Waterford uses crafty ideas to celebrate its architectural past

WATERFORD will celebrate its architectural Viking and crystal-making history this weekend when up to 3,000 visitors are expected to attend a festival based on craftsmanship.

The Waterford Festival of Architecture will include 25 special events, including a demonstration of the building of a Viking longboat, as well as a public talk about plans for the Viking Triangle in the city.

“Architecture and Craftsmanship” is the theme for the festival to mark the important role played by traditional and contemporary craft in Irish architecture. It also coincides with 2011 as the Year of Craft and the 40th anniversary of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s foundation.