Even though Waterford Crystal has long time been a magnet for luring visitors to this part of Ireland, the city of Waterford has many other excellent attractions, from Viking architecture to great museums and unique buildings. Here is what you'll find:

House of Waterford Crystal, The Mall, Waterford City. (tel. 051-371000). For many years, the original Waterford Crystal Factory was the star attraction of Co. Waterford and the Southeast, but the economic downtown of 2009 forced a closure of production. However, under new ownership, this new facility, now located in the city centre opposite the Theatre Royal, is producing over 40,000 luxury hand-crafted pieces per year using traditional artisan methods. It also provides a one hour step-by-step guided factory tour for visitors as well as a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. To save time on the day of your visit, admission tickets can be bought online in advance. Web site: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Waterford Treasures, The Granary, Hanover St. at Merchant's Quay, Waterford City (tel. 051-304500), is a great way to get to know Waterford. Conveniently housed in a restored 19th century six-story granary building on the Quay in the heart of the city, it presents a one-stop rendezvous with some of Waterford's greatest people, places, and things, dating from Viking times to the present. Using a sound-guide headphone (available in adults and children's versions), you'll also step back in time to enjoy a simulated eight-minute sea voyage on a Viking ship, observe the 12th century wedding of Strongbow and Aoife, or savor the atmosphere of a Georgian society ball. In addition, all of the city's "treasures" (formerly housed at several smaller locations) are now united under this one roof — from Viking jewelry, to medieval gold, bronze and silver artifacts, as well as the city's original charter roll, civic regalia, and specimens of rare old Waterford glass. Open daily, year-round. Web site: www.waterfordtreasures.com

Reginald's Tower, The Quay, Waterford City, is Waterford's signature building. Built in 1003 by a Viking governor named Reginald, this 70-foot circular fortress gives Waterford its unmistakable Viking ambiance, with 10-foot-thick walls and a huge conical roof. It dominates the east end of The Quay, at the juncture of The Mall, and is considered the oldest urban civic building in Ireland and possibly the oldest tower of mortared stone in Europe. It's open for self-guided tours, but wear good climbing shoes, since the curved stone steps can be difficult and there is no lift. Open daily April-October and Wednesday-Sunday in November-March (closed Christmas week). Web site: www.heritageireland.ie

Edmund Rice Centre, Mount Sion, Barrack St., Waterford City (tel. 051-874390), is a museum focusing on Waterford's spiritual hero — Ignatius Rice (1762-1844), a local man who sold all his possessions to help the poor. Founder of the teaching order of Irish Christian Brothers, he was declared blessed in 1996, putting him on the road to sainthood. This museum, housed at a school started by Rice and still operating, presents an A/V presentation and a tour of Rice memorabilia. The adjacent chapel also contains Rice's tomb. Opening times vary; phone in advance to check. Web site: www.edmundrice.ie

Christ Church Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Waterford City (tel. 051-874119), is one of Waterford's most notable landmarks. Built in 1170-79, it occupies the site of an old Viking cathedral and its medieval successor that lasted until 1770. The present cathedral, which belongs to the Church of Ireland, still has some medieval monuments on view including a small crypt and 15th and 16th century tombs. Open daily; hours vary; check notice outside. Web site: www.christchurchwaterford.com

Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Barronstrand St., Waterford City (tel. 051-874757), dating back to 1793, is an austere Ionic-style building on the outside. The interior, however, is rich and decorative, with a high vaulted roof, Corinthian pillars, carved oak pulpit, and a magnificent set of Waterford Crystal chandeliers donated by Waterford Crystal during a 1979 renovation. Open daily; check hours posted outside. Web site: www.waterford-cathedral.com

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