One of the many coves west of Tramore
My wife and I needed a relaxing weekend getaway – the newly expanded London-Southend airport is a mere 10 minutes from home, so we decided on a quick hop to Waterford in Ireland, one of the recently introduced destinations. Unfortunately the taxi to the airport decided we should take the scenic route, taking us in a wide arc away from the airport before heading back; maybe his ticking meter was a factor!
London-Southend airport is very impressive; it is clean, friendly and efficient…and without the bustle and crowds of the major airports. It was just a short flight and we were at Waterford airport collecting our hire car. Our base for the weekend was a delightful B & B, Glenorney, where we were made very much ‘part of the family’ by Marie. Not only was it cosy and clean, but check the image at the end of the blog post to see sunrise from our bedroom window.
Ireland is famed for its scenery, so for the first couple of days we toured from deserted cove to deserted cove, exploring the Copper Coast, where copper mining used to take place. The landscape is rugged and beautiful, with craggy cliffs and wide sweeping bays, well worth a visit.
Tankardstown, a 19th Century copper mine in Bunmahon
Tankardstown - working up a thirst!
Just as I got out of the car to shoot the old Tankardstown copper mine on the brow of the hill, these guys rounded the bend.
A great place to chill out – a warm welcome!
The weather was blustery and skies overcast (this is October after all!), but wherever we drove we were greeted by warm welcoming smiles and great hospitality. When we strolled around the towns and villages, people would stop their cars to let us cross the road…a rather different experience to that encountered in say London!
Crystal clear
Mention Waterford and everyone immediately associates the name with fine lead-crystal. The highlight of our trip was our tour of the Waterford Crystal workshops – it was fascinating to watch the many years of skills in glass blowing, carving and decorating being demonstrated by these master craftsmen.
Waterford lead crystal - superb craftsmanship
The factory is well designed, offering tourists a close view of each aspect of the process and our guide Sean, a former cutter at the factory, was a mine of fascinating information.
Checking the glass in the furnace
Out of the furnace, the glass is prepared for blowing
Blowing the bubble, which will become a bowl
A wooden template, and a lot of skill, ensure the blowing will be symmetrical
Using inked guidelines the cutter works to produce the precise design
No room for the slightest error here
It takes thirty years to develop the skill to create such intricate art
The etching work above takes a week to complete one single piece – this man is both artist and master craftsman – drawing the design by hand first.
Some of the etching tools - I just love 'pattern pictures'!
Finished work - this one is on a vase
Horn gramophone - only eight inches high. Amazing!
Sunrise, as seen from our room in Tramore
So, if you are looking for an inexpensive relaxing weekend break amidst stunning scenery and welcoming people, I would heartily recommend Waterford!