Wonders of Waterford

Waterford is of course famous for its phenomenal crystal factory - now a refined shadow of its once gargantuan self, but still a great attraction for parents and children alike. One of the master etchers is seen going about his work in the reflected rainbow colours of a celtic cross. A similar design is very popular through the cemeteries of Ireland.
Niamh and Seamus fancy they might yet get their hands on one of the many championship trophies the local crytal works have been commisioned to produce.



The factory tour was well worthwhile, with the colour, heat, hazard and range of skills on show for us.



Less known, but arguably more remarkable is the 'magic road' en route to Mahon Falls. At this point, a peculiarity of global {or at least Bermuda Triangular} proportions finds you at rest in your car beside a 'raggy bush', where people have tied keepsakes or cloth of many hues to earn good fortune with the local fairies. These fairies manifest themselves by driving your vehicle backwards UPHILL while the engine is turned off. This is as true as I have a leprechaun before me. Remarkable.



This is our transiently stationary car beside the raggy bush, before some unknown force propelled us back up the hill.



Our gifted local tour guide, key to the magic of the road, Moira, is pictured above with a hoard of Frawleys and the Mahon Falls behind.
The scenery behind the mob below is the Tasmania-esque view from Mahon Falls, south to the coast. A beautiful place, made more so by the sparkling sun we experienced {and of course by the scruffy sheep dotting the mountainside with their blue painted rumps...}