Saint Nick arrives... via Vikinglongboat

For the first time in more than 1,000 years a foreign invader made his way onto our shores via longboat yesterday — but, unlike the Vikings, this one was welcomed with cheers and waves by the natives.

Santa Claus made the journey up the river Suir yesterday via a 40-foot Viking longboat before officially opening the Winterval Festival in Waterford.

Hundreds of little ones and not-so-little ones lined the city quays throughout mid-afternoon and hailed the bearded one as he arrived, waving merrily, on his wooden craft.