The city of Waterford (pics) celebrated its 1100th anniversary in 2014, making it Ireland’s oldest city.  As such it has Ireland’s oldest complete building, Reginald’s Tower, built in the 12th century.  With 10 to 12 foot thick walls, over the years it has served as an arsenal, a prison and a mint.

The city sits along the River Suir only about 10 miles from Ireland’s east coast.  And of course, this is home to Waterford Crystal which has been making glass here since 1783.  After more than 230 years, today they turn out around 60,000 pieces of crystal each year.