's closest deep-water port to mainland Europe, handling approximately 12% of Ireland's external trade by value. Waterford's most famous export, Waterford Crystal ,
2850-494: Was attacked several times, and earned the motto Urbs Intacta Manet ('The Untaken City'), after repelling one such 15th century siege. Waterford is known for its former glassmaking industry, including at the Waterford Crystal factory, with decorative glass being manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009 when the factory closed following the receivership of Waterford Wedgwood plc . The Waterford Crystal visitor centre
2907-571: Was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Dublin , together with his uncle-in-law, Laurence O'Toole , Archbishop of Dublin . King Henry II took Richard's possessions for himself and placed a royal official in charge of them, protecting the inheritance of Richard's children. Richard's wife Aoife was given her dower rights and possibly held Striguil until the Welsh rebellion of 1184/85. Richard was first succeeded by his son Gilbert. When Gilbert died, still
SECTION 50
#17328446410782964-455: Was first interred in Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral , where a purported tomb effigy is located. Next to it lies a "smaller half-sized monument" which Richard Stanyhurst claimed was "that of Strongbow’s son, whom his father had cleft in twain for cowardice in battle", although "no contemporary authors" mention any such tale. Richard de Clare's actual tomb effigy was destroyed when the roof of
3021-642: Was manufactured in the city from 1783 to 1851, 1947 to 2009 and again from 2010 to the present day. Places, where Waterford Crystal can be seen, include New York City, where Waterford Crystal made the 2,668 crystals for the New Year's Eve Ball that is dropped each year in Times Square ; Westminster Abbey ; Windsor Castle ; and the Kennedy Center ( Washington, DC ). Agriculture played an important part in Waterford's economic history. Kilmeadan , about 5 km from
3078-485: Was mayor from 2007 to 2008, was the first woman to hold the post. For the elections to Dáil Éireann , the city is part of the 4-seat constituency of Waterford , which includes the city and county of Waterford. For elections to the European Parliament , the county is part of the South constituency. The city is situated at the head of Waterford Harbour ( Loch Dá Chaoch or Cuan Phort Láirge ). The River Suir , which flows through Waterford City, has provided
3135-440: Was opened, in the city's Viking Quarter, in 2010 and resumed production under new ownership. As of the 21st century, Waterford is the county town of County Waterford and the local government authority is Waterford City and County Council . The name 'Waterford' comes from Old Norse Veðrafjǫrðr ' ram (wether) fjord '. The Irish name is Port Láirge , meaning "Lárag's port". Viking raiders first established
3192-453: Was the son of Gilbert de Clare , 1st Earl of Pembroke and his wife, Isabel de Beaumont, daughter of Robert de Beaumont , Earl of Leicester and mistress of King Henry I . Richard also had a sister, Basilea de Clare . Gilbert died in about 1148, and Richard inherited his father’s possessions when he was roughly 18 years old. It is possible that the title of Earl of Pembroke was never recognized, and in 1154 Henry II deprived Richard of
3249-453: Was used when the area was first pedestrianised. A short distance to the east of John Roberts Square is Arundel Square, which the City Square shopping centre opens onto. Ballybricken, in the west, just outside the city walls, is thought to have been Waterford's Irishtown, a type of settlement that often formed outside Irish cities to house the Vikings and Irish that had been expelled during the Norman invasion of Ireland . Modern street names in
#77922